A Scared Young Hawk on the Roadside - Critter 94

We saw scared and young hawk on the roadside, not far from our house. Wings are clipped and not banded.

Fig - A scared young hawk

We are not sure why anyone would have a hawk with clipped wings, it is not safe from predators.

More than that, we believe it is illegal and cruel (ethical concerns) to limit bird ability to fly or whatever reasons.

The young hawk is likely a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, we quoted from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 that "all native hawk species in the United States are federally protected, making it illegal to kill, capture, possess (including feathers, body parts, or eggs), or harass them without a permit."

What do you think?

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Blooming of Japanese Magnolia - Gardening and Hobby 66

 Blooming of Japanese Magnolia is a strong sign that Spring is near in our areas. The flower come to USA about 200 years ago.

Fig 01 - White Japanese Magnolia flowers.

Amidst a world in chaos (for many reasons: politics, economics, security etc.), nature calms the spirit. 

In addition to the Japanese Magnolia, our state, Louisiana has own five (5) very well-known native species:

- Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla).

- Cucumber-tree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata).

- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

- Umbrella (Magnolia tripetala) and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). 

Fig 02 - Dead Magnolia tree, illustration

We know Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) as large trees with evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers.

Fig 03 - Pink flowers of Magnolia.

What variety of Magnolia do you familiar with?

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Special Visited from a Red Cardinal - Critter 93

We have a special visit from red Cardinal. From several resources in internet, it could be at least two meanings. 

Fig 01 - A red cardinal. 

First, the sick birds might not act as usual, hence, the birds perching on hand could be infected, their diseases can be passed to humans.

In fact, somebody in our state passed from bird flu from exposure to chickens. Moreover, there is a report on current spread of bird flu among wild birds, even in lower cases in our state (Louisiana). Other states include:

- Texas.

- Indiana

- Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

Fig 02 - Spiritual meaning (Source: Internet).

Second, Cardinals come to human could have spiritual meanings. From Googling, "a cardinal can represent love, hope, and a reminder of bonds with loved ones who have passed away. A cardinal can be a sign of God's love or the presence of an angel!"

Fig 03 - A cardinal in the winter

What do you know about Cardinal birds?

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Petunia Midnight Gold - Gardening and Hobby 65

We have several reasons to have Petunia Midnight Gold in our areas. First, it is well grown in early Spring. 

Image - Petunia midnight gold 

Their colors are stunning with purple and gold when blooming. Other purposes to plant Petunia are attracting pollinators such as:

- hummingbirds

- butterflies

- bees

- beetles

- and other insects

The visitors come to Petunia midnight gold due to its rich in nectar. We saw two species of hummingbirds frequently feed on nectar, they are Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds.

Do you know about Petunia midnight gold?

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A flock of Robins at our Birdbath - Critter 92

We believed number of birds coming to our neighborhood tend to decrease than few years ago. 

Fig - A flock of Robins 

We have increased our bird feeding. But fewer birds come. Moreover, our own observations show that when we moved 20 years ago, our bird count was about 25 different species at our backyard. Now, 2025, the number was down to about 10 species only.

Decreasing of bird population might relate to:

- Less flyover territory because of urbanization.

- Loss of trees and wild areas where birds can feed and nest.

- Some problems still with pesticides.

- Loss of insect diversity is a huge problem for birds and many other animals

Did you see decreasing number of bird population in your areas?

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A Nippon Chocolate Pot - Art 6

We got a pitcher from a community market close by our neighborhood. We believe it is called a hot chocolate set.

Fig 01 - A colorful pitcher. 

Unfortunately, the facts that:

- There is no marking as to who the artist is

- No made in any country label anywhere on it.

- Impossible to know its origin

- No brand and value

Based on the internet sources, this is a Nippon (Japan) porcelain piece without maker marks before 1891. Then between 1891 to 1921 were marked. The Maple leaf is the oldest and a favorite of many collectors.

Fig 02 - A pot, from another position

After 1921 the United States required all pieces coming in from Japan be marked. They started using paper labels because Japan products didn’t command high prices and once in the United States labels were removed.

Fig 03 - A pot faces left

Do you know about this Nippon Chocolate pot?

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A Cooper Hawk at Neighborhood - Critter 91

We believe the bird is a cooper hawk. The bird looks beautiful but make other birds such as cardinals and bluebirds scattered. 

Fig 01 - A cooper hawk at neighborhood

It is a circle of life in the nature, sad to know about this matter. However, the predators need to eat. 

What we can do that Keep small pets out of their way, even though the cooper hawks will not attack pets if not hungry.

The cooper hawk has several distinct characters:

- biggish head

- lighter nape of neck

- and rounded tail

Do you know about a Cooper hawk?

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