Bee Lost
photos: Near Guelph Ontario on February 8th, 2009; a sunny +1°C noon.
Spring dwindling is common, especially during periods of severe winter and extended spring. Older bees at the entrance of the hive are warmed by the sun, fly out, and are overcome by age, wind, and/or cold.
Spring dwindling is not to be confused with “Colony Collapse Disorder” or population dwindling caused by varroa mites.
photo: Over-wintering hives with dead bees in front.
photo: Dead bees in snow.