Comments on: Blackberry Surprise Revisited

By: Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:05:19 +0000

I’ve had the same experience of wandering through my well-known territory and then realizing that something is amiss. Isn’t it a strange feeling? I’m sorry that you won’t be able to study an intact wasp nest over the winter. That would have been lovely. I wonder if it also could have been a raccoon or skunk? I know they can be pretty brutal when they want something and wasp larvae might have been on the menu that night.

Hi Cindy,
We do have raccoons and skunks around here so that could be a possiblity. We are disappointed that is for sure. At least I have some pretty neat pictures from when it was intact. It has been quite the summer for us in the garden this year! -Cynthia

By: Nancy Bond

Nancy Bond — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:14:43 +0000

That is a mystery, but I’m glad you didn’t get stung!

I’m glad too Nancy! That was too close of a call I would say! -Cynthia

By: Barbarapc

Barbarapc — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:22:01 +0000

I’m facinated to know what and why they were interested in the nest – I like the bear theory – going for the blackberries (had some Oregon berries earlier this week btw!) – attacked by the wasps and did a quick swat and retreat. We had a giant nest in a pine tree – it fell over the winter with all the snow and wet – they are really cool to look at. I have found several nests very close by (5 in one block) – perhaps you’ll find another for your son?

Hi Barbarapc,
It is interesting to think what might have happened to them. I would not rule out the fox seeing how it LOVES my yard this year. It has been known to dig up the compost which is riddled with worms. I was thinking maybe it wanted to eat the wasp larvae?? What ever the case may be the nest was really torn apart. -Cynthia