I just did a visual of my hives today and I have never seen so many bees sitting on the outside of the hives as I have today since they used to beard the hives in the summer. Are these guard bees?
It done got hot again, maybe a small beard.
Are they fanning?
I did not look close enough as I do not remember. I have to go back out there today to water some plants so I will check it out.
guards are generally just inside and/or just outside the entrance. A bunch of bees outside on the front of the hive, on a hot day, are out there to help keep things cool. Just like summer.
That is must have been what it was. I went out earlier when it was much cooler and they were not there.