What is it They Say about a Hornets Nest ?

As I was eating my lunch out back on the deck I noticed the gourd shaped bird house had fallen in the wind. Upon closer inspection I saw it was broken and I remembered the horents nest in it. I do realize this type of event  only makes for some very upset hornets, I also knew they would be preoccupied. So I got the camera. I moved very slowly and didn't touch anything. I have to admit the pictures aren't perfect but they came out well enough.

Here is the fallen bird house that the hornets mistook for a hornets nest.

A closer shot of the action.

I didn't seem to bother them in at all.

If your looking closely at the nests holes you will spot some unborn hornets in them.

They just went around doing their own thing, as I snapped more photos.

I saw only one sealed cubicle for an undeveloped larva ( see the white cap on nest ), so maybe it wasn't too bad of a loss for them.

As I finish taking pictures William says, " Is a sting the same as a scratch? "

I answer," What? "

He reminds me I'm not suppose to get any scratches on my leg because of my surgery next Tuesday.

I say, " Oops!" Boy am I forgetful.

All photos taken Olympus C-2500L most in macro

on September 5th 2008

in Ellenburg, Kittitas, Washington State

by Vivian E Pattee