On Mon, 26 Sep 1994, Jerry J Bromenshenk wrote:
 
> As regards the comments that hives can be moved about a yard within 24
> hours, not true.  A few years ago I had some observation hives that flew
> out a window and dive-bombed the nearby tennis court.  No real problem,
> the bees were just getting their bearings, but I got complaints.  So, I
> took the observation hives out of the east window on the second floor,
> moved them several miles away for 2 weeks, then brought them back to the
> original building and placed them in a 3rd story, west facing window.
>
> Well, by noon there were several hundred foragers outside the east
> window, trying to get in where the hives had been 2 weeks before.
 
That's really interesting and shows that, as Pooh says, "You never can
tell about bees!".  I appreciate the feedback and observations.
 
I wonder what your observation shows, though.  Does it show that the bees
would stay there overnight and die and never find their hive, or does it
show that they have a long term memory for interesting/significant places?
 
I beg to argue the latter.  This is also borne out by the fact that bait
hives usually do not work if placed in a yard just before a swarm issues.
They must be in place for some considerable time in advance and preferably
have been robbed out a bit by the hive that swarms.
 
We do know that bees will continue to visit locations that have proven
interesting in the past.  I think it is well documented. You spoke of
'foragers', not lost bees.  There are known to be scouts which often are
found in areas that do not appear to be economically attractive at the
moment.  Exactly why bees choose to examine particular things is not
always apparent to us.  Perhaps these bees serve the same function in the
hive as artists, philosophers, poets, and prophets in our societies?
 
My statement indicated that the bees would be able to find their new home
again and not be stranded under the described circumstances.  I don't
believe I ever said 24 hours tho'.  Less than 48 in some circumstances was
what I was saying.  I didn't suggest that they wouldn't exhibit graet
interest in their former home.
 
Bees will vary quite widely in their behavior depending on the
circumstances.  Interpreting the significance of their actions is the real
challenge and delight.  Even after all these years of intensive work with
bees I am still learning how best to co-operate with them to our mutual
advantage.
 
Honeybees as we know them are variable in their genetics and each hive
has a unique history which determines how it will respond to a stimulus.
They often can surprise us and fail to behave as predicted by our rules.
 
Again, thanks for the comment.  I hope I answered satisfactorily.
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper Rural Route One, Swalwell,  Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Phone/Fax: 403 546 2588      Email: [log in to unmask]