So yesterday we inspect the hives here at home.
I had some comb from dead outs I was just going to melt down rather than store. I was at the solar melter about 11:30 AM putting in the last 4 frames when I hear it off my left shoulder {away from where our colonies are east of the melter} I turn around and see this huge swirling mass of bees coming from the south west. I run in to the house and tell Kare we have a swarm then run out and start drumming them down with a stick on the bottom of a 5 gallon pail. I know some don't believe in the drumming but I just happen to believe. Soon the swirl is getting tighter and tighter, Kare joins me drumming on her own pail. Finally they are coming closer to the ground and find a hive I have sitting waiting for the solar melter and decide it will make a fine home. I do to since it was on a bottom board yet and had a outer cover on it.
I did get pictures of them moving in but now when they were the thickest at the entrance and 3/4 inch air holes I put in hives. Have to wait a day or so for them as I need to upload them. Going to grab a frame of brood to stick in there in a couple days.
Best kind of swarm as I didn't have to go get them or set a hive up for them.
My friend Mike teaches the SEMBA spring bee keeping class and told me a few years ago a lady took his class and lives down the road from me to the south west. Asked if she called if I would give her a hand. Bet they came from there. that is the third swarm from that direction I have seen in as many years.
Al