Swarm of bees

[Kestrel]

Was planting some tomatoes in the polytunnel today when I became aware of a rising humming noise. Suddenly the air was filled with a mass of swirling bees. They hung over the plot for a while before slowly settling onto a branch in the hedge alongside my plot.

This might not be so unusual in some areas but my plot is in quite an urban location - or maybe that's actually better for them - no monoculture farms, plenty of different garden flowers. Any thoughts anyone?

Anyway, its not something I've seen before so I was transfixed watching them. They were still there when I left, about 3 hours later. Hope they stay there.

Kes

[Kestrel]

And I've got a rubbish phone, no decent camera... grr

[RedThorn]

Get hold of a local bee keepers association, they'll come and rescue the swarm. Or consider keeping your own bees

[CaroltheCarrot]

Lucky you,bees for free,as RT^ says get hold of your local association and they will help, or get a skep or large cardboard box, get yourself a hive and keep them yourself.
"A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon" as the saying goes
If you were a tad! nearer I would be down there like a shot

[RedThorn]

same here...

If you do decide you want to, I'll dig out a book I was reading the other day with useful tips on collecting a swarm and settling into a hive. But Hopefully Headfry or one of the other apiarists will be along shortly

[CaroltheCarrot]

I would get there before you RT!

[RedThorn]

Drat! no fair...

[veggiechicken]

But I might be there before both of you!!

[Ananke]

Hopefully they will hang around. I would love to keep bees, i'm going on a beekeeping course but as yet Glasgow city council will not allow us to keep a hive on site

[Florence Fennel]

We've had a problem two weeks running at the hospital where I work. Last Friday a swarm were outside our Outpatient Department, finally settling on some bushes nearby, which had to be cordoned off. They'd gone on Monday when I went to work, not sure how they were shifted. Yesterday, there was another swarm in a different part of the hospital grounds. Strange.

[veggiechicken]

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay;
A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon;
But a swarm in July is not worth a fly.
- Proverb
Just saying, that's all.

[Urban]

A swarm passed over our back garden last week when it was nice, I couldn't believe how loud it was, first time I can remember hearing one, so was like what the hell is that

[Hans Mum]

we have bees on our site, on the plot next to me and a couple of years ago they swarmed nearly every other day. quick call to the 'bee lady' and she came and collected them, it was absoultely fasinating to watch her collect them and she was brilliant at explaining what she was doing & why. Not sure why your council wont let you keep them have you asked why??

[Kestrel]

Thanks to all who have responded.

Several days later and the bees are still there. Have investigated possibly keeping them on our site (or nearby) but no-one I can find has the proper credentials and the council says it will not allow bees on a site in a residential area. Where are allotments if not in residential areas... So will call the beekeepers later today when I am up there. Will be sorry to see them go though.

[veggiechicken]

Could you keep them in your garden or on a balcony at home? See if the beekeepers can involve you in the swarm capture - its fascinating? Maybe find out where they're going afterwards?