Today is the first "Hive Spring-Cleaning" day

We were planting Snowdrops and pruning the blackberry brambles when the first workers ventured out. Temp. is about 12C but it's windy. Couldn't stop watching them!  We went into winter with 6 active colonies.   Today 5 were busy bringing out dead bees and bits of cappings. Bees need water in winter to help them to utilize their honey stores. I saw many bees leaving the hives in that characteristic spiralling up and away - who knows where.
    The tree-surgeon said he was getting buzzed when he was cutting that firtree down. He thought his chain-saw was disturbing them. I wondered if they were collecting the resin? It certainly smelled strong to me and their sense of smell is at least a million x more sensitive!!
Before the tree was cut down the owl box had to be moved to a N-facing position in the ash tree - best done before the owls start pairing up.
So here it is and, yes, there is a resident tawny. It's actually a barn owl box but the tawny seems to like it.
 QB is happy today but keeping an eye on the stores in the hives. Winter aconites are flowering but not enough for hungry bees. Heft the hives! QBz

The Owl Box