The Daily Bucket is a place where we post and exchange our observations about what is happening in the natural world in our neighborhood. Each note about the bugs, buds, and birds around us is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns of nature that are quietly unwinding around us.
The Invaders
This didn't happen in my back yard, afaik, though the guys pictured look not unlike miniatures of certain other bugs that I have seen. The whole diary is based on
This article. Specifically, they are reminiscent of Box Elder bugs and others of that ilk, but are only 1/4 inch long.
See the picture in the article
More below the orange frass:
Elm seed bugs, new to this country, have been found in Southwestern Idaho. They come from South-Central Europe and allegedly are not a threat to elm seeds. In fact, according to U.S. Ag. Dept. officials, they do not pose a threat to anything except out tranquility.
They allegedly invade peoples' houses and swarm. According to the article cited:
The quarter-inch pests, which feed on elm tree seeds and resemble tiny, brown cockroaches with triangular back markings, do not pose a public health risk, officials said. But the bugs can have an unpleasant odor, "especially when crushed," said Pamela Juker, a spokeswoman for the Idaho Agriculture Department.
.
(I can't help but find it curious that we're so sure that they won't disrupt the environment other than to be household pests, given our track record on such matters, but the pros have spoken, FWIW.)
So, keep an eye peeled and act accordingly.
Local News
Locally, in Castro Valley and Hayward, CA, we're still getting assorted bird fledges, mostly House Finches.
Your Turn
Meanwhile, what are you seeing? Please tell us what plants, blooms, bugs, birds and other natural phenomena you are noticing in your area, and, of course, where your area is. Thanks.
I'll be out most of the morning (Pacific time), but I will get to this to rec and reply at some point.