> As to the science behind this large number of swarms: opinion is divided 
> between the extensive canola on KI this season, or the country-wide 
> drought-breaking rains over Winter (June-August).

Sounds like too few supers put on too late.   At times, there are large 
hatches of brood that can result in populations doubling in a matter of days 
resulting in crowding.  If there is not enough space supplied *in advance*, 
confinement during days of rain exacerbates the crowding problem since field 
bees are temporarily unemployed and activity slows throughout the hive.

Those of us who see lots of canola and make large crops typically put on *at 
least* three deep supers quite early, before the bees actually appear to 
need them and seldom see more the occasional swarms.

Bees need lots of empty comb until the end of the swarming season and if 
they don't get it, they leave.  After swarming season is over, the bees can 
be crowded a bit to finish the supers.

Beekeepers who are not used to heavy flows usually super very conservatively 
and when faced with a potential huge crop often underestimate the need, and 
put on too few supers too late -- and get swarms and reduced crops. 

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm