I was doing some ground work directly behind the hives at my house when there were suddenly a LOT of bees in the air. my 1st thought was robbing. I looked over at my peach trees & there hung a small swarm. I caught them in a nuc & moved them to another yard.
3 years ago I started getting a lot of swarm calls at this time of year. since I've had 2 hives abscond in September the last 2 falls I believe that most of the late calls I got were hives that absconded. why they are absconding is a puzzle. both of my hives that left were strong hives that left several frames of brood & honey behind & had no obvious problems.