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?

# Previous postings:

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 2 - Gardening and Hobby 24

- Neighborhood Watch in Communities – Sign 6

- Goslings at the Neighborhood Lake – Critters 5

- Have You Tasted Fruits Called as Muscadine? - Part 1 – Food Variety 19

- When Will We Have an Emperor in the Mars? - Part 1 

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?

# Previous postings:

- Our Nearby Neighborhood was Visited by Alligators – Critters 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Is It Difficult to Study Art History? - Part 2 - Art 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Is a Good Friday a Holiday in Your Places? - Sign 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 2 - Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 2 - Gardening and Hobby 24 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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?

# Previous postings:

- Is It Difficult to Study Art History? - Part 1 - Art 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do You Know that Plants can Memorize Information? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Fish and Shellfish Sold by Local Groceries – Part 1- Food Variety 18 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When is Spring Coming in your Place? - Part 1 - Gardening and Hobby 24 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Our Nearby Neighborhood was Visited by Alligators – Critters 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update