The First Swarm

One morning I noticed something unusual in one of our water buckets.

A small swarm of honey bees had gathered nearby.

I never found out exactly when they arrived, but they seemed to have discovered what every traveler in the Mojave eventually needs—water. In a place where summer temperatures climb well over 100°F, even a simple bucket can become an important stop. They weren't interested in us. They simply rested together in the shade, sending scouts out to explore while others returned carrying news of possible new homes. They stayed close to our water source for more than a week. The swarm wasn't especially large, about the size of a papaya, but it was fascinating to watch. They were surprisingly calm, and I found myself checking on them throughout the day. It was my first time spending so much time with a swarm of honey bees.

For the next several days they never stayed completely still. Scouts came and went while the cluster slowly shifted and reshaped itself throughout the day.

At the time, I thought they would simply move on in a few days. I had no idea they were about to become one of the most memorable parts of our summer.

A Closer Look

Watch closely—you can spot the queen walking across the surface of the swarm.