Is there any difference in the flight of a loaded bee and one traveling empty?

FLIGHT OF A BEE

According to the late Dr. Q. R. Park of Lowa State University, the average speed of flight of a loaded bee is 15 miles per hour, while the average speed of flight of an empty bee averages 12.5 miles per hour. This suggests the possibility that a bee on her outward journey may not in all cases make a so-called “bee line” for the source of supply, but may sometimes do scouting on the way.

The only case in which the outgoing bee made better time than the incoming bee was when flying directly against the wind. It appeared that, when going with the wind, the bee showed a tendency to slacken her own efforts; whereas, when traveling against the wind, she increased them in an attempt to overcome the wind’s retarding influence.