Which of the following is a sign of healthy bee reproduction?

Fresh eggs are a critical indicator of healthy bee reproduction. The presence of fresh eggs means that the queen is actively laying, which is essential for maintaining or increasing the population within the colony. A colony that has fresh eggs demonstrates that it is thriving and that the queen is in good health, as a healthy queen is a vital component for the success of the hive.

When fresh eggs are observed, it indicates that the hive has successfully transitioned through previous stages of reproduction and that the brood cycle is underway. This is particularly important because the development of new bees ensures that the colony can sustain itself, replacing older bees and adapting to environmental stresses. A robust brood cycle contributed by a healthy queen ultimately leads to a stronger colony capable of foraging and defending against pests and diseases.

The other choices may provide some insights into a colony's overall health but do not specifically indicate active reproduction in the same direct way that fresh eggs do. For example, scattered frames may point to disorganization rather than population health, pollen accumulation reflects foraging activity, and high drone count can indicate reproductive readiness but doesn't directly confirm that new eggs are being laid.