This evening's inspection was in the slowly setting dusk after a bright warm day. I removed the super with its 5 frames which were now almost fully drawn.
I started to notice larvae and eggs (2 or 3 days old) in open cells with plenty of sealed brood besides. What surprised me though was the presence of 3 opened Queen cells/cups across a number of frames. There were well formed - text book stuff. Altogether I found three - all open (without eggs/larvae) as shown. There was no sign of the hinged cap so I'm puzzled. Was there a swarm? Are these aborted attempts at making a Queen cell? Has my original Queen left? I didn't see her but that's not unusual!
It's 11 days since I last look through the frames at which point there was no sign of these cells.
There were plenty of eggs (all laid in individual cells as opposed to laying worker eggs) so I ask myself - do I need to be concerned because I saw open queen cells/cups? The laying pattern was good as you can see.
There were more drones than recently although not hugely so but quite a lot of drone cells (capped). I am sure that I'm being alarmist but I'm surprised. Is the presence of the number of drones and drone cells significant given the time of year (although we're still experiencing this Indian Summer)?
The population was a strong and calm and I know there was a Queen present within the last 3 days from the eggs (I am assuming these were laid by a mated Queen).
My bee-assistant and fiancee was kindly given a new camera for her birthday (by some very generous guy who shall remain nameless!) so there should be a few more photos from now on...
Lastly, to the credit of my photograper, she caught one of the season's last cornflowers with a visitor looking for a quick meal!
