Can anyone say anything about the location of a queen within the body of a 
resting swarm? For instance, when on a branch, would the queen likely be 
on the branch itself or somewhere within the mass of bees hanging from the 
branch?  Knowing this information could simplify swarm retrieval. 
Normally, I often position a hive body (or other box, basket, net, etc.) 
under the swarm and sharply jerk a cord that was thrown over the branch. 
Most of the bees drop off with the first shake (50-90% depending on the 
shape of the cluster, and how many smaller branches/twigs they cover). If 
the queen was in the center of the hanging cluster, it is likely that she 
dropped into the box, and the bees remaining on the branch will soon join 
her. However, if the queen tends to be on or close to the trunk of the 
branch, she is likely left behind, and leaving the captured bees in an 
open box will result in them flying back to the branch.

Dick

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