It is an incredible testament to nature these past few weeks that the group of wasps living outside my kitchen window has returned to the exact same spot they have nested at ever since we moved to this house. Last fall we waited until the last of the plants and insects were done thriving and got our house washed and painted. The house painters use all manner of chemicals – although supposedly we got the most chem free house wash one can get (which I was told would not hurt plants). Even with this power wash and a complete eradication of any vestiges of wasp-nest, the wasps have returned to build one in the same spot. Their powerful sense of smell has led them back to this spot.
Animals return or make their debut
It has been unseasonably cold – or at least colder than the last few springs – so many of the shade plants and most of the oak trees have yet to bloom. Also, we haven’t seen any butterflies or hummingbirds yet. However, the bird-feeder visits in general are constant right now – and this week I saw my first American goldfinch at our feeder (common but not something I’d seen in our yard before). After our owl visit this February, G bought an “owl house” and we are thrilled that an actual owl has moved into it – “who” knows if it’s the same one. Not sure we’ll try a picture, as it’s not nice to startle them. Adding to the check list of new visitors: G did his best Sesame Street “The Count” imitation with a bat behind the house one night, I think he thought he was in Costa Rica for a moment. And I finally discovered what is using a huge hole in our yard – we have a resident groundhog.
It will be interesting to see what other fauna we find in our yard this spring and summer. With just a few more critters I think I can start charging admission.
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