Termite Hatch-outs

There were several termite hatch-outs in the park on Saturday. The temperature and humidity (high) were just right for the little swarmers.

The reproducing versions of the termite colony, commonly called swarmers, are the winged members of the colony most commonly seen in the spring on warm humid days. The entire purpose of the swarmer is to create a new colony.

The swarming termites provide a feast for hungry birds. Saturday's uptown hatch-outs were well-attended by hungry warblers but only one of them was in a good position for photography.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker in this photo couldn't eat them fast enough. He used is barbed tongue to spear multiple insects.