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.
When searching for their hives, take note of storm damaged trees where a large limb has split from the trunk. That part of the tree will often rot and then other birds and bugs will further damage the tree, hollowing it. Bingo, an ideal place for a hive.
If the hive is a small one leave it alone for a couple of years. The bees eat the honey during the winter months, so be sure not to take all their food supply. Then as it expands you should be able to remove 1/4 to 1/3 each year without doing major damage to the hive. The’ll rebuild it each year.
If the weather is tough on the orchard flower crop, resulting in a major reduction of pollen, that is a good year to leave the hive unmolested.
Have fun, enjoy the pure honey.