The "side to side swaying" is typically called Orientation Flights and is commonly seen in the early evening (this time of year probably around 4pm). This is just new forager bees orienting to the location of their hive so they can find their way back home. What you show in this video doesn't look like robbing to me. That large collection of bees after you plugged up the hive was most likely foragers coming back. It is hard to determine with 100% certainty what was going on as this is a short segment of bee activity and is out of context but my guess was you were seeing orientation flights.
Robbing bees are attracted by the smell of honey, so you might be able to notice them flying around the hive trying to get to the source of the sweet smell. While normal bees will just fly straight to their hive, robber bees will sway side to side before approaching the hive. You will also notice fighting at the hive entrance as the guard bees try to fend off the robbers.
Very helpful information. Thank you!
The "side to side swaying" is typically called Orientation Flights and is commonly seen in the early evening (this time of year probably around 4pm). This is just new forager bees orienting to the location of their hive so they can find their way back home. What you show in this video doesn't look like robbing to me. That large collection of bees after you plugged up the hive was most likely foragers coming back. It is hard to determine with 100% certainty what was going on as this is a short segment of bee activity and is out of context but my guess was you were seeing orientation flights.
Good video. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks! Lost several last year to robbing
Glad I could help!
How do you tell when there robbing ?
Robbing bees are attracted by the smell of honey, so you might be able to notice them flying around the hive trying to get to the source of the sweet smell. While normal bees will just fly straight to their hive, robber bees will sway side to side before approaching the hive. You will also notice fighting at the hive entrance as the guard bees try to fend off the robbers.
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orientation flights
yeah I agree that those are your foragers trying to get back home because you have blocked their entrance. the swaying is orientation flights.