Carolyn

I was volunteering in Mt. Jefferson Park earlier today, and found them along the trail (just south of the Stewart Ave entrance). Underside of a grape vine, on a black cherry tree, and along the lower trunks of I think Eastern redcedar. They seemed to mostly be on the undersides of branches.

Can finally confirm: squishing spotted lanternfly eggs is extremely satisfying. Like popping bubble wrap, but with ecological benefit.

Kind of makes you wonder if this recommendation came from three dogs in a lab coat 😆

Molly once ate an entire ketchup packet. The vet suggested we give her four slices of bread to help her pass it. Best day of her life.

omg the size difference. 🥺

I would be sadder if it had been a songbird but I also think accipiters are really cool so 🤷‍♀️

Chipmunk! Well, ex-chipmunk now.

Aftermath:

Ok this is easily the most exciting thing I’ve caught on the bird bath cams, even more exciting than the hermit thrush.

Content warning: Circle of life!

As spouse I can confirm this is a “we can’t quit Bean Club!” situation.

Bath hog:

I’ve been enjoying my new bird bath cameras but immediately wishing I had forked over the cash to get some with higher resolution. Anyway here are three birds sharing nicely (they don’t always, sometimes the robins are total bath hogs).

Counterpoint: bsky.app/profile/wear...

Poor little guy. In addition to being very sick, the cone of shame means he also has to suffer the indignity of not being able to clean his nose off.

It pains me to report that they’re one of my eldest’s favorites. The social order is broken.

Hey! Don’t threaten us with a good time.

Awww poor thing. He’s lucky to have you though.

This is how curb cuts started. 👍

lol they do what? That’s hilarious.

Killin’ it!

Awww, bebe

The one in my office was buzzing around in one of the canister lights above my head and making a racket and I just decided to cede the territory. 😅

They can sting, it’s likely a she and not a he, and while they do form social nests I probably wouldn’t worry about it if this is the only one you’ve seen?

I would think mosts nests would be winding down for the winter anyway? Or maybe that’s just yellow jackets.

(I did totally abandon my office once when we had one in there)

My guess is a European hornet. So not likely to murder you, more likely to just act a bit superior.

Same, and then I made @yuda.org watch it while I watched his reaction.

I feel like the gradient itself would be hard

That leek tho 😍

Strong Charlie Brown adult speak vibes, but higher in pitch. I wonder what they were saying?

”i’d recommend he have a slightly damp paper towel on hand in case he gets metallic paint somewhere else he doesn’t want. while it’s still wet you can wipe it up.“