This was in a plum tree in the orchard when I arrived at the apiary this morning. Swarming is the way honey bee colonies reproduce. When the colony decides it is ready to swarm, the Queen along with around 2/3 of the colony, will leave the hive and bivouac nearby. The bivouac acts like a council meeting – although much more efficient. Scout bees have already been assessing possible new accommodation and it is here that they present their individual cases. The bivouac debates these findings and once a decision is made, they depart to the new residence. Pretty amazing!!!
