Bees covering hive

[jeff4051]

At 11 o'clock today sun shining and warm the bees decided to cover the hive, there were thousands flying and covering hive. I watched for about 20 mins eventually back to normal. I don't believe they swarmed?????????? if not what went on. The hive was queenless swarmed a few weeks ago checked last sat a new queen had emerged the Qcell newly cut open. Any help would be appreciated. The noise was impressive.

 

[Tom Bick]

I can only guess she was on a mating flight?

It is a guess and I was sure the virgins preferred later afternoon? Perhaps someone can confirm please.

I bet it raised your heart beat just a bit

 

[jeff4051]

I watched in case they flew to nearest tree etc. Around the hive the air was shimmering with flying bees, most impressive.

 

[Illo]

Mine did the same yesterday, after new queen was due to emerge on Monday (except mine upheld the late afternoon principle and went at about 15:30). A neighbour (who is very diligent in such matters) called to say my bees were swarming - which sent husband into swarm retrival mode, only to be faced with a non-coalescing cloud of bees.

The timing is typical - 3-4 days after emergence I believe (weather permitting) - so it looks like you may no longer have a virgin queen!

 

[jeff4051]

I hope you are right, it was very warm and sunny morning.