Robbing Bee Battle or?

[Apis_M_Rescue]

Friday had time to ready more frames for upcoming rescue relocations. Also placed 2 small nuc cut outs w/ small established swarm. Had time to check a hive that an Idaho potato sized swarm emanated from in mid last week. I smoked empty medium even though queen excluder wasn't enticing comb building whatsoever. This more agressive hive was fine for 10 minutes but then was unusually quite defensive trying to sting my blue rubber thick gloves while I removed 2 deep frames of honey comb. Later noticed pile of dead bees that was more lifeless than alive below this hive. I hadn't time to examine the whole hive as was getting later round 7pm & the frau's were stinging through my jeans in legs & backside. If I hadn't been in such a rush would have noticed that pile of dead bees & left hive alone & examined the neighboring but suspiciously quieter hive on it's left first.

If one of my hives had tried to rob this hive why would they choose this stronger hive? Would feeding hives honey stop this behavior? I will be checking out more this August to no doubt answer some of my own & form other questions anew. Dearth might be here already in my area of San Gabriel Valley. Hope these pics might give others clues to help avoid this if possible.

Robbing Bee Battle or ?

[AllenF]

It could be from robbing or maybe a AHB swarm flew in?  Reduce the entrance anyways.  Are you near any ag fields that had been sprayed?

[Apis_M_Rescue]

Not by any agricultural area as in residental area albeit spacious area. Good thought, never thought of AHB swarm might have tried to overwhelm in move in. Will place reducer & hope this hotter week will not overheat hive. This hive was a feral rescued hive so might even be part AHB but it being later in evening & the rob out attempt didn't help when inspecting. Thought drones were only ones kicked out but seen some workers. Will see if can collect majority of the bees & do estimate of drones to workers as well.