How do you know that they are not squash bug eggs? Here are some more pictures links for squash bug eggs. Some of the pics are brown for the squash bug eggs, but I have interupted a squash bug on my zucchini plants while laying their eggs, and the eggs were yellow to orange in color. When they are first laid, they are yellow orange and only turn the dark red-brown as they get closer to hatching. One difference that I have noted is that the ladybug eggs are usuallyupright, while the others are laying sideways (I don't know if this is always true, just an observation) www.vegedge.umn.edu/IMG/cucurbits/SqBadbig.jpg and www.mobot.org/.../images/Pests/Pest298.jpg Good luck deciding to keep or kill....the ladybugs would be very beneficial, but if they are squashbugs, they could do damage, plus make the problem worse for next year since there would be more overwintering bugs.

WOW! I was expecting maybe one response by this evening but WOW! And it looks like the winner is..... Rust! It's no wonder I couldn't find it while searching Google, MSN, AOL, ASK, etc. I was searching for 'eggs'. lol Sure could have fooled me...these bright orange things look like what an insect egg should look like, albeit very colorful. lol As I said in my OP, all these years with a few rose bushes/trees and never a problem, now this rust. You'd have thought one of my own human children had a gash or something the way I panicked when seeing these bright orange things! LOL But from the links, I did some more searching and figure it was all the rain we've had. All of you....Thank you sooooo much! Amity Here's my girl in a healthier state. Dec. 2007

You can buy rolls of brown kraft paper made for wrapping trees. There are also white plastic spirals available for the same purpose. Thinned white latex paint also works to reflect winter sun. For the first two methods, it's best to wait until after several hard frosts before applying - this helps prevent any insect from taking up residence under the protective layer. The paint can be applied earlier or also just before deep cold sets in. Keep it out of the existing wound, though. Whatever method used, protect the bark from ground level to the lowest branches. It has traditionally been advised that the paper or plastic should be removed once the worst of cold weather is past, but many people don't. The paint washes off eventually by itself, but may be a bit unsightly until it does. You can also erect a burlap screen on the southwest side that doesn't actually touch the tree at all. For just a few trees, this method has much to recommend it - timing isn't an issue, won't hold moisture against the bark, once removed the bark is just as it was.

Rubbery makes me think of reptiles, rather than birds, so I'm wondering if you have turtles or tortoises in your yard? Though to be honest, most turtles dig a deeper hole than that. If you are sure they aren't some kind of fungi, my best guess is turtle. I'd watch them very closely...it will be fun to see what actually comes out. Keep us posted. Marcia