To All: I am an amateur, first year beekeeper in upstate NY and would like know if anyone can provide some insight to the following: We have only three hives, two of which appear to be fairly strong, and a third that is fiercely strong, so much that there are huge clumps or piles of bees on the front face of the bottom hive body, all just hanging on to one another. Lately the quantities of bees have been so great that they are not only covering the face of the hive body, but also bunching up around the corners of the hive body where hive bodies 1 and 2 meet. I suspect they are considering a swarm (please don't say it isn't so; it's their first year here). ANY input would be greatly appreciated. Currently there are the 2 hive bodies, 1 shallow, and 2 deep supers that consitute the hive at this time. I'm thinking that they have plenty of space, but space may not be the issue?? Any reflections are appreciated... A little sidebar - I really appreciate this listserver. I have been reading everyone's throughput during the past week (I'm a newcomer), and it is really helping me decide on a possible career change, especially knowing the demand for pollinators. I grew up on a large scale fruit and vegetable farm in the Syracuse area where we needed many hives for the pollination of cucurbits, and not until recently, strawberries. I have begun to realize how vital beekeeping truly is to food and fiber production. I admire all of you, and I thank you immensely for your contributions. Regards, Jamie R. Banuski 205 Arnold Road Burlington Flats, NY 13315 607-965-8562 <[log in to unmask]> _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.