Last Clean-up Before Session 6

Net lanes are clear! All systems go for us to begin Session 6 next Sunday. We spent a few hours clearing the remaining vegetation from around the net placements after the rangers mowed through the main lanes.

In other good news, the rangers were OK'd to release beetles which feed on the invasive air potato. So far, they are enjoying what they have found and it should reduce our cleaning efforts in the future. If you see any orange and black beetles, let them be.



Up toward Net 2 a neat looking wasp browsed the trail.



Still trying to ID it. UPDATE: Found the insect ID book and we are pretty sure it is a Horntail Wasp (Urocerus gigas) species. It is harmless and lays eggs in tree trunks and any other wooden structures.



Near Net 14, a Black and Yellow Argiope (sometimes called a Writing Spider) sits in wait for a meal.



We are all looking forward to the new session. Last year was very productive and migrants are already on the move.
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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 4th.
All nets will be opened by 6:15 A.M.