It might not be pretty…
…but it’s pretty effective. This is my Warré hive winter protection from high winds driving copious amounts of rain against my hive. Since October, we have gotten 66.5 inches of rainfall (1689 mm).
A look through the observation window in December shows lots of natural honey comb.
I think this bright yellow pollen is from the Hooker Willow which thrives in soggy wet soil along The Oregon Coast.
I’ve been somewhat afraid to write about my bees. They seem to be doing fine with my efforts to protect them, but I didn’t want to jinx them. This is the end of February. The Hooker Willow has started flowering and bees are returning with bright yellow pollen, so I think they will make it. Also the gorse (Ulex europeaus) is blooming as it always does in February. The video shows bees on both.
Adventures in Natural Beekeeping 
I know exactly what you mean about “jinxing” the hive! I had one hive last year that died in December. We went ahead and built another hive (top bar) and populated the two hives last spring. Well, as of today, they are both still humming along (pun intended). We have manzanita blooming right now, but the cold temps and rain have kept the bees inside these last few days. We should have sun next week and I am hoping to see more of the bees out and about!
I’m glad to hear your bees are doing well. California has gotten soooo much rain, I’m sure the bees have had to hole up many days at a time. Are you planning ahead in case you get a swarm?
Good to see you posting again Pat and great to see the bees! I think it will be a while before we see any here, the snow has only just melted.
That is a lot of rain you have had, that must be well above average?
Our average rainfall is about 67 inches, but that’s year to year. The total for February 2017 is over 19 inches (for only 28 days). I’m sure that’s above average.
On a side note: I’ve got to order more of that great soap you’re making. Are you still making it?
It seemed like a lot. Soaps a plenty, just let me know :). I hope Kathy received the last lot we sent?
Too tired now…been digging out a stump. Will order tomorrow. Yes, Kathy got her soaps. She liked them. Thanks.
No grinder this year? Get to bed sleepy head 🙂
Glad to see your bees doing so well. Here in the SW UK the willow is only just coming in to flower but gorse has been flowering on the coast for some time. Bumblebees just emerging but today the weather is cold and wet.
In our experience, if the bees make it to the time the willow blooms, there’s a good chance they’re going to pull through the winter. I might have to clean up a spare hive in case they decide to swarm.
I sometimes wonder if there is EVER a month when gorse is not blooming. 🙂
Your bees are looking good and it is good to know they have plenty of pollen sources nearby. Like you our gorse flowers whenever it gets some sunshine and feels like flowering. I am sure it is a very important pollen source because of that. Our four hives are all well and bringing in our willow pollen, too. Amelia
Thanks for sharing. Love the short video. Never get tired of seeing the bees with pollen.
Yes, that’s for sure. It’s great to have the bees come through the winter.
Footnote: I just discovered a new way to video bees. I’m always looking for ways to shoot close-up video. Just this late afternoon I discovered you can get close with the iPhone (about 4 inches close), focus by touching the screen, after the bee is in focus, you can zoom in closer. Can’t do that with my fancy DSLR camera. 😀
Excellent idea!