First time observation of the guarding behavior by my hive. It has been very hot and honey stores have been drawn down by colony. They are really protecting what they have!
(http://s11.postimage.org/u9epnfo9r/th_MOV01950.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/u9epnfo9r/)
It could be in part guarding and part bearding from the weather. I have seen mine bearding up 3 levels this summer. good luck with your bees.
Joe
I would tend to think bearding too; but who knows, they're bees! One good thing about bearding; it's makes it virtually impossible for wax moths to get in!
Guarding the front is a natural behavior of bees.