Swarm arrival

[Roola]

Waiting on the arrival of another swarm this season. Scouts have been pretty interested all day in the box at my mum's house. Its the one I have a webcam set up on so can watch behaviour and hopefully arrival. Apparently swarm just flew through garden and now interest has increased again after the lull. Really fascinating to watch.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I agree.
It is a wonderful thing to stand unharmed in the middle of a swarm as it leaves the hive and as it musters itself to cluster nearby.

 

[oliver90owner]

It is a wonderful thing to stand unharmed in the middle of a swarm as it leaves the hive

While it might be, I would prefer it to be an arriving swarm, rather than one leaving! A right pain if they cluster somewhere inaccessible.

RAB

 

[bigfathairybiker]

I've watched the videos but it must be altogether amazing to see it happen....
I wonder if anyone has had a swarm land on themselves?

Mark

 

[Tonyatcwfarm]

I'm with Oliver
1150 and I'm just back from climbing up 12ft into a blackthorn tree to retrieve a monster swarm from one of my own hives(failed a/s)
Definately rather watch your swarm joining me than my swarm leaving to join you

 

[Erichalfbee]

.....

 

[Cussword]

I'm with Oliver
1150 and I'm just back from climbing up 12ft into a blackthorn tree to retrieve a monster swarm from one of my own hives(failed a/s)
Definately rather watch your swarm joining me than my swarm leaving to join you

Blackthorn, ouch

 

[Erichalfbee]

How down-to-earth you both are.
My point was that for me it was an extraordinary experience to stand in a swirling mass of stinging insects and remain completely unharmed. It doesn't really matter whether they were coming or going though I could add that for drama nothing beats a swarm hiving itself but for visual effect bees pouring like treacle out of a hive entrance takes some beating..............in a beekeeping context, you understand.

 

[Haywards]

How down-to-earth you both are.
My point was that for me it was an extraordinary experience to stand in a swirling mass of stinging insects and remain completely unharmed. It doesn't really matter whether they were coming or going though I could add that for drama nothing beats a swarm hiving itself but for visual effect bees pouring like treacle out of a hive entrance takes some beating..............in a beekeeping context, you understand.

I'm with you E. Last year I watched my first hive swarm at 14.59 on 26 August, a hot, sunny day. I was due to inspect that day having done so 7 days earlier. I had not suited up and stood 3 ft from the entrance as they poured out around me into a cloud over the hive. I followed them 30 yards to a neighbour's garden and retrieved them. For a new beekeeper it was a good learning experience but it was an exhilarating and unforgettable feeling.