Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

MEMBER BULLETIN BOARD => PHOTO PAGE - MEMBER PHOTOS & BEE-MOVIES HERE! => Topic started by: Cindi on December 02, 2007, 11:37:14 AM

Title: The circle of the bees
Post by: Cindi on December 02, 2007, 11:37:14 AM
In my first year of beekeeping there was a yellow symbol painted on the front of one of the colonies.  One day, I saw a sight, a very strange sight and I thought I should share it with you all, any clues what the bees are doing, forming this circle around the yellow symbol?  I have never figured it out and it still remains a mystery. Beautiful day, wonderful day, wonderful health.  Cindi

(http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4820/beesformingcircle640x48yl5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: The circle of the bees
Post by: JP on December 02, 2007, 08:32:30 PM
I've heard that yellow sometimes has an effect on bees.
Title: Re: The circle of the bees
Post by: UtahBees on December 02, 2007, 11:32:19 PM
They're saying "dammit, why can't I get the nectar from this flower!?"
Title: Re: The circle of the bees
Post by: taipantoo on December 03, 2007, 08:22:21 AM
That's pretty cool.
Not barring out an optical thing, but if the edge of the paint was raised, even just a little, it could have trapped some pollen.
Did this last for a long time or were you just in the right place at the right time?
Title: Re: The circle of the bees
Post by: Cindi on December 03, 2007, 09:28:22 AM
Tai, I remember that the bees were only there that one time and I honestly don't know how long they stayed.  It was just such an interesting thing, I had to take the picture.  There was definitely something going on here though, no clue what either.  Have a beautiful and wonderful day, lovin' life.  Cindi
Title: Re: The circle of the bees
Post by: Mici on December 04, 2007, 08:32:33 AM
in the spring I've noticed that most bees collect on the yellow painted hive and the yellow painted entrance. it's a warm colour so...that's it I'd say

although to us humans black would be the logical choice to warm up, it's actually somehow different. they've watched a bumblebee on the early morning forage, and he starts foraging at warm coloured flowers to warm up in the morning.