Yes, there are Drones in my hives but do not know of any honey bee hives within 5 miles.
One of the main reasons I started bee keeping was because of how few pollinators there are
in this area. I have a large organic garden and for the last few years have only seen 2, sometimes 3,
bumble bees in my garden regularly. On occasion a honey bee, but rarely.
I was actually using a feather to pollinate at times.
Its amazing the difference this year with the honey bees.
An abundance of raspberries, mulberries, apples, currents,
gooseberries, service berries, aronia, blueberries, blackberries, etc, etc.
My neighbors have even commented on how they have never seen this kind of abundance!
Edibles are fruiting like crazy, thanks to the honey bees!
I appreciate them. I hope I can be a good steward so they can continue to make a difference here.
Cindy