Randy Flaming
> noticed a phenomenon occasionally where my bees will
> exit the hive in very large numbers and then circle the
> hive rather noisily for 15-30 minutes and then al
>l re-enter the hive.

These are "play flights", made by young bees that are nearing the forage
stage in the division of labor.  The bees are "programming" the location of
the hive in their bee brains.  The bees will make ever increasing circles
around the hive, learning its location in relation to the surrounding
landmarks.

Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!

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