I saw these while out walking, so went home and got the camera (and then spent ages looking for them as the trees all looked the same)
Were they building a hive - or just resting ?
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jim
It's a swarm of honey bees, what they're doing is waiting for the swarm's scouts to locate a new home for a hive. When scouts find something suitable, they'll return and do their dance to tell others the locations. Somehow, the swarm decides which one is best and they all fly off and start building their new home. This swarming period should only last a few hours or a day.
Somewhere in the middle of that swarm is the queen. During this time, the bees don't eat so finding a new place quickly is critical. Since there is no young or food to protect, a swarm is not as frightening as it looks - just don't threaten the queen.
Bees have the ability to remember human faces - - be nice to them.
As I'm sure that you already know... it’s best to never make any fast swatting movements in their presence.
On a side note…
Many years ago my 15 year old nephew and his buddy accidentally hit a wasp’s nest with a weed wacker in my backyard, the wasps chased them for around five city blocks until they took refuge in the post office. The postmaster couldn't stop laughing. lol
Thanks lehill. Luckily they were high up a tree to catch the sum, and avoid passing / interfering humans. I saw them about 9, filmed them about 11, and when I went back in the afternoon to try again they had moved on, so hopefully the scouts did a good job
bees are nice and pretty amicable, wasps ... well they also make nice pics
scary story, funny to others once they're safe :)
