I first found and photographed this Aerial Yellowjacket nest in August, high in the Wasatch Mountains. Now that the leaves have fallen, I can see it better.

Aerial Yellowjacket nest in autumn, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahAerial Yellowjacket nest in autumn – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500,  -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

According to my research, there are at least five different species of yellowjackets in Utah. The most commonly found is the Western Yellowjacket. Yellowjackets can build their nests in holes in the ground or enclosed aerial paper nests similar to those of baldfaced hornets. They are most active and aggressive in late summer when colony populations peak.

Aerial Yellowjackets are in the Genus Dolichovespula. The species that most likely created this papery nest is the Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria), which is abundant in Utah.

Bald-faced Hornets also build nests like this one. Not to stir up a hornet’s nest, but I can confidently say that this nest was created by yellowjackets. I saw and photographed the yellowjackets at this nest in August.

No matter where I am, what the habitat is, or the weather conditions, I can always find something in nature to photograph and write about. Two days ago in the mountains, I had birds, insects, autumn colors, and gorgeous views.

Speaking of views, I wanted to share a compilation of cell phone images I took while heading up to the summit of a pass on my way home. My cell phone creates video stories of my activities and this is how this video came to be.

I hope you enjoy the mountain scenery!

The views were incredible and the fall colors were wonderful to see. I had a lovely, very relaxing, trip into the mountains and saw some pretty interesting bird behavior that I will write about later.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos.