Bees on the march.

[Geoff]

       This was a swarm from one of my own hives which settled in a protea shrub 15 metres away from their hive.
     

  My first attempt was to get them into a 4 frame nuc but as they filled that up I realised it was not going to be big enough. To get them into the nuc I cut and then shook a couple of the small branches into the box, placed a stick and part of a branch from the swarm which was partly on the ground and bunched amongst leaves and grass, then lo and behold they started a procession into the nuc.
        Went and got a super with the intention of transferring them from the nuc but by the time I got back they had almost all marched back to the original spot. Obviously they were missing the queen.
        After about two hours of scooping and brushing and getting a lot to bunch on leaves they settled in for the night. Next morning all still intact and now three days later they seemed to be happy 15 metres away from their original hive and i must have got the queen second time round.
         The photo is of the first trek to the nuc and it was just fascinating watching them march just like a stream of ants.

[hardwood]

Awesome photo Geoff, doesn't the sight of that just say "this is all worth it"? Swarms are sooo cool, it's almost like you have total control and can just wave a magic wand to have them do your bidding! Of course nothing is further from the truth.

Scott

[Cindi]

Geoff, nice, I too love the way the swarm will move the entire bunch, walking steadily into their new home, it is an amazing sight, glad you got this done, pat yourself on the back.  Have a great, most awesome day, with that health.  Cindi

[Highlandsfreedom]

My wife got a swarm from the ground the same way.  I love that you guys are just startong your summer I will be living vicariousley through all you Aussies  Congrats on your catch.

Dave