First hazelnut foraging in 2020

Early start for the bees

Bees gathering hazelnut pollen.

Hazelnut pollen

The first warm day this year has brought out the bees to gather pollen from the hazelnut catkins. One bee has white pollen which is probably from heather. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Flying days in February

Four warm sunny days in early February have allowed the bees to visit the hazelnut catkins. Some years they never get a chance because of cold weather.

Hazelnut pollen

 Now, check out this video to see the bees gathering Hazelnut pollen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR2Y5ABJIZw

Hazelnut Gold

This is the first day for the hazelnut pollen to be available and the bees are taking advantage of the opportunuty.

2011 Hazelnut pollen

hazelnut catkins

A week ago the bees started to bring in a pink-grey pollen from an unknown source. Today, at marginal temperatures for flying, they discovered the yellow pollen on the hazelnut catkins and the hazelnuts were abuzz with bees.

Bees find Hazelnut pollen

We have two varieties of Hazelnut. One variety produces pollen about a week after the early variety. Today it was mild enough for the bees to forage on the later variety.

Hazelnut pollen

Spring in January

Well, it feels a little like spring with the Hazelnut catkins covered with pollen and the Witch Hazel blossoms in bloom. However, it is a degree or two too cold for the bees to take advantage of this early food source. 

Hazelnut catkins

Witch Hazel

Hazelnut pollen

The temperature in the shade has reached 10C in the afternoon after freezing at night. The bees are able to venture out in search of nectar and pollen. In perfect timing the hazelnut catkins are covered in pollen. The pussywillows are out and will soon be ready for foraging bees when the hazelnut pollen is done. Incoming pollen will stimulate the bees to raise more brood.

hazelnut pollen