Elkton, OR, USA - May 31, 2024 [Note: no sound] A swarm of honey bees clings to the branch of a tree along the Umpqua River near Elkton in southwestern Oregon. Bees swarm as a natural part of their reproductive cycle. Swarming allows the bee population to expand and also helps in the natural dispersal of bees, which is crucial for the species survival and genetic diversity.