I think that I have observed the mass ejection of drones

[The Riviera Kid]

I was at the apiary this evening and looking at the front of one of the colonies, I thought that it was under attack as there were lots of bees on the front, but when I got up close I realised that they were all drones, and they appeared to be trying to get back in to the hive. The odd worker was coming and going with pollen unhindered through the chaos.

There were dozens of them. The colony was re-queened at the end of June and so I guess that now the new queen is mated and established there really isn't any need for the drones and it's time for them to do.

It was an interesting spectacle to watch but a bit sad too.

 

[Chris Luck]

You may find they are there again tomorrow afternoon.

Chris

 

[The Riviera Kid]

I am going to take my camera tomorrow. Will see if I can get some pics.