> I run into people who point out colonies that have existed for many years 
> in trees. If they did, they would be the holy grail that we search for, 
> but they never are. After more detailed questioning, it usually turns out 
> that there were years when there were no bees in the tree.

<etc.>

Seems our group is divided into two, some who think wish that feral bees are 
the answer to everything--a mystique as one writer put it, and others who 
insist there are no feral bees.

I personally fall between and suggest that each position might be correct or 
incorrect for some specific region.  Each person typically decides from his 
or her own, necessarily limited experience and imagination, but that this is 
a huge continent, and it is possible that both are right, in specific 
instances.

Where it all goes wrong and debate lets us down is when categorical 
statements are made, one way or the other.  Some large regions are wilder 
and friendlier to bees than others, and those living near such places may 
see things that might not occur in a heavily farmed and treeless region.

Personally, to me it is obvious that all ferals must be escaped bees, but 
that the extent, in terms of time and distance, and degree of their 
independent existence is the real subject of interest--and of question.  I 
suspect there is not just one answer.

allen 

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