Spring at the Corinna apiary
A first inspection of the 24 hives we overwintered on the Pieman River.
The Corinna apiary is a 40-minute boat ride from the nearest road. It is also our most productive site — the Pieman River runs through a rainforest valley that flowers a full week earlier than the inland apiaries.
This morning Sarah and I lifted lids on the first eight hives. Six were strong, with brood across at least seven frames. Two needed feeding — sugar syrup and a pollen patty to bridge them to the leatherwood flow that should hit in the next ten days.
No mites. Spring inspections in Tasmania still feel like a small relief.
About the author
Tom, field notes
Contributor
A storyteller from the family — sharing what we learn on the ridge, in the rainforest, and in the kitchen.
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