Sign of a swarm?

[B&N Bees]

I could not find a "quick" answer searching the forums so I'll ask....

I stopped by our hives today and noticed a rather excessive number of bees flying in a sort of "cloud" around the landing board similar to what I have seen occur at times when inspecting the hive only I have not been in the hives for several days. This hive has two deep hive bodies, one medium and one shallow honey super.

Any idea what these gals are up to? Should I break open the hive and check for swarm cells, etc.?

Chris

[The Worker]

Just after a spell of bad weather comes to an end I see something like this outside most hives around midday.

As a newbee myself I asked similar question hereabouts and was told this is most likely "orientation flight" by bees preparing to graduate to foraging.

[clintonbemrose]

This sounds like new bees taking their orientation flight. They fly in ever increasing circles around the front of the hive facing the hive to mark in memory all the landmarks so they can find the hive again. This is a normal occurance and most beekeepers are happy to see this as it tends to show a well functioning hive.
Clint

[Michael Bush]

If it's temporary (lasts a hour or two but not all day) then I'd say it's an orientation flight. Especially if the bees seem calm and there is no fighting. If you see wrestling on the landing board, then it could be robbing.

[Oyster]

If the bees are hovering in front of the hive entrance and are all facing the hive, and the noise level is high, it is probably robbing that is taking place. That's what happened to one of my hives last weekend. I immediately reduced the size of the entrance, and within ten minutes, the bees disappeared.