bee swarm

[galanthus]

Hi guys

I'm logging on from work as a one off as we appear to have a fairly large rugby-ball-shaped swarm of bees dangling from one of our evergreen trees. We are in the middle of deciduous upland woodland. Apparently a swarm appeared in an outbuilding a few days ago and the insect person said the queen had died and that they were honey bees. Could these be the honey bees ? They're about 800 metres from the outbuilding. I'll try and get my 300mm lens lunchtime and post a pic if poss.

Any info appreciated

[ChrisJB]

They will be honey bees. I am not sure of the correct channels (perhaps the local council?), but someone could do to get hold of a local bee keeper to deal with them. They will need a nice new hive in which they can set up home.

Regards, Chris

[The Black Rabbit]

When you log back on Galanthus - Check out THIS THREAD.
Should be interesting reading for you?!
TBR

[galanthus]

thanx guys, as for the link black rabbit, they were exactly the same as ours

They stayed most of the day, presumably cos it was fairly cold and the scouts were off house hunting. Around 1530 we detected a fair amount of movement on the outside of the ball shape and, as expected, they flew off into the air around 10 mins later. It was one of the most incredible things I've eva eva seen Truly awesome !! Even the noise was amazing I've taken some pics as managed to get home lunchtime for my camera. Will pop them on tomoz evening.

[galanthus]

Now got around to potching with pics to post. Here they are ...

[demicav]

Amazing photos, must be a wonderful sight.

[ellen h]

Great photos!!
I saw a swarm opposite to where I work-alas I wasnt able to go out and photograph it,would have liked to have seen them fly off but missed it
ellen

[jennyb]

I have just found this thread. I posted the thread that TBR mentioned. I found the whole thing amazing, but I did not wait for them to leave of their own accord. That must have been quite sight. I bet you stood well back!

Great photos.

Jenny

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by jennyb

I have just found this thread. I posted the thread that TBR mentioned. I found the whole thing amazing, but I did not wait for them to leave of their own accord. That must have been quite sight. I bet you stood well back!

Great photos.

Jenny

We were quite lucky because they stayed overnight and added to the swarm during mid morning. A few of us just happened to be around when it was about to happen and shot out onto the fire escape to get a closer look. The amazing thing was that there were thousands of bees all around us some within an arms length away and they ignored us completely. The buzzing was as loud as can be yet they were so busy we were insignificant, kind of added to the feeling of being really privileged. thanx for the comments everyone, I nearly couldn't take the pics cos of excitement lol.