Behavior not noticed before

[JackM]

I understand that drones can return to different hives, not sure if this is due to just a coincidence or something else.

As I was watching a spot with 3 hives, I noticed that the outer two seemed to have many more bees guarding than usual.  Normal comings and goings, a drone here and there, possibly equal coming and going on that front.  Other hive in the center has a vast number of drones leaving, and a pretty fair number returning.  What is really interesting is there are frequently guard?/forage?/nurse? bees escorting drones out of the hive, at times forceably, but not stinging them.  There were even times they kept hanging on when the drone flew away.

Is this the 'removal' of drones for the season?  My main flow is over, but lots of wildflowers and clover within 3 mile circle thanks to rain.  Plan on looking in on them tomorrow before it gets hot.  BTW, this hive was very weak coming out of winter, but has seemed to rebound.

[BeeMaster2]

Yes drones can enter any hive if the bees think they have enough extra stores and allow it.
Most of my hives kicked them out about a month ago. I am just now start to see drone cells back in the hives now, there is a flow on.
What you are seeing is the bees physically removing them from the hive.  Those drones will not survive if they do not find a hive that will feed them. Like my situation you may well get another drone cycle before winter if you have a good flow.

Jim