orientation flights on Christmas day?

[phill]

We've had unseasonably warm weather here in New England. On Dec 25th and especially 26th, there was enormous activity outside my hives. I would have worried about robbing or even swarming, except that the bees seemed fairly calm-- just very energetic.

They've been closed up for the winter, with virtually no flights, for a month now. Were these all cleansing flights, or are there some bees just now doing orientation flights? Just curious.

[BeeMaster2]

Phill,
For your area, probably mostly cleansing flight but your scouts are probably out looking for anything they can find. I doubt they will find much.
Here in north FL, my bees are out bringing in an almost white pollen and probably some nectar and water.
Jim

[jayj200]

Al says to feed this time of year down here. seams like ours are growing here. almost went shirtless today

driveing around I see many plants flowering everywhere

[BeeMaster2]

Jay,
My Observation hive now has a softball sized capped brood area with wet brood around it. On December 20, there was no brood showing in the hive.
Jim

[phill]

Jim,
The scouts were definitely out-- finding nothing, I'm sure-- but most of the action was right around the hive. This was something I've never seen before, and don't expect to see again, around here in late December.
Phil

[BeeMaster2]

Jim,
The scouts were definitely out-- finding nothing, I'm sure-- but most of the action was right around the hive. This was something I've never seen before, and don't expect to see again, around here in late December.
Phil

Phill,
Your bees were probably orienting to the hive location as well as cleansing.
Jim

[jayj200]

Jim
Now I am a newb but this year seams different than the last two

the size of yours is so cool havent gone in for quite a while, wife says leave them bee

at the christmass party Al says bees do know how to bee bees

[biggraham610]

Phill,
For your area, probably mostly cleansing flight but your scouts are probably out looking for anything they can find. I doubt they will find much.
Here in north FL, my bees are out bringing in an almost white pollen and probably some nectar and water.
Jim

Jealous........ :-x G
     We are getting some flying on nice days, I long for exhaling...... still alot of cold to come and beat here. Good for you Jim. G :chop:

[BeeMaster2]

G,
My bees are in build up mode. That is great as long as they are able to keep bringing in pollen and nectar. Our worst weather is yet to come. I am keeping a close eye on what my OH is doing. The bottom frame is full of brood. I was expecting them to start having brood but not more than a gulf ball size area this time of year.
Jim