Armadillo in Richmond County, Georgia
Armadillos are new to our area of Georgia. Growing up in east central Georgia, we thought Armadillos were in Texas. In recent years we knew of them in Florida, but now we see their signs everywhere. Their infamy as roadkill is just the first sign. The favorite food of these creatures grubs and worms. They dig feverishly and persistently for their meals. Their presence becomes obvious with diggings throughout woodlands. They are considered a garden pest since they are prone to dig up garden in search of their food. The full name of these animals is the nine banded Armadillo, named after the nine vertical plates that make up their armor.
Cedar Waxwing
Every year at this time in east central Georgia we see the influx of Robins and Cedar Waxwings. They come to eat the fruit of the Sugarberry trees. They congregate in large numbers around our rivers and streams waiting for the soon to be coming fruit. It is the first sign that spring is around the corner. It has been so cold and wet this year that even the birds seem ready for winter to be over.
- Robin
These birds will stay until all the sugarberries are gone and shortly thereafter the birds will go with them.
Hornet's Nest
We have all heard the expression “Don’t stir up a hornets nest!” There are good reasons. Hornet’s Nests are found throughout our region of Georgia and South Carolina. They may may seem harmless enough at a distance but they can swarm in an attack on those that would disturb them. Many a woodland visitor has been intrigued by the football shaped growth in trees and been prompted to further investigation by throwing rocks or sticks at the home of this ferocious insect. If they are lucky they have stumbled on an abandoned nest but more likely they will be greeted by a swarm of these stinging insects. Prudence dictates leaving these creatures in peace.
Hornets building their Nest
Closeup of a Hornet
Quite often I see the somewhat ominous looking “Cow Killer” ant. The name inspires dread and indeed these insects look like they could pack a serious sting. In actuality they are not an ant but rather a type of wingless wasp. And yes, they do have a nasty sting, but I question whether they have ever killed so much as a rabbit.
Sometimes these insects are called Velvet Ants for the velvet texture of the red on their exoskeleton. These wasp can be found scurrying along the ground at a frenetic pace and quite oblivious to your presence.
Picking up or trying to handle these insects may give you a reminder that wasps can sting.
