Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: 4Paws on June 10, 2009, 05:00:53 PM

Title: Pre-storm behavior
Post by: 4Paws on June 10, 2009, 05:00:53 PM
First off  - I am quite new to beekeeping as a hobby.
Yesterday afternoon after work I was out back just watching the beehives from a distance for the fun of it. There was quite a summer thunder shower coming up with lightning and thunder getting too close for comfort, there was a lot of activity around the hives and I thought it was just everyone hurrying back before the storm hit, but I noticed a mass of bees, maybe 60 - 80, on the outside of the hive. First time I've noticed anything like this, any ideas?
Title: Re: Pre-storm behavior
Post by: Kathyp on June 10, 2009, 05:26:52 PM
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,22881.0.html

we were talking earlier about weather-swam connection.

was it hot on that day?
Title: Re: Pre-storm behavior
Post by: 4Paws on June 11, 2009, 11:45:11 AM
Yes, quite warm and humid. Temp in low 90's with humidity close to saturation point.
After more reading on this forum I'm wondering if I saw a "bearding"?
Title: Re: Pre-storm behavior
Post by: Kathyp on June 11, 2009, 11:51:41 AM
that would be my guess.
Title: Re: Pre-storm behavior
Post by: jeremy_c on June 11, 2009, 12:25:54 PM
I captured my first swarm today. Yesterday was 72 degrees and 74% humidity. It arrived at the persons house around 4pm that afternoon. Today we have thunderstorms coming in as well as tomorrow. Humidity right now is 87%.

Jeremy