Besides timing and quantity, the quality of the pollen flow these days needs much more examination. Pollen is plant sperm. Recent investigations on non-viability of sperm in animals from alligators to humans, thought to be the consequences of chemical contamination in both air and water, may also apply to that of plants. Though not as vulnerable as other kinds of sperm, being housed in a tough outer shell, pollen is nevertheless still a far more fragile commodity than honey. Lack of pollen and consequent inadequate nutrition has been implicated in many conditions that have defied description.
Some pollen is even toxic to colonies.
Perhaps the most innovative use of pollen and protein monitoring occurs in Australia. September is National Honey Month. Honey promotion by North American beekeepers appears to be only in its infancy. One doesn't have to be in Europe, especially France, long to see the remarkable difference in this effort. The level of honey promotion on a local level is astounding.