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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the years I have posted my observations of local bees, a topic not entirely ExI related, but my friends and colleagues have been most indulgent of this folly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Starting about 10 yrs ago, I noticed what appeared to be signs of bee distress everywhere I looked. Now for reasons equally hard to explain, I am seeing signs of robust recovery everywhere. I am not seeing dead or dying bees on the sidewalks and roads, I do not see signs of listless inactivity on the hive surfaces, my own blossoms are buzzing as loudly (if not moreso) than before a decade ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About two months ago, I was at the local miniature golf park when a most vigorous swarm passed through. Knowing that swarming bees will not sting, I positioned myself in the middle of a bee tornado, attempting to take a photo of an interesting phenomenon, as other patrons tossed their clubs and fled in ignorant terror.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yesterday I saw another swarm, again looking around for a place to start a new hive. It is unusual to see a bee swarm in the wild as often as every five years. I see two in this year alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As far as I know, there were no major overhauls in pesticide use in California or Santa Clara County, but I do recognize the possibility that such a change occurred. Information to the contrary is welcomed, here or offlist. If there was such a change in the last coupla years, this could be a big finding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Congratulations on the apparent recovery to our bee friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>spike<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>