Bees behaviour??

[RichieDug]

Can anybody explain why my two colonies become very active for about an hour most afternoons between 3pm to 4pm, the number of bee in the air and around the hive increases 10 fold, flying around the hives, flying around up to 10-20 foot in the air & become very noisey. Only to gradually calm and go back to normal??

This is my first season and I'm puzzled.

Regards RichieDug

 

[Swarm]

Is your hive in full sun? Temperature can be a factor.

 

[RichieDug]

No partially shaded by hedge and trees

 

[Poly Hive]

My guess is orientation flights by youngsters.

PH

 

[Oandy]

Hi Richie mine do the same young bees first flight orientation flight. Andy

 

[RichieDug]

It makes sense now, thanks.

I'm learning all the time .

Richie

 

[richardbees]

Yes, it's the first orientation flights. because they just fly around, land, take off again and fly around a bit further, land...etc it does make the entrance look very busy!

If you get the same dense activity BUT they're also swirling around overhead in the middle of the day - beware, they could be preparing to swarm!

 

[Midland Beek]

Or warm enough for the drones to get out and party and maybe meet a queen.

 

[oliver90owner]

Or warm enough for the drones to get out and party and maybe meet a queen.

Good suggestion, but it also happens at times when there is no chance of 'drones hanging out' or of queens mating.

RAB

 

[Skyhook]

Watch closely. They actually take off backwards and back away from the hive. Then they can 'rewind the tape' and know what it should look like as they approach the entrance. Lovely to watch when you know what they're doing.