A question for bee keepers

[ThirstyBees]

There is a field of oilseed rape two fields away from our house. There are beehives in the field that aren't normally there so I assume they've been put there to feed from the flowers. Quite a lot of bees have been coming to the dog's bowl for a drink so I've put out a few safer dishes for them to drink from. There is no other water source at this time of year apart from a stream about a mile away in the other direction and whatever water my neighbours have in their gardens.

My question is should the bee keeper not be providing them with water or will they always find a natural source, no matter how far away it is?

Bees will find natural sources of water, but the difficulty they have is that it may be too deep, with nothing for them to land on. So, yes, the beekeeper ought to ensure there are shallow dishes, with pebbles in, for her bees, but that would mean refilling when the keeper probably isn't around every day. So, please, continue what you are doing, the dog's dish is an excellent size, but ensure that the water isn't too deep, or add stones or pebbles or whatever you have to hand, as landings. Your own plants will also be pollinated into the bargain.

Thank you very much @noaxetogrind . I found a bee struggling in the dog's bowl so have moved that away for just now and have embraced my inner child finding dishes and pebbles that will suit them. It's interesting to see which ones they prefer. We're quite enjoying their company 🙂

Sounds like a lovely way to spend a Tuesday afternoon! I had hives for many years, and while I don't miss the work involved, I do occasionally miss the bees.