Overwintering drones???

[reedyfork]

Is it possible for drones to overwinter in a hive? I thought not, but I did a thorough check of some hives on Monday and found plentiful numbers of mature-looking drones on frames. I guess it's possible they are this year's drones, but that means those eggs would have been laid AT LEAST 24+ days ago (in January)!

[Wally]

Queens can start laying anytime after solstice. Dec 21, 22. A few drone cells may well have been laid in January. A better prospect than over wintering.