Beekeeper’s Notes: The Weatherman Says Spring Is Here

Published on: 1 Mar, 2021
Updated on: 28 Feb, 2021

Hugh Coakley keeps bees in Worplesdon

Beekeepers are talking about the first inspection of the hives after the winter. It won’t be for a couple of weeks yet. It’s still too cold. But not long to go now.

I heard on the telly that today, March 1, is the official first day of spring for meteorologists. That not the case if you are thinking of the astronomical version. That goes by the equinoxes and solstices. The equinox, when the day and the night are of equal length, will be on March 20.

Honey bee in a crocus (by Daniel Schwen in Glottertal, Germany).

I think I’ll go for the weatherman’s version. It’s exciting to feel that it is all coming back to life again and the depressing lockdown winter is nearly over.

I’ve seen my first bumblebee queen out feasting on the crocuses in Stoke Park. Honey bees are fans of the crocus as well with their nectar and yellow pollen, very welcome when there isn’t much else about.