Here's an early swarm I caught today......

[SteveSC]

It seems early for swarms in this area.  I went to check on the hives today and one of my single brood box hives had swarmed.  Just 4 days ago I put a super on that hive because of the # of bees in it.  I'd been feeding the hives 2:1 syrup for about a month and had started adding protein patties 2 weeks ago.  The populations just seem to explode in all the hives after the patties were added.  It might have been just coincidental on the population growth and adding the protein patties but I think it had something to do with it.....

This swarm was in a cedar tree 10' from the hive it had just left and 8' off the ground.  I was by myself so I didn't get the picture I wanted ( holding the swarm to show size ). It was a pretty good size swarm.  I got there right as the swarm was settling in on the cedar tree.  I cut away what limbs I could  - slide a bucket over the swarm - cut the last limb then laid the limb on the brood box which I had put 2 frames of last yrs. honey in.  I let it sit until about dark - closed it up and moved it to another location.  I put a protein patty in the new hive and I'm feeding it 2:1 syrup thru the top cover using an upside down mason jar.

Here's some pictures:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jcwatts/Bees2-22-07003.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jcwatts/Bees2-22-07002.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jcwatts/Bees2-22-07006.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jcwatts/Bees2-22-07005.jpg

[imabkpr]

steveSC
Nice swarm. I was out moving bees today, I haven't seen any drones.  I hope your new queen is well mated. keep an eye on her and check to see if she is a drone layer.  Charlie

[lively Bee's]

Very nice

[Kathyp]

that's really cool.  free bees are good....even if you are re-catching your own  :-)

[Understudy]

Excellent. How come I only get cut out? I want swarms. They are so much easier.


Sincerley,
Brendhan

[Apis629]

Yes, they are; more manageable bees means fewer stings.  Anyways, well done.  Looks like a textbook swarm capture and, this early in the season, it should make a good crop of honey, provided the weather and blooms coorperate.

[pdmattox]

Very nice catch.  I think swarm season has opened.

[BEEMAN]

BEEMAN'S 2 CENTS

SteveSC

I agree with you that the swarms are flying early this year. During the week of March 5-9, 2007 I had five swarm calls and caught all five swarms. The following week I was in the hospital with my wife, she had knee replacement, and missed three more swarm calls. This week I had two swarm calls and caught both swarms. I checked one of my swarm boxes and found another swarm had check in to it. I need to transfer them to a hive. I live in
Franklin, Louisiana, and the swarms are a buzzing down here.

[papabear]

Good job. I'm ready for one to catch for myself.

[Fannbee]

Just caught my first swarm. However, it was from one of my hives.  I went out to look at one of my hives after work and saw the swarm 2 feet off the ground in a bush.   It was within 10 feet of my three hives.

My wife place a command that I have only four hives.  I have three and have an order for a nuc.  Darn it, I quess I will have five now.   

[Cindi]

Steve, awesome, the pics were very good and I love to see that stuff.  Awesome day.  Cindi

[Big Sky Honey]

Thanks for sharing the nice photos.  Great way to get bees.

[Michael Bush]

>Darn it, I quess I will have five now.   

Wait few weeks and do a combine.

[Kathyp]

or just wait and see if she notices.  i bought a new horse once and it was a week before my husband noticed.  i still don't think he's noticed that i got a new saddle 3 years ago, even though he's been riding in my old one. 

he did notice the new camper...... :-\