First Swarm of 2010

[BEEMAN]

Yesterday I walked out in the yard and spotted a swarm on a small citrus tree that I had planted two years ago. The swarm was only about 18 inches off the ground so I placed a deep under them and they all crawled into the box. Can't get any easier than that for free bees.
I do not believe that they are from my hives as they are very dark bees with deep black stripes. They were very tame and I did not need any protective gear to hive them. I had them hived in no time at all. It was cool, windy, and overcast. It's about time I get my first swarm for the year 2010. Keep them coming!! :-D

[JP]

Congratulations on your first capture of 2010! The bees were right under three weeks behind schedule in my area.


...JP

[BEEMAN]

JP The swarms calls started March 1 last year and the end of March this year. I guess that the cold weather had a lot to do with the
late swarming. But I am glad that they have started and that I am getting swarm calls.

[JP]

Last year my first swarm caught was Feb 27, but I did a removal last year I believe swarmed in mid February.

Year before was March 1st.

This year March 19th.


...JP

[G3farms]

I am still patiently waiting for the first swarm call, I think it will be in a couiple of weeks. Have not seen any drones flying yet, but have capped drone cells.

G3

[Jahjude]

I've only gotten one swarm to gimme a start this year but they didnt spend 3 days-patiently awaiting another.