In the subtropical climate of Northern Rivers NSW, winter often feels like a pause rather than a full stop — especially for bees. While colder regions see brood breaks and quiet hives, our bees remain active most of the year.
But even here, something important shifts as the days begin to lengthen. So how do bees know the seasons are changing, even when the temperature doesn’t drop too far?
🐝 Bees Track the Sun, Not Just the Weather
Bees don’t rely on temperature alone. Instead, they’re finely tuned to the changing amount of daylight — what scientists call photoperiod. Their internal body clocks register even small shifts in light, helping them anticipate seasonal changes before they’re visible to us.
👁️ Built-In Light Sensors
Bees have both compound eyes (for detecting colour and movement) and ocelli — three simple eyes on top of their heads that sense light intensity. These help them track:
- How long the daylight lasts
- How strong the light is
- The angle and tone of sunlight
From late June onward, even small increases in daylight prompt bees to shift their behaviour — no full brood break needed.
🐣 Inside the Hive: Subtle but Significant Changes
In the Northern Rivers, most hives continue raising small amounts of brood through winter. But as the days get longer, several things start to happen:
1. More Brood
Queens rarely stop laying completely. But in response to longer days, they begin to ramp up egg-laying, often before nectar is flowing heavily.
2. Looser Clustering
Colder nights still encourage bees to cluster for warmth. But as daylight increases, bees begin moving more freely and expanding their activity across the hive.
3. Foraging Increases
Longer days mean more flying time. Even if forage is light, bees start scouting, cleaning, and flying more often in preparation for spring flows.
🌿 What This Means for Beekeepers
Even without a hard winter shutdown, your hive is not static. The gradual increase in day length tells your colony that spring is on the way — and for you, it’s the perfect time to:
- Check brood levels and health
- Watch for drone brood or queen cell formation
- Ensure stores are adequate but not excessive
- Prepare for possible splits or re-queening
Timing is everything — and in Northern Rivers, early preparation means healthier, stronger hives when the flow begins.
🐝 Final Buzz
Bees don’t need a calendar to tell them spring is coming. Their internal rhythms, tuned to the rising sun, help them prepare weeks before we do. If you're in the Northern Rivers, now’s the time to take your cues from the bees — and get ready for a productive season ahead. 🌞