As I told you previously, our colonies winter outside, carefully wrapped for protection. This technique, unlike the rest of Canada, is somehow not too popular in Quebec.. But it works for them, and for us. First of all, leaving the bees outside is practically time and cost free. No need to transport them inside, no need for investments in ventilation and refrigeration. Secondly, their spring development is quicker. As daylight increases, queen bees start laying eggs sooner. And we think wintering outside makes them generally stronger. We like them to venture out, sun and weather permitting, to cleanse their guts. The snow around the hives is sprinkled with little yellow dots. Bee poop. It's charming, and good for them.

As I step backwards to enjoy the scenery, a small bee alights on the zipper of my yellow anorak. She slowly climbs, leaving behind four little yellow droppings. She carefully cleans her back legs before flying away. Absorbed watching my visitor, I hardly noticed that her partners have flocked outside -- in a burst of life! There is excitement in the air. Lilliputian dancers start performing a ballet, to the rhythm of their buzzing song: "The Rite of Spring". My day is made!
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