Bees in the rain

This is at an outbuilding at a friend's place.  The bees - we call these yellow jackets - have built their nest right up against the glass, and it was raining so they all huddled round the back.  I was safe and dry inside and could not resist taking their portrait.

F Number	5.6
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/30
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	400
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	On, Red-eye reduction

Bee's nest

I have no idea what species of bee made this, or why they abandoned it. It seems so delicate, yet it has withstood several thunderstorms already. I don't even know what to call it. Is it a hive? A nest?

It feels papery to the touch but I didn't have the heart to tear it off to find out.