This hive has a clear inner cover without a top entrance. There is insulation above the inner cover that minimizes condensation. There were a few bees filling up with water! Dr. Seeley calls these “water bottle bees.” They will store water for the colony. The water is needed to dilute the honey and produce brood food. The water bottle bees would forage outside the hive if there was no condensate available in the hive, a much more dangerous option in the cold weather.While too much condensation is not good for a colony, a little condensation is beneficial. More heat is retained in the hive when there is no top entrance, resulting in less honey consumption.
Movie by John A. Gaut, January 2021