I was out walking the dogs on a bright sunny afternoon, enjoying the relative warmth after our recent cold snap, when I checked on the beehives. Even from a distance, I could tell that the ground around the hives was littered with dead bees and I smiled as I went to take a closer look.
I smiled, not because I’m the world’s meanest beekeeper, but because I know that dead bees on snow are a sign that the hives are still alive and well.
The bees, unable to fly out at all when it gets very cold, wait for warm winter days when they can take short flights outside as they clean out their hive. When the snow around the hive is littered with droppings and dead bees it may look like a massacre but it’s actually a very good sign.
Sure enough, when I looked a little closer, someone was looking back at me!
There is still a lot of winter left but I’m crossing my fingers and hoping to keep seeing dead bees on snow through the rest of it!
Behind the Willows 
I had no idea that dead bees were a good sign. Happy more deads, and best honey to you!
Gorgeous close-ups! You have a great eye! My upstairs neighbour lost two hives (out of 5) recently despite a fairly mild winter on the coast. Don’t know why!
Beautiful pictures! And very interesting facts about bees :p
Had no idea this would be a good sign – you learn something new every day 🙂
Interesting, I had no idea that would be a good sign.
That bee looks set on avenging his brethren. 🙂
Thanks! I didn’t know that! Looks like it was a great walk! OOXX
Gotta admit: thought “Dead Bees on Snow” was the name of a punk rock band.
boy, I had no idea that would be a good sign. Glad you know your stuff!
Great photos and interesting facts about bees! Who knew?
who knew! three cheers for bees.