Hive getting ornery?

[Newbee]

This is my first year keeping bee's, and I've noticed a shift in their temperment since I got them this spring. They seem to be getting a little more ornery? Now granted, I don't pop the hive open for an inspection too often (maybe every 2-3 weeks), I observe from the outside regularly, and so long as they seem OK, I leave them bee. The last time I went in there, I pulled some frames from the 1 super I have on and was OK. Put the super on the ground, and started trying to get some frames out of the top hive body (2 bodies on hive), and nearly instantly, the 'tone' of their buzzing changed, and I started getting 'inspected' by the occasional irate bee. Only got 1 frame out and looked at, as they were obviously getting more angry. The time before I did a hive inspection it went similar, however I persisted and tried checking a frame from the lower hive body - the little buggar's stung me!

I'm left wondering if the aggressive response is due to my lack-of-regular-inspections, or just because the bee's were busy and didn't care to be bothered? Started as a package of Carni's purchased through my local beek club this spring, previously they've been very docile. Last 2 inspections were in the morning, say 9-10-ish, fair weather (e.g. no rain). The weather's been spotty lately (lots of intermittent rain), and I see lots of activity when it's nice (bearding on exterior and many bee's coming and going)- appear to be getting some tree pollen, they're in a wooded area, and I think some of the pine's are starting to pop; flight path out of the hive is up and out/away, one's coming back are from up above and swoop down to entrance. Feeding heavily since it's a new hive, add a bag  of sugar/syrup about 2-3x/week.
Thanks for the input!

- Kevin

[SmokeyBee]

This is my first year as well and I'm interested to hear the responses. I know mine don't like to be bothered with any kind of wind.

[Bakersdozen]

Newbee, I hope I have your scenario straight.  You have a super on while you are feeding?     Do not feed while you have supers on.  They will fill the super with sugar water.
You didn't mention anything about using your smoker.  That is necessary and will make a difference in temperament.
I am not familiar with nectar flows in your area, but it is possible you are a dearth.  That will have an effect on their mood.     A lot of workers with nothing to do = cranky bees.
You want to get into your hives on a regular basis so that you can learn and see what is going on.  A new beekeeper should be going in every 7-10 days so they can learn.  Not much can be learned watching the entrance.  It's fun though and I do it every day.   On the other hand, I don't think you train honey bees to be docile by doing frequent inspections.  Just the reverse!   I think they train us!   

[tedh]

I've found that bees can get "testy" for any number of reasons.  Queenlessness being one.  Time of year can play into it, in the early spring they are trying to build up and are protective of their home/hive, later in the season they have stores/honey to protect.  Storms in the area or moving into the area can set them off.  As bakersdozen pointed out, a dearth/lack of forage can aggravate them.  May I suggest you re-read bakers post?  Trying to identify the reason they are testy will be a great help in your beekeeping endeavor, in my opinion.  Good luck, Ted

Also pests inside the hive, small hive beatles, mites, wax worms can aggravate them as can pests outside the hive, skunks visiting at night (look for scratch marks on the landing board).  It could be as simple as a branch or weed rubbing on the hive as the wind blows.  So, to answer the question, why are tbe bees cranky, as in all beekeeping answers, it depends.  Ted

[Lburou]

Another reason for a change in defensiveness can be they are defending some stored honey.  Sometimes, it is better for the hobby beekeeper to close the hive and try another day. 

[Barbarian]

Weather conditions can also affect the bees'  temper. Threatening heavy showers or thunder storms are a factor.
Overhead power lines may affect hive behaviour.

If bees start bouncing off my veil when I open up, this is a sign for me to close up, think, and try another day.

[Newbee]

Thanks everyone. My smoker was working well this most recent inspection (not so much the last one). I'll give 'em another go maybe this week. We've got a few nice days in a row finally!
Thanks again.

- K