Under Attack/ Losses Part 2.

Checking all my colonies today there are notable losses around the sites; on a positive note a greater number are still there! Most are now consuming fondant and clustered at the top of the hive – a sure sign that stores are dwindling or gone. So it is imperative that food is available for the bees until Spring finally arrives and that seems to be still a time away (according to the latest weather predictions!).
The colony in the WBC which was under attack has further damage to the entrance and the vent holes. A metal mouse guard forced across the entrance has been bent open. However to my surprise the bees are still there and seem okay. It will be really interesting to open this up and see inside, hopefully in the near future. I can only guess that a rat or shrew or similar creature has/is lodged in there.