My family got to watch a swarm develop from hive Exodus, to getting gusted around by the heavy winds today, to lighting in a tree, to getting blown out several times, to finaly settling down.
I was happy I caught them swarming, thinking I'd box 'em right up (this hive's already filled a super this year, so I'm happy to get a swarm out of it).
But after the wind gusted them they settled 40'-50' up in a Shagbark Hickory, WELL out of my reach. AND it's a huge swarm.
They are still there as the sun's going down, so I assume they'll overnight it there, and they are heavily scouting my bait hive which is only one tree over from where they are. Guess all I can do is wait and see if they'll take up residence where I can grab them.
I had five coming out of winter, lost one to the "indian summer" and starvation. Caught one swarm already, so have five again, this one would make six. I also have a fledgleing "walk away split" but I have no confidence in what I've done there. Seven would be the max I want on my property right now (4+ acres, 1/2 wooded).
Maybe I should put some of the literature advertising how bees like bait hives, and the bait scent, and the used comb so they'll know where they should move into?
Good luck CCwonka. Hope they come to your trap. Its a bummer to see really good swarms so high up and know you can't get them.