It pays to look up

[enrico]

It seems that looking up at the trees above your hives can sometimes show surprises! this is a friends apiary, she spotted them today! At least four good combs in the apple tree!
E

 

[Erichalfbee]

A lost swarm?
Is she going to get them into a hive for the winter?
Lovely pictures, enrico

 

[enrico]

I'm hoping to give it a go in a couple of days if the weather doesn't kill them first!

 

[kazmcc]

Good luck with getting them out! Great pictures, would love to hive a colony like that.

 

[itma]

During this year's club spring tour with the SBI, even he was surprised when it was pointed out that there was a small cast swarm sitting in the tree no more than a couple of feet from his head, while he was inspecting a colony!

 

[Erichalfbee]

I'm hoping to give it a go in a couple of days if the weather doesn't kill them first!

More pictures, please

 

[irishguy]

How common is this for bees to build comb and stay there on trees.

 

[dexter's shed]

How common is this for bees to build comb and stay there on trees.

very, going on the swarms I've collected

 

[Erichalfbee]

How many have you tied into frames and hived?
Saved from a certain death in our weather.
Years ago, there was a picture here from somebody of a colony that was into its second year. It was built under eaves by a window. Sadly I don't think it got through its second winter.

 

[beeno]

Hi enrico,
It certainly does. Got two for the price of one in the vicar's garden a couple of years ago. Also, in apple trees as it happens. Vicar saw the first swarm, but assumed it had gone. Got called to remove 2nd swarm a week later and just discovered first swarm as I was putting out the smoker. No comb to speak of as I remember. It would appear that from my limited experience swarms seem to have a preference for apple trees?

 

[enrico]

Here are all the pictures of the removal! As requested. Thanks celletronic!

 

[Erichalfbee]

How do you collect all the bees out foraging?

 

[enrico]

The wild hive was above five other hives..... From whence it came. So hopefully they found their way back to one of the other hives. Not a moment too soon to take them out of the tree. Three frames with brood but no stores at all.
E

 

[Erichalfbee]

Wonderful. I am in awe

 

[pargyle]

Yes ... great pictures ... it does make you wonder what it is that makes them stay in the open and build comb ....

Or there again ...

http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/leylines.html