@homeschoolmom@30pics4jackiesdiamond@izadarling@imnorman@shutterbug49@brigette a swarm is a force of nature, nothing to fear, i wear the bee suit for confidence when working with them, but i didnt have it on when i stood in the middle of them and took this photo. bees only sting if you accidently squash them or you are doing something they dont like near their hive, a swarm has no brood or stores to defend and they gorge themselves on honey before they go so they are extremely placid. from the time when you hear a loud buzzing and they all pour forth from the hive, they fly up in a big cloud and then congregate in the cluster on a branch is maybe 20 minutes. you shake the bunch into a cardboard box and as long as you have the queen they will all stay clinging together, we then pour them into a hive box and they make themselves at home. remarkable and fascinating creatures.
Kali, you are officially elevated to Bee Goddess status in my eyes! I had no idea! I just keep staring at this image and imagining myself in your shoes - WOW!
@brigette@juliedduncan@rachmack thanks, i used to be scared, but have been helping keep bees off and on for 30 years, read books, watch youtubes about beekeeping, still consider myself a novice!
you are awesome 🐝 🐝 🐝