Spent some time watching the hives last night, girls coming and going at a rapid rate even late into the evening... but nobody was carrying big sacks of pollen? I think the dearth is starting here, but there are still wildflowers and landscaping and garden flowers about. I'm in a wooded/rural area, but I've got a constant supply of white clover in the pasture and lawn area's, purple clover flowers if I let it go between cuttings. I had kinda figured the clover would supply pollen through the dearth, but I don't see them coming back with any?
They're russian heritage bee's, which are supposed to be sensitive to pollen availability for laying. Should I try substituting? I can get patties at my local co-op, but I've never really liked artificial foods. Would it be possible to collect pollen in the spring when abundant (freeze it?), and feed it over the dearth in the summer?
Appreciate the advice!
Thanks.
- K