I often think of my bees during the winter.

But since I can’t open the hive to check them on cold and wet winter days there isn’t much I can do. However, yesterday was an unusual day.

I was writing in my office when my wife called to me. I followed her outside and as we walked toward the apiary I had a good idea of what I would find. The sky had cleared, the sun shined, and the air felt almost warm on my face.

When the temperature exceeds about fifty degrees Fahrenheit bees start to fly. This time of year there isn’t any pollen for them to collect, but they’ve been clustered tight in the hive for a number of days and need a cleansing flight. Bees don’t poop in the hive.

Even before I could see them, I heard their buzz. Several hundred bees flew in the air, rested on the warm roof of the hive, or clung to one of the sides. I didn’t open the hive. The number of bees flying around me told me the colony had done well. I sighed with relief and continued to watch them for several minutes.

In the world of beekeeping there are no guarantees, but my bees had made it this far through the winter and were out enjoying the sun. For today, that would be good enough.

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