I have not actually ever seen a true swarm. I saw a mass of bees moving wildly about and moving as a group backwards and forwards. Was this a swarm? Should I be outside looking for them right now?
I have seen a swarm and they weren't moving backwards and forwards. But all kind of whirling around as the moved along. They were going to my swarm box. I waited them out and got it on video. But I would say you did see a swarm. I'd look for them if I were you.
If it were a swarm you should have stayed and watched them cluster. They usually don't go very far.
Unless he saw them as they were leaving.
If they were flying, probably orientation flights
If they were walking on the hive and bottom board, they were likely washboarding.
He posted at the time of day for orientation flights to be happening.
I wsa in the parking lot of a business in the country. They moved probably 100 yards in the parking lot moving in wild flight pattern movements and then moved back as a group. I walked the property as much as I could and looked for places for them to land. Never saw them. I guess I missed that swarm.
Of course it must be a good hive to be throwing off a swarm this time of year or what. We are in a dearth so I would find it odd to be throwing swarms right nhow.
bw, You're right. The hives shouldn't be throwing off a swarm. I caught one that was at least 4 pounds Saturday. Normally if they are swarming this time forward it will be what I call a population control swarm. I don't see a swarm making it in the wild this time of year. They might, they know a lot more about being bees than I do.
Well I wish I could have found it. I would have loved to get that swarm and feed it to till the fall flow
If you get infested with wax moths they will swarm, they are bad over here this year.
Joe D