Why we love termites

In the park yesterday [5/8/09] photographer Murray Head came upon a much-awaited annual event: a termite hatch-out. His three photos, below, capture some of the excitement:



Photographer David Speiser was there too -- the hatch-outs were happening throughout the park --and sent in the two dramatic photos below:

See more of David's pix at http://www.lilibirds.com


To give you an idea of what happens when a hatch-out occurs, [and why birdwatchers love termites], here's a report from e-birds yesterday by J. O'Brien:

An irruption of termites brought out a large crowd at the Blockhouse, including:
12 catbirds
2 robins
3 wood thrushes
2 scarlet tanagers
1 chestnut-sided warbler
3 magnolia warblers
2 redstarts
2 black-and-white warblers
1 female yellow-rumped warbler
2 male common yellowthroats
1 black-throated green warbler
2 black-throated blue warblers
a flycatcher of sorts (probably least)
Baltimore Oriole
2 parula warblers
and a gorgeous blue winged warbler !