I have two side by side hives that are fairly strong and have been on a
pretty good nectar flow for a couple of weeks or more.
The drones- yesterday afternoon when I did a walkby I noticed some
drones in the short grass in front of the hives(had just mowed earlier).
  Closer check showed approx 2 dozen drones on the ground, apparently
unable or not inclined to fly.  There were also a few drones on the
landings.  Today same story, just not so many.  To my knowledge neither
hive has swarmed(yet).  I know that drones get cut short in late fall,
but now??  Possibly mites??  There were no worker bees on the ground
except a couple that were tugging on drones.
tia
Gene in west central Arkansas

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