Hi all... Well, I did a split on 12/12/12....(just a coincidence with the date, not planned). The bees were really crammed in to a couple strong hives, and I truly believe there is no way they would have waited until spring to swarm. I put two FULL (and I do mean FULL) frames of brood (capped), a frame of capped brood, larvae, and eggs, and capped honey and some pollen on a fourth frame. The frames included some drone brood, but I did not see evidence of a queen cell, unless I missed a swarm cell or two on the bottom of the frames?? (And yes, I am positive I left the queens in their original colonies). There was very little (virtually none) activity from this hive until a few days ago, when I believe I had bunches of young bees orienting. There has been increasing activity the last few days from the split. Today, going out to my hives for my 'relaxation therapy', and a bit of beer, I saw bees going into the new split WITH pollen. It wasn't just one bee... It was many. So...short of breaking into the hive, do you think I have a Queen?? Already?? Is this possible? I don't want to start my happy dance yet, but from my very limited experience, especially when you know it's a queen-less hive from the start, would pollen be brought in already if there was no Queen present?? :? You're allowed to burst my bubble...lol...I can handle it. But I do admit I was exceptionally excited to see pollen being brought in for the first time today. Your input and insight is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all.