Sunny Days: Bees Kick Off the New Season - Early spring warmth awakens bees across Saxony's countryside
Spring has arrived early in Saxony, bringing warmer days that have stirred bees from their hives. With temperatures climbing, beekeepers are taking advantage of the mild weather to check on their colonies and prepare for the busy season ahead.
Bees do not hibernate, and once temperatures hit 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, they begin venturing out. This year, the unseasonably warm spell has triggered their first flights as early as late winter. Across the region, they are already gathering pollen from winter aconite, snowdrops, hazelnut, and crocus flowers to feed their developing brood.
Beekeepers like Peter Gruner in Mülsen, Zwickau district, are inspecting their hives to assess colony health. Gruner manages around 80 colonies, and many others are doing the same as the season kicks off. The bees are now laying the groundwork for new broods, ensuring enough workers will be ready for pollination by Easter.
Maintaining a warm nest at 35 degrees Celsius is crucial for the brood's survival. The bees need plenty of food to keep this temperature steady. Soon, the blooming of pussy willows will offer them their first major nectar source of the year.
The early warmth has given bees a head start, allowing them to gather food and strengthen their colonies. Beekeepers will continue monitoring their hives as the season progresses, ensuring the bees remain healthy and ready for pollination duties in the coming weeks.
