Last year I noticed that 2:30 pm seemed to be the time that swarming occurred.
I have been noticing a great deal of activity always around this time.
???
Young bees doing orientations:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#orientation
That's close to the warmest part of the day. That's when they'll do virgin orientation flights and defecation flights. Happens every afternoon at same time. If you have more than one hive close together, they won't all do it at the same time but will stagger the timing of it between the hives. As we get later in the year, the warmest part of the day will be later in the day and you'll then notice they do their thing a little later as well.
Yup orientation of the sweet new bees...what a blessing and gift to be fortunate enough to witness this!
Today I today I took a long walk in our valley, noticed all the plants blooming and soon to bloom, while I was walking down a hill, I could watch the bees...make their way home to our land...it felt really really, well...special!
Sharon, what a nice day you had! Times like that makes you glad to be alive and in awe of Gods work! J
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 11, 2009, 10:01:29 PM
Today I today I took a long walk in our valley, noticed all the plants blooming and soon to bloom, while I was walking down a hill, I could watch the bees...make their way home to our land...it felt really really, well...special!
That is fun, isn't it!? I too like to walk around the neighbor hood, checking out the flowers, and when I see the bees I always say "You go, girls!!" :)
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 11, 2009, 10:01:29 PM
Today I today I took a long walk in our valley, noticed all the plants blooming and soon to bloom, while I was walking down a hill, I could watch the bees...make their way home to our land...it felt really really, well...special!
Oh, how I miss the Santa Cruz area sometimes.. (Raised in Felton) There is something special there. Still cold and snowy here in Colorado.
Seems each hive goes through this.
I once asked about such a thing, and was given some term for it. But not sure if one was pulling my leg, or if there actually was some fancy term given. It may of been Jim Fischer who quoted the term, but not sure.
I like to hummmm....."Skyrockets in flight....afternoon delight!" :-D
Quote from: RayMarler on March 11, 2009, 08:30:26 PM
That's close to the warmest part of the day. That's when they'll do virgin orientation flights and defecation flights. Happens every afternoon at same time. If you have more than one hive close together, they won't all do it at the same time but will stagger the timing of it between the hives. As we get later in the year, the warmest part of the day will be later in the day and you'll then notice they do their thing a little later as well.
Come on people, everyone knows that 2:30 is when you have to go to the dentist! :devilbanana:
4:30 has been orientation flight time here in southeast, Louisiana.
...JP ;)