>Are you implying that the CCD hive has in fact absconded to become a 'survivor' hive?
Not at all.
It is less common that 100.00% of the hives in a yard abscond
So there are some hives left.
But,  because of drifting,  there is some "contact" with the absconded hives
Or you may start your observations in the middle of the event

>What exactly are we supposed to be looking for?
Anything unusuall,  widespread in the bee population.
Something that you never have seen before
(this presumes some level of experience)
Let me recommend  again that a ramp test may be usefull

dave

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