[DrakeJ]

I have had two swarms occur so far from my first bee colony and both swarm flights were preceded by a mass flight(a few days before actual swarm flight) of bee that I thought were swarms happening but watched all bees return to hive. Is this pre-flight typical?

 

[GregB]

I have had two swarms occur so far from my first bee colony and both swarm flights were preceded by a mass flight(a few days before actual swarm flight) of bee that I thought were swarms happening but watched all bees return to hive. Is this pre-flight typical?

It is common enough to give you a good clue so you can take measures.