An ant .... hole?

Grandma told us about these funny hole out under the pine tree by the pool.

What was strange is that these ants do not have hills just holes. Are they living under the pine tree for a specific reason?

Our research has not been very successful in pinpointing exactly what kind of ant this is. However we did come across some interesting facts about ants in general:

It is estimated that there are about 20,000 different species of ants. For this reason ants have been called Earth's most successful species. Ants build many different types of homes. Many ants build simple little mounds out of dirt or sand. Other ants use small sticks mixed with dirt and sand to make a stronger mound that offers protection from rain. Western Harvester ants make a small mound on top, but then tunnel up to 15 feet straight down to hibernate during winter. Ant mounds consist of many chambers connected by tunnels. Different chambers are used for nurseries, food storage, and resting places for the worker ants. Some ants live in wood like termites. Army ants don't make a home at all but travel in large groups searching for food

What's sappenin' with this tree?

We spotted this funny stuff coming out of this willow tree in our grandparent's backyard. At first Sister Agent #1 thought it was honey. Sister Agent #2 thought it was sap. Looks like Sister Agent #2 was correct. However - we still don't know why its coming out of the tree.

The sap is gooey and sticky but looks cool! The only research we came up with is something might be wrong with the tree - some sort of pest infestation. Uh oh Poppy you better do something about the willow tree!!!!

What is this crazy lookin' bean?

Our first backyard mystery to solve is about this funny looking bean that grows off a vine by our grandparent's pool.

When you open it up it has these seeds in it. It was also wet and sticky on the inside. The question we have is - if you plant the seed will it grow? We know it's part of a Wisteria Vine. We have done a little research and found that these seed pods will help to grow a new vine, however, they are poisonous!! Good thing we didn't eat them!!!!