Cool, 70's.

Edinburgh upper deep being drawn out, about 4 frames, largely of honey. Spotted both eggs and larvae. No upper deep drawn out on London yet (asside from a spattering of extra wax,) but plenty of eggs and brood in the upper deep, and more comb drawn out than before. Lots of bridge comb on both hive; likely have enough by now to make a few candles.

Edinburgh Brood frame ; note the honey and pollen clusterd around the edges.

Neither frame has done anything (besides a small bit of wax building) with their upper deeps so far. Both have developed more of their middle deeps, Edinburgh being almost full now. Lower deep foundation is now much darker, making it easier to spot eggs and larvae. Both hives building up their pollen supplies, and both producing a large amount of bridge comb.

Switched a few undeveloped frames around with more developed frames. Both queens still seem to have solid laying patterns (see the fresh brood comb above).

Latest Check

Warm, mid-60's. Lots of recent rain. Both London and Edinburg doing well, lots of brood in the upper deep, E has 3 frames of brood, 4 of mixed honey and pollen. L has 4 frames of brood, 2 of mixed honey and pollen. Very fresh comb seen in E loaded with eggs.

Pieces of the Puzzle

Interesting -- read in the Pioneer Press that the decline in bee population may have been caused not only by pesticide, disease, and imported parasites, but by a lack of pollen and nectar variety. This would seem to explain why more commercial beekeepers (who focus their hive on specific plants such as apple, alfalfa, orange etc,) tend to be harder-hit than amateurs.

Fifth Check

Worker bee displaying wax gland

Warm, 70's, partly cloudy.

London and Edinburg are both drawing down a lot less on their syrup feeders; each had feeders about 80% full. Each are also drawing out comb, and raising brood, on the upper deeps. Edinburgh had drawn out 4 frames in the upper deep (2 frames honey/pollen, 2 capped brood cells), while London has 3 (2 honey/pollen, 1 larvae.)

Made a mistake on London, attempting to brush some bees off a frame, raised the alarm and had the upper deep humming angrilly. A few puffs of smoke from below and a few minutes unmolested seemed to have them calm again. Had to close up early because of the sporadic bouts of rain.