Got back from the East Coast today and was in my office, where I can see San Queens out the window. I noticed a blue jay we call Blue Max hanging out on the fence by the hive as if he was expecting something. I've seen him doing that before and wondered, but never saw why.
I keep a pair of binoculars by the window to watch the action on the landingboard. I started checking out the hive entrance because I wasn't seeing any pollen going in. I noticed an odd uniform line of bees ABOVE the entrance and looking down toward it. I had just thought, "Are they bigger than the others? Are they drones who are trying to get back in?" when I saw a flash of blue across the lens.
This is what I think is going on. Nectar flow is finally done and they're kicking the drones out. Blue Max has caught on to this action, knows the drones don't sting, and is eating his fill of the big boys. I'll check it out some more tomorrow.
I have to get a camera.
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