Dearly beloved, it is with great sadness that I announce the death of my first hive. It was a very rainy year, with several cold nights and a few below zero here in Maryland. It looks like moisture killed them, as the cluster felt damp to the touch. The wood shavings were dry though.

I ordered another nuc from the Central Maryland Beekeepers Association in the hope I could start another colony, but it looks like I will be replacing this one instead. I may still get a second nuc and hive, finances depending.

RIP little bees.