Barred Owls in our Neighborhoods – Critter 46

Owl is one of predators that visit our neighborhood frequently. It seems that their population is fluctuating. We noticed their number are increasing recently, after almost disappear about 5 years ago.

Fig 01- A barred owl on the roof

Our state, Louisiana hosts for 8 species of owls. At least two species are observed in our neighborhoods, they are: Barred owl, Strix varia and Barnes owl,Tyto alba

The main reason these owls reappear in our areas could be due to re-growing of large and mature trees which provide shelter for them. They love maples, oaks and pines.

Another factor that they attract with plenty of rodents, which are their main prey. Other sources of foods are birds, amphibians, squirrels, rabbits and bats.

Fig 02- A corner of neighborhood

Fig 03- Two barred owls sitting on the line.

How many owls species in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- List of Foods with Low Glycemic Index – Diabetes 30 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Reasons Your Dogs have Eaten Grass – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Drug, Smoke and Alcohol Free Campus – Sign 40 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Butterfly Milkweed Plants - Gardening and Hobby 31 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- What is Negative Interest Rate Mean? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Can Mosquitoes be Exterminated on the Earth? - Part 2

You may read the previous post (Part 1):

- Can Mosquitoes be Exterminated on the Earth? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01- A mosquito in action (credit to Google)

The mosquitoes are difficult to be eliminated by traditional methods such as using pesticides, draining in standing water and destroying habitat where mosquitoes are laying their eggs.

Method by using genetic know how was conducted in 2018. This method was initiated by scientists from UK.

The scientists sterile female mosquitoes to reduce their reproduction ability, while males are developing genetic mutation.

Fig 02- The rainbow over an Italian cafe, illustration

Further research then developed by a Chinese scientist with his associates. They treat mosquitoes by doing:

- Sterilized the target areas of female mosquitoes

- Infected the male mosquitoes by bacteria.

Fig 03- A cup cake, illustration

These mosquitoes then be released to the specific locations (two islands).

Surprisingly, female mosquito almost extinct. Mosquito population reduce very much. The population reach to nearly zero.

Fig 04- Magnolia, just for illustration

# Previous postings:

- Homemade Local Pecan Candy - Part 2 - Food Variety 29 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Sign of Lower Inflation – Sign 39 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Even Pharaoh Died due to Virus – Part 1 - Virus 41 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- List of Foods with Low Glycemic Index – Diabetes 30 | Tanza Erlambang Update

A Baby Raccoon on the Corner – Critter 45

We saw a baby raccoon on the corner of a yard at our neighborhood recently, when we are jogging in the morning.

Fig 01- A kit on the corner of a yard

As you know, a baby raccoon is called as a kit, so cute. We worried to approach the baby, then just observe from some distant.

The kit eye looks injured, it might be that she tried to get around in the grass and she irritates her own eyes.

In our areas, baby raccoon are born in the spring, from March to June. After birth, about 2 to 3 months, the babies are weaning from the nest. It is mean that the babies are able to survive without help from their mother.

Unfortunately, we don’t know how old the baby is!

Fig 02- A flower, illustration only

We believe that the baby is not ready yet to live alone without help from her mother, she just wandering while her mother looking for food.

Finally, we call a person with licensed wildlife rehabilitation to rescue this little critter.

Fig 03- Another raccoon, adult one

What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- Can Mosquitoes be Exterminated on the Earth? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Portable Stump for Hunting Blind – Sign 38 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Differences between Pink and Regular Salts - Part 2 - Food Variety 28 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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Dianthus Flowers are Blooming in Our Areas - Gardening and Hobby 37

I just aware that Dianthus flowers have about 340 different species worldwide. Unfortunately, there are no information about number of Dianthus species in the USA.

Fig 01- Blooming of Dianthus flowers

However, there is one native species live in the North America, arctic region, state of Alaska, called with common name as Boreal Carnation. Its scientific name is Dianthus repens.

Based on GoogleID, the above flower (Fig 01) was idintified as China pink (Dianthus chinensis), also known with common name as Rainbow pink. This flower natives to China, Southern Russia, Korea and Mongolia.

China pink blooms from Summer to early Fall seasons, about end May to September in our areas. Some neighbors have this beautiful flower.

Fig 02- Another species of Dianthus

Fig 03- A variety of Dianthus flowers at neighborhood

When are Dianthus flowers blooming in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- Mayflower the Moving Business Company – Sign 36 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- May Insects Kill Human with Their Stings? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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Baby Bluebirds just Hatching – Critter 44

The previous posting was about eggs of a bluebird, you may read at here:

- Eggs of a Bluebird in the Box – Critter 43 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01- Newborn bluebird babies

Since our temperature areas above 30* C (86* F) starting in June, hence it is mean favorable temperature for bluebird eggs development.

Then, after 13 days incubation period, the eggs are hatching. The babies need food immediately.

The mom feeding the babies with soft insects from the nature at the beginning. Actually, insects are favorite foods for babies fo a while. The food may varies gradually as birds growing.

Fig 02- Desert roses, just for illustration

Fig 03- Babies of a bluebird after a while

Do you know foods for bluebird babies?

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- Could Scientists Develop Unhackable Computers? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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A Simple Set of Container Gardens - Gardening and Hobby 36

Some of our neighbors have designed a simple set of container gardens can bring so much joy to our community.

Fig 01- Plants display around birdbath

They discovered a fast and easy way to display cut flowers in their container garden during this season.

One of a simple container garden is a set up one around a birdbath for a beautiful display at one of houses in the neighborhood. it looks stunning with the stem immersed in the birdbath

It's such an easy way to landscape without preparing a garden bed. Just grab some colorful coleus, begonias, or other plants in pots and arrange them around an object of interest.

Fig 02- Arrangement of plant and flowers

We love how a simple idea. Moreover, like other gardens, don't forget to water and fertilize regularly for a thriving little garden.

Fig 03- Several plants and blooming of Magnolia

Have any of you tried this before? Share your experiences and thoughts below!

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May an Insect Kill Human with Their Stings? - Part 2

You may read the previous post (Part 1):

- May Insects Kill Human with Their Stings? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01- An insect, just illustration

One individual hornet may kill about 40 bees in a minute, causes devastating of bees colony.

May an Insect, Asian giant hornets Kill Human with Stings?

Yes

The hornets killed 50 people in Japan per year with their stings. Approximately, 1 per million people died in the world due to stinging of this insect.

It is because their stings contain poison called neurotoxin. Painful and severe to human.

Fig 02- A wild flower, just for illustration

The sting is quite longer compared to other insects, about 6 mm (0.25 inches). Single sting may contain 28 times more poison than honey bees sting.

Fig 03- Blooming, just illustration

Have you ever seen murder insects in nature? Do you know any dangerous insects?

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