Happy Swarm, Sad Swarm . . . now waiting . . . .

[ccwonka]

My family got to watch a swarm develop from hive Exodus, to getting gusted around by the heavy winds today, to lighting in a tree, to getting blown out several times, to finaly settling down.

I was happy I caught them swarming, thinking I'd box 'em right up (this hive's already filled a super this year, so I'm happy to get a swarm out of it).

But after the wind gusted them they settled 40'-50' up in a Shagbark Hickory, WELL out of my reach.  AND it's a huge swarm.

They are still there as the sun's going down, so I assume they'll overnight it there, and they are heavily scouting my bait hive which is only one tree over from where they are.  Guess all I can do is wait and see if they'll take up residence where I can grab them.

I had five coming out of winter, lost one to the "indian summer" and starvation.  Caught one swarm already, so have five again, this one would make six. I also have a fledgleing "walk away split" but I have no confidence in what I've done there.  Seven would be the max I want on my property right now (4+ acres, 1/2 wooded).

Maybe I should put some of the literature advertising how bees like bait hives, and the bait scent, and the used comb so they'll know where they should move into?

[applebwoi]

Good luck CCwonka. Hope they come to your trap.  Its a bummer to see really good swarms so high up and know you can't get them.