Dolichovespula maculata nest in the National Grove of State Trees: it turns out Bald-faced hornets are really a type of yellowjacket

Who knew? And Ohio should be very proud that they chose to make their nest in one of the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes look good this year. They seem to have finally turned some corner and have started to grow. I noticed they set a good amount of fruit this year. They are (the buckeyes) of course, good for throwing.

These guys have always frightened me. I used to see their paper nests in Cedar trees in China Valley. Here's the thing though, unlike the insects that we know more colloquially as yellow jackets, they will not sting you just for the fun of it. Nor will they crawl inside your soda can or beer can and sting your lip. And they're easy to identify and their nests are beautiful. Gotta take the bad with the good I guess.