Last Spring I was working one hive, when I heard this really loud roar. I thought it was coming from down the road or something. But when I looked over at the next hive, I realized they were getting ready to swarm. I quickly closed up the hive I was inspecting and watched the entire swarming process from the very beginning. It was so unbelievable watching all these bees come pouring out of the hive so quickly and fill the air all around. The air felt very electric to me and I was silly with laughter. It was a very happy event.
I watched them come together on an oak tree just a few yards away from the hive and about 20 feet up. A very large swarm and I could not get to them. But I was watching and watching them and suddenly after about 1/2 hour, they all started to fly back into the hive.
I was so happy they came back, that I immediately split this hive which totally stopped the swarming impulse.
Good luck to you on getting your first swarm.
Watching it is wonderful as well.
Annette