Yellow Jackets are not a fashion statement

The Yellow Jackets are now rebuilding their nest.  

This morning the dog and I walked in the rain again.  The temperature was in the low 70's and the humidity was 100% as it was raining.  The rain was not the result of thunder storms so I took an umbrella with me. It is tricky using an umbrella in a thunder storm because of the wind.  We had a very enjoyable walk in the cool morning air listening to the rain fall on the umbrella. I took a photo of a Yellow Jacket nest located on a very secluded part of the dirt road.  It appears someone came upon it and did not like being surprised by the hornets so they tried to dig them out with a shovel.  Their nest is in an old tree stump on an embankment and has been there for several years so it will be hard to dig them out.  They are currently rebuilding the exterior that was damaged.   The Yellow Jackets are harmless if not provoked.  I walk by them and get within a foot or two of their nest to take photos and video regularly.  If you see a nest in your area and it is away from people you should leave it alone.  The Yellow Jacket is a predator for some undesirable insects and caterpillars which they keep in check by stinging and carrying back to the nest.  Don't throw anything at the nest because they have the ability to tag and track an intruder for a good distance.  They are interesting to look at but be careful because their sting is very painful.