Bee people, what is going on?

[Moabite]

I've been seeing lots of bees in my yard. I think they are from the hives down the street. My friend came over and said she smelled honey (?) and that got me looking around for a hive but it seems they are attracted to the sawdust. Anyone know what might be going on?

 

[SamG347]

Do you have any big trees nearby with what look like hollow spaces or large holes in them near the middle of top of tree? Sounds like you could have a colony in a tree...but could be someones bees from down the road that you don't really know about. Bees will travel 6-7 miles from the hive for pollen/nectar. Also are the wood shavings wet?...bees also love to chew on wood that's why wooden supers or hive bodies made of rough cut wood are some of the bees favorites.

 

[Moabite]

Thanks for the reply.
I just read that bees are attracted to the fungus that live in old or damp wood. I've been bucking up and spitting aspen, pinion, mulberry, russian olive, and elm.

I don't think the trees I have are suitable, but maybe I'm lucky. I'm not ready to be a beekeeper yet, but if they want to settle in, they are welcome.