The Tupelo blossoms are a small bud-like blossom with extending stamen that provide the nectar for the bees to gather. Its a very short season, sometimes just 3 weeks, and so very dependant on the weather which is at this time of year very rainy, windy, and very unpredictable.
During the off season the bees are fed (jars of liquid) to keep them strong during lean times. They are also loaded up and transported to other areas for pollination. The average life span of a honey bee is 21 days.