The bees will build there hives in wind protected locations not very deep in the forest. Generally the hive entrances are less than 15 feet above the ground.
On a sunny day when the wind is mild get a pair of binoculars and sit on the edge of the orchard on top of a step ladder where you can see above the orchard trees.
This will allow you to watch the bees come and go from their hives. In 30 minutes or so you will be able to determine the air trails (where they fly in straight lines back and forth to the hive) they are using.
It is easiest if you watch only for bees that are flying out of the orchard. They are loaded with pollen and want to unload it, so their trails are the straightest.
Thank you so much for the information. We were really hoping that seeing these swarms meant that there is a hive nearby, give the current bee “crisis.”
It’s exciting to know this.
Thanks again.