The fruit bloom and the dandelion bloom has begun across the metro area. Traveling to the south metro I saw many dandelions and flowering shrubs and crabs starting to bloom.
My Wild Plums are just starting to show some life. But in St Paul Wild Plums were in full bloom.
This current bloom will last around three weeks with Apple trees coming in around May 10 or so. This bloom is about a week earlier than normal. This is ice cream time for the bees. Wide spread nectar and quality pollen. If the weather is good the bees win, if the weather is cool and rainy the bees may miss some of the ice cream. Pollen patties should still be on colonies during this cool and rainy times. The bees are not able to forage right now and for much of the next week. Pollen is needed now because the hive is still moving forward in spite of the weather and beekeepers need to keep pollen available or the hive population may suffer.
Strong overwintered colonies should have honey supers on NOW. Honey supers go on two at a time. It is not uncommon for strong colonies to get a super or two of honey during this time if the weather accommodates.
When this weather warms up a little, swarm control should be used on strong overwintered colonies. Many of the strong colonies are bursting with bees. Some warm weather may get swarm cells going in the hives.
Divides are going on now and into the month of May. If you do not divide a strong colony, the bees will divide themselves, they WILL swarm.
If you don't want to run more colonies, Nature's Nectar LLC does buy divides.