I have had several folks ask me this season how far a swarm will fly from the clustering phase to a new home. I even read Seeley's new swarm book and didn't see it in there. Anyone know for sure?
easiest way to answer that one is until they find a home. could be 10 foot from their last stay or it could be miles. i've seen a swarm travel at least 3 miles then i lost them in the sky. couldn't drive across the field to keep on there tale :-P
I would say typically they don't go more than 1/2 mile, but I'm sure a significant number go 2 miles and I've heard of them going 6 miles. I'm sure there is a point of diminishing returns.