The bees made it through our latest cold spell. We had 5º weather a few days ago, and were below freezing for several days. Since it warmed up to 68º they were out foraging for food.

Bees form a cluster and surround the queen, keeping her warm and the hive at around 90º inside by shivering their wing muscles. This takes a lot of energy and they use the stored honey to keep going in the winter.

We will also put out some commercial pollen  for them to eat while it is warm for a couple days. Purchased pollen comes in long patties and looks a lot like taffy candy.