Never mind the fact that “it’s still winter”, we’ve had very few days below 10°C recently and earlier this week when the Sun was out I was watching the bees in my home apiary flying strongly. I got to thinking that if the weather continues in the same vein I’d have to seriously consider doing some inspections in the not-too-distant future. Unlike last year, when I put it off and off again because “it was way too early” and then ended up with hives rammed full of bees by the time I first cracked them open.
But it seems I shan’t be in such a hurry after all. Today temperatures have dropped way back from “shirtsleeve weather” and it’s really quite cool. The forecast predicts that it will continue the same way for perhaps as long as a week. Time to stand down.
“Shirtsleeve weather”. There’s a thing. What does it actually mean? It’s a common phrase in beekeeping, particularly referring to when it’s ok to open up the hives to inspect for the first time. I suspect it’s an expression that’s been around for many years and actually refers to a time when beekeepers might take off their coats or jackets and work in a waistcoat and long-sleeved shirt. They were probably a bit more hardy than we are today, too. So if I can go outside and work comfortably in a sleeveless jacket and t-shirt then I reckon we’re probably there…