February, and the hive is covered with snow. It may help to insulate the bees as they snuggle together inside.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallumEven during the winter months bees were coming and going from the hive's tiny entrance, bringing back pollen on their legs.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallumA brave bee leaves the hive in February when the temperature is just 9C. She even stops for a rest before going back into the warm.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallum
The hive is opened for the spring clean.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallumAlison takes out a frame and has a look at how some of the 10,000 bees are faring. Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallumThe large white area in the middle of the frame shows the queen bee has been busy laying.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallumThe bee army is ready to take on another year.Photograph: Brian McCallum/Brian McCallum
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