"Bearding"

 When the bees started forming clusters at the hive entrance after sundown Carol became quite interested in determining if this was 'normal' behavior.  And indeed it is.  At http://countryrubes.com/images/The_Phenomenon_of_Bee_Bearding2_8_17_10.pdf  I found a nice commentary on this "It’s the clustering or hanging of older bees out at the front of the hive during very hot weather. When bees do that it looks like the hive has a beard. This behaviour coincides with the onset of the hot humid days and nights (mid-June to August)...etc" - click on the link to read more.  Our 'bearding' seems to be very mild.