Today was the happy day that arrives every spring when I get to see lots of pollen carriers coming into the hives for the first time. There has probably been quite a bit of action in the past few days, but I just got to see it underway this afternoon. And so, here is a gratuitous pollen moment that I must always share at least once a year! There are a number of reasons why the earlier pollen sightings are important: 1) the weather is favorable enough for the pollen to appear and for bees to collect it; 2) warm weather and pollen gathering stimulate vital brood production; 3) new bees will bring higher vigor; 4) strong brood production promotes a successful hive splitting season for colony increases in April and May. For all of these reasons, I am pleased. Tomorrow I will hope to visit more hives before a rather damp week descends upon us.