Are these bees robbing? (video)

[LoriMNnice]

This is the deep I installed the nuc in, lots of bees on front and it looked like they were fighting and lots of bees flying around. Day before there was a big storm here and it is overcast today. Just wondering if these bees are robbing or is the hive just being active? I have a top entrance no bottom entrance.

Bees robbing? Is this robbing?

[tefer2]

can't tell much from your video, where is your entrance on the box? Robbers are always loud when robbing a hive, looking at every crack for a way to get in. There will be fighting at first, then they give up.

[LoriMNnice]

right corner as your looking at the yellow deep is where the entrance is, where the bees are on that corner its more of a crack then hole for them to go in and out its shimmed up a bit with a piece of shingle.

[AllenF]

I would say no to robbing by the video.

[tefer2]

 I agree with Allen, robbing is more like a feeding frenzy. Robber bees leave the hive heavy with booty and fly that way. Foragers from the hive leave light until they return. Robbers seem to have trouble gaining altitude with all that honey loading them down.

[hardwood]

Looks more like orientation flights to me.

Scott

[Kathyp]

the difference between orientation flight and robbing is organization.  in orientation flights you'll see bees doing as yours are, flying facing the hive and up and down.  as you watch, you'll see them go farther and farther from the hive.  when there is robbing there are masses in the air and chaos.  also lots of buzzing and they tend to be pretty pissy if you are close.

my observation is that most orientation flights for established hives take place in the PM.  usually around 2 or 3 here.   this is less true of a new hive (just captured swarm) which may begin orientation flights right away. 

[LoriMNnice]

Thanks all, I don't believe it is robbing, just wanted to make sure, it really wasn't chaotic just bees buzzing around etc. It was entertaining to watch though :) Does this mean there are new bees in the hive? I seen lots of bees coming back to hive with bright orange and yellow pollen in their leg baskets they were so full that their legs looked huge.