May 10: Too Rainy

5/10
Finally got some sun today. Tempted to open Italians but decided they really need to get some pollen. Russians collecting an unbelievable amount of pollen (nearly every field bee flew in with full pollen buckets with pale yellow pollen). Italians not so much. I saw some smaller bees which makes me wonder if they are younger bees and a queen is laying eggs?

Removed Italian entrance reducer (see pic where red arrow is pointing) for awhile, because it seemed to be crowded at the entrance with field bees landing and launching. Saw couple drones fly in. They have a much louder buzz. Drones die when they mate, so these dudes must not have found any action.

I've decided to go organic this year. Will treat syrup with essential oils but no pesticides or antibiotics. Varroa mites will be a problem. I will need to watch carefully.

5/9
Last 3 days rainy and cooler. Doubt if the bees were out of the hives much. Hate to open them up this weekend and disrupt one of their few days for pollen gathering.