Otter Jotter #3 | Solar Vernal Equinox - Spring 2024

March 19th @ 11:06 PM is the official beginning of the spring 2024 in the northern hemisphere, but the bees are already stirring here in central Indiana. Sugar boards added to the top of the hives in early winter are starting to look like swiss cheese. This past weekend I had to make a sugar run with the Queen Bee. We picked up 300 pounds of sugar for a spring boost and to guarantee the hives do not run dry in their winter stores. 275 pounds were immediately mixed into a light syrup.

With the help of Tyler each of our 23 hives received a 1 pound pollen patty and 2 gallons of simple syrup to encourage them to build up and get through the cold snaps that spring in Indiana always has in store. With the highs in the 50s and 60s this week the girls will be foraging the early pollen. Maples buds are swelling, pussy willows are in blooming and the daffodils are threatening to bloom.

Of course, the sure clue that spring is around the corner is our dog, Jimmie, having a good roll in the grass.