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View Full Version : Interesting Find this Summer........



CathyA
11-9-13, 9:35am
On one of our many golf cart rides through our property this summer, we found this nest. It was only a few feet from our trail, but had been pretty much totally obscured by leaves. Now that the leaves are all gone, we can really see it well.
It's the paper nest that Bald-faced hornets make. Its huge. They are a type of yellow jacket and I've heard they are quite vicious. We kept our distance. I've read that they all die in the Fall, except for the fertilized queen, who over-winters in the ground or under a log. She lays several different kinds of "babies" in the spring.....some workers, some drones, some queens......and they start the process all over, making a new paper nest. It was a really neat find for us!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f129/Catherine50/IMG_2497_zps1279ca0a.jpg

Gardenarian
11-9-13, 1:13pm
That's beautiful! About how tall is it?

CathyA
11-9-13, 3:36pm
I need to measure it. I'm guessing around 14" tall and about 12" across. But I'll measure it the next time I go out.

CathyA
11-9-13, 5:23pm
Okay Gardenarian........Just got back in from measuring it. I guessed too small. Its 22" tall and 15" across! There's a big hole in the back and I think I see a mouse nest?!? Can't see any other reason for soft/fluffy stuff to be in there. Those boogers.......they'll nest anywhere. haha

Tussiemussies
11-9-13, 6:25pm
So beautiful, and nice to be able to see something like that pretty close!!! Nature is amazing!

Gardenarian
11-10-13, 1:39pm
Humongously cool!