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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

> Maybe 
> strange but they calmly cover my hand and one did the peck on the cheek 
> I have always received when encountering bees. What is that?

It's a warning, 'This is as close as you should be to us, don't intrude any 
further.'   Bees are moody and you have to read their moods.  Some days you 
can 
mess with the hive all you want with no suit and no smoke.  Some days no 
matter what you do, they are hell bent on driving you off.  Most times they 
recognize that you aren't a threat but if they feel uncomfortable they will 
ping you 
on the cheek or forehead to remind you to back off.

They don't want to use a stinger to drive you off unless absolutely necessary 
because once one bee stings you, the "smell" of the sting will provoke scores 
of bees to sting in the same place.

Also, they don't as yet have any brood to protect.  They will get testier 
when the queen begins to lay eggs, which will be very soon.