Dead drones

[The Poot in Somerset]

I found a lot of dead drones in one colony today, stuck in the queen excluder but facing up - as if trying to get to the supers.
What would cause this?
There was at least two to three dozen of them, it was a little disturbing and the second time with this colony.
The queen has not had access to the supers at any time.

 

[Swarm]

Looking for food I reckon.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I found a lot of dead drones in one colony today, stuck in the queen excluder but facing up - as if trying to get to the supers.
What would cause this?

It's the harbinger of the slaughter of the innocents. Some colonies don't see much need for thousands of drones now and start reducing the numbers.
The first sign is the workers 'kettling' the drones in the hive, keeping them well away from the brood area (you will sometimes notice that the outside frames are just hordes of drones crammed on to the comb) then they stop feeding the drones so the poor buggers try and help themselves but get stuck in the QX's

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

JB / Swarm - I did notice that they were stuck in the excluder mainly above the outer brood frames. Pretty sad sight. I assumed they were trying to get to food but thought it best to ask.
Thanks for replying.

 

[Spikedog]

Ahhh every day we learn ... noted this corralling or 'kettling' in hives ... many thanks for the reasoning.

 

[Swarm]

Just to bring a brighter note, I saw plenty of drones at the apiary today, one spent a worrying amount of time preening and cleaning at the entrance before flying off. Still a fair amount of drone brood as well.

 

[E&MBees]

one spent a worrying amount of time preening and cleaning at the entrance before flying off.

Just like a young lad getting ready for a night out then!

 

[Swarm]

That's what I was thinking, he had to be just right.

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

I’ve noticed how they wash their faces before flying off from the hive entrance. They look so smart and furry.