Swarm season here is normally end of May through June. But, this spring was far from normal. Way too much rain and very cold. Last couple of weeks have been nice. I actually had only ONE swarm call this year. I have two traps at a horse farm where there is a hive in a large tree. Owners say they swarm every year, but this year there has been very few bees visible. Until yesterday. Suddenly there are hundreds hanging out around the entrance. They are covering an area about 15 inches in diameter. I think they might be getting ready to swarm after getting a late start due to the weather. I would think that it is cool enough inside this tree that they wouldn't be bearding. What do you think; preparing to swarm, or just bearding?
My crystal ball says bearding.
My swarm season just got the green light. Lat year they started first week of May I think. I have at least a good solid month of heavy flow ahead of me so I think ill going to be a swarmy July. Usually you get most of your swarms mid may into june, then your late season swarm but this year im hoping its just July, lol.
Just my $0.02
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,33547.msg276136.html#msg276136 (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,33547.msg276136.html#msg276136)
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
one of my hives swarmed this morning clipped queen couldn't fly so found her on the ground put in deadout hive in queen clip bees moved in but just a small swarm
so not to late
Dave