Hornets in the bird box

[Geoff F]

Tried photographing hornets coming and going from their nest in an old bird box.





I was shooting from about 6 ft away, which I considered to be a safe distance, and underneath some foliage for a disguise. But the hornets move so fast. First a face appears at the nest entrance then in a blurred moment they are flying away. Shot about 30 images but most were rejects.

The box is on a wildlife reserve where I regularly record and photograph insects. Two years ago a very large hornet colony took over this box and did quite a bit of damage to the box. After they eventually moved out at the end of the year I did a bit of repair work and moved the box to a different but nearby location. Last year a smaller hornet colony nested in the box, so at the end of the year I cleared out their old nest.

This spring, a pair of Blue Tits successfully raised a brood in the box despite the damaged state, you can just make out the old bird entrance hole. Then when the Blue Tits finished the hornets returned to start their nest. So the old box is creating a home for two completely different species in the same year. That sounds like good value doesn't it.

[NorthernFocus]

I'd say the box is triple value. It's keeping you busy as well.

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[PRSearls]

Very nice images. I always want a LONG lens when photographing aggressive, stinging insects and snakes ( I haven't seen very many of the latter around here... wrong habitat, I guess). We had several hornet nests around our home for a few years but are all gone now. No one got stung fortunately.

[John 2]

You managed some good images under difficult circumstances one way or the other Geoff. We have the same problem with Tree Bumblebees. They are immediately aggressive and have inhabited one of our bird boxes every year for the last three years. It has meant that the Blue Tits that were a permanent fixture, haven't nested in the garden for some time. Winter project is to make some more boxes so that there is enough for everyone.

[James G]

Nice captures Geoff... and I know how difficult it is trying to anticipate when they are going to 'appear'. I keep trying similar shots with bee's emerging from bell type flowers and have failed utterly so far

I havn't seen any hornets at all this year, though they are not prolific around here. I've been cautious on the odd occasion I've encountered a nest since I understand they defend it aggressively. I've not been too concerned though with getting close to solitary hunters, but they do seem to fly quite high most of the time.

[IzzieK]

Nice set, Geoff...I have quite a few bird boxes that is decorating my formal dining room that I meant to bring out but I do not know where to put it without the chipmunks and squirrels getting into it too. With your comment it feels like when there is a bird or another occupant, no other critters disturbs it. I have to do more research...and more bird boxes if possible to accomplish my goal.

[Wavelength]

Well done

[Rainforest]

Nice shots and detail Geoff. In addition the nest/box is a gorgeous background.

[DanK]

Good captures. the second is particularly clear.

Interesting comment about tree bumblebees, as the species of bumblebees we have around here are generally very docile. It seems that they aren't found on this side of the pond. There is an interesting page on them in the Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/environm...tree-bumblebee.

[Geoff F]

Thanks for the comments.

Yes a lot of bees, wasps and various other quickly moving subjects always tend to move faster than I can focus. Hornets, I find are less of a problem than wasps. If you get too close to a nest a couple of hornets will give you a bit of a buzz to warn you off but are reluctant to actually sting.

The Tree Bumblebees have been gradually appearing around here but are still generally uncommon although they are frequently found in some other areas. I have yet to find any using a bird box.