Beekeeper Fred Davis updates us on the honeybees that live on the roof the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts:

I was very pleased to see that all our hives made it through the winter this year. I realize we had it easy this winter but, with the standard loss in Ontario being upwards of 30%, I was worried things might not have turned out as well as they have. Today, April 1, was the first chance I had to take a quick look inside the hives. Opening the hives early in the season and when it's cold can result in what is known as "chilled brood." Sounds ominous, and it can set back the hive quite a bit if those new babies get too cold. Essentially  they can die from exposure. So I only opened the top of the hives and placed some pollen patties and sugar water in baggies inside. I hope the pollen patties (which are protein for the hive) and the sugar water (carbohydrates) give the bees enough energy over the next week or so when the temperatures drop again. I had a wet but satisfying day. I'll check in again with the bees next weekend.

Thanks for the good news, Fred, and the photograph of the well-wrapped hives.