The joys of learning how to manage hives. As a newbie to our beekeeping business, I was charged with watching the hives in our garden in readiness for possible swarming while Peter worked the apiaries. 

Well, you can safely say the amateur beekeeper here messed up, and there they are! Hanging around the Manchurian Pear tree. I must say it was a spectacular sight to see them take off when the bees did swarm. The decision-making, collective movement, and coordination of who stays, who goes, and where to perch before their final launch to their new hive was impressive. Fascinating.  

I learnt a lot from this swarm experience in our backyard. I find studying behaviours intriguing. Perhaps my mental notes will prepare me for better results next time.