The bald-faced hornet (D. maculata) belongs to the wasp family and is known for its elaborate hanging paper nests.

We noticed the beginnings of a bald-faced hornet’s nest on the ceiling of the front porch in mid-June.

I wasn’t sure what it was when I first saw it, but then I noticed the insect activity.

John grabbed his camera, stepped outside and took this photo that shows the inside of the nest, complete with several hornets and the first batch of eggs.

These wasps are common in the Rocky Mountain region, but this is the first time I’d spotted one of their nests so close to mine.

I’m more familiar with the nests of western paper wasps because I often find them hanging inside the eves of the playhouse I have in my garden.