Got two strong colonies; one I have just convinced not to supercede. Both were installed from nucs about 5 weeks ago and are already drawing comb in a super.
There sure seem to be a bunch hanging out on the entrance. I wouldn't call it bearding, exactly. But it is alarming to see so many bees, especially nearing dusk, outside the hive. I checked them out last night near the end of dusk, and one of the hives sounded like an airplane engine. They weren't defensive. Just REALLY loud. The queen is right, though it was too dark to see any eggs. Plenty of capped brood, though. I saw one uncapped Q cell close to the bottom, but only one.
I really want to grow my apiary, so I fight the temptation daily to split this hive. But they are just starting to work that super and the deep box is jammed full.
Is this normal evening agitation at being disturbed, or is this an eminent swarm?