Jen,
The bees I have now are Italians, really bright yellow with bands. The ones I started with were russians and were brown with bands or sometimes black, more caucasian looking. I lost at least 8 swarms with them because I was working all the time building my daughter's house. So I guess I seeded the woods around here with those genetics.
Since I posted this I had another swarm! This one landed about 60-70' up an oak tree. They are still up there. I waved to them, wished em well and said a prayer for their safety.
The weather has been so wet and crummy, I can't get into the hives and as soon as the sun breaks out-bam-out comes a swarm and the afternoon is eaten up with that. I got all 6 hives through winter and I'm up to 10 already. Don't really want any more this year.
Heading out in a bit to inspect for more swarm cells. Ugh!
Thanks for the reply, Jen. How are your bees doing this year?