I Saw Queen Lift off for Nuptial Flights

[Jen]

I was completely enjoying the day today being outside, 70 degrees, sweeping and trimming. I noticed that hive #2 had an unusual amount of bees on the front of the hive... "Oh Great! another swarm...  " So I sat down next to the hive and there was Ms. Queen just stepped out of the front entrance. I carefully picked her up and put her in the queen cage, thinking that I may have preempted another swarm. But hubby thought differently thinking she may be going on her mating flights, due to the fact that this hive swarmed 21 days ago. So, I went back to the hive and let her walk out where I had picked her up. About a minute later up she went and no bees followed. What a wonderful day.

Nuptial flights between 20-24 days.

[LazyBkpr]

Now Jen.. you MUST allow your daughters to date!!!

[Jen]

I renamed it the chastity clip  daughters are worrysome when they get out into the world..

[LazyBkpr]

I renamed it the chastity clip  daughters are worrysome when they get out into the world..

   tooooo true!

[Barbarian]

The academics say that a new queen can make more than one mating flight. You may see a repeat of the activity.

One sign of a mating flight is that the bees left at the entrance start fanning with the Nasanov gland exposed.      "Come home dear".

[Jen]

Thanks Barbarian! "Come home dear" That info adds to my delightful day. I'll be watching for it tomorrow.