Is is just about 50 degrees here and I checked on the hives in my yard. Both nucs have starved: lots of bees in a nice cluster but no honey. Candy on top was being eaten in the early winter, but lately it was too cold for the bees to reach that. Lisa hive died with a medium full of honey on top. I moved that honey to a split that was still humming along. George hive also still going: bees were eating candy today. I did not open the topbar hives, but I feel some warmth on the bars. Keeping fingers crossed, but also ordered a nuc from Bill. I have not been to the farm since the lane was torn up.

I should probably concentrate on fewer hives for feeding in the fall. I really only syrup fed the hives on the farm. It is clear that the candy is not sufficient if it is too cold. Bees need honey!