[redfan]

Both of the hives have made it through the winter and seem to be strong. They have been bringing in tons of pollen, so brood production if well under way. They love the water station I've set up about 20' from the hives. It's fun to sit there and watch them drink.
We've had days where the bees have been in full gather mode with some nice warm days, although it's been kinda chillish and wet for the last few days.

I pulled the windbreak on the 21st, and flipped the reducer to the 3" entrance a few days before that. I'd been having a little trouble with condensation in the right side hive, so hopefully with the increased ventilation it won't be an issue.

I plan on getting a couple of new queens and do at least 2 splits. I'm getting some hybrid queens called mite-maulers, but they won't be ready until May 1.
I'm set up for 3 more potential swarms/trapouts, and could probably scrounge up a couple more in a pinch.

edit:
I'm preparing half an acre for some bee forage, right in front of the hives. It's mostly sainfoin, with some other nectar bearing flowers mixed in.