Flying and Hitting the House - Critter 74

It was reported in the weather channel that the birds all quit singing, and it got very quiet outdoors before one of the destructive tornados touched down close by our areas.

Fig 01 - A hummingbird after fall down.

Before rain and very strong wind, we just sitting outside in the morning, we hear a thump on our roof!

Then we saw something hit the grass. Here is what we found, a little hummingbird. We believed it must have been one of its first solo flights.

Being at the right place at the right time, we picked and handled the hummingbird. It didn’t make any noise.

We put it in this container, and then put under a plant. Luckily, after about 45 minutes later it flew off! Hopefully, it will survive in the nature.

Fig 02 - A hummingbird, put on the grass.

When can you expect the humming season in your areas?

# Previous postings:

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warriors carrying offerings to the gods - Sign 74

We found a sculpture, made of metal from an antique store recently. Since its cheap, we just bought it. 

Fig - Chacmool, a sculpture from Mexico

There are important figures and the sign in the sculpture:

1) The reclined figure with head facing 90 degrees from his front, called as Chacmool.

- The Chacmool is the figure to hold a bowl in his stomach. The bowl is used for offering to a god or gods

- It is likely the Chacmool serves to rain gods (the central Mexico rain god, Tlaloc or Mayan rain god, Chac). 

2) The circular figure looks like a copy of the Mayan calendar.

- The calendar is an ancient system to track time.

3) Chichen Itza

- A Mayan temple ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Near the city of Progresso.

- We may find several Chacmool sculptures around the Chichen Itza temple.

Finally, have you ever seen a sculpture of Chacmool?

# Previous postings:

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Whistling Ducks Gracing our Areas - Critter 73

We posted the whistling duck on the roof. You may read the previous post:

- The Black-bellied Whistling Duck on the Roof - Critter 64 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01 - A whistling duck on the tree.

It seems that breeding seasons of ducks are begin in our areas this time, around in the middle of Spring. 

We have a pair of whistling ducks that just found our yard's tress. We saw them in the early morning.

We have never ever seen a duck sitting and playing on the trees as well as on the roof. We were excited and happy.

They are beautiful, just hope they will not be too messy, and hope they don’t decide to go for other places for a while.

Fig 02 - A pair of whistling ducks

A joy to look forward to every day, so every morning during breakfast and every evening for supper. Get ready for two dozen ducklings soon.

Fig 03 - They look happy around branches of trees. 

Have you seen Whistling ducks gracing your areas?

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The Red Jalapeno Pepper in the Market - Sign 73

 The Red Jalapeño represents a crimson-hued variation of the Jalapeno pepper, a widely favored chili. 

Fig 01 - Sign of red Jalapeno.

Red jalapeños are a type of jalapeño pepper that has matured to a red hue. They are generally regarded as slightly less spicy than their green counterparts.

Just to let you know that degree of spiciness (heat) is measured by Scoville Heat Unit (SHU). Comparison of SHU for red jalapeños, green jalapeños, bell pepper and poblano pepper are following:

- Bell pepper: 0 SHU (no heat)

- Poblano pepper: 1,000 to 2,000 SHU (mild)

- Red and green Jalapeno are 2,500 to 8,000 SHU with red is milder.

Fig 02 - Red pepper, milder spiciness

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Fig 03 - Red Jalapeno, sold in the market. 

Ripe red jalapeños can be discovered in select grocery stores, particularly those with well-stocked inventories or at Latin American markets.

Fig 04 - Can be found in certain groceries.

Do you like Jalapeno pepper?

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- Algae and Weed on the City Park Lake | Tanza Erlambang Update

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The Mother Dove and her Two Chicks in the Nest - Critter 72

We saw this pretty Spring picture of a Mother Dove and her two chicks in a nest in our ligustrum recently.

Fig - A dove with her two chicks. 

In a snug nest, nestled among the tree’s branches, Mother Dove tends to her two chicks, keeping them warm and secure. Feathers colors blend perfectly with the surrounding twigs, camouflaging the nest from predators.

The mother dove tenderly brings forth a creamy substance known as crop milk; a nourishing sustenance synthesized in her throat exclusively for her offspring.

The young chicks, only a few days old, remain mostly bare, their downy fuzz providing minimal coverage. They devour their food with enthusiasm, their tiny frames gaining strength after each meal.

Have you seen any birds with nests and chicks in your areas?

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The Bougainvillea Flowers with Wicked Thorns - Gardening and Hobby 54

The Bougainvillea, a flowering vine in our areas is originates from South America. It is renowned for its vividly hued blossoms.

Fig - Bougainvillea flowers climb the pole.

The flowers have a variety of colors, including:

- magenta

- purple

- red

- yellow

- pink

- orange

- and white

Bougainvillea possesses small, sharp thorns that can catch on skin and clothing, but they lack the size and strength to cause significant harm.

Flowers adorned with thorns serve as effective deterrents for both people and animals who may attempt to climb the plant. Nevertheless, there are also thornless bougainvillea varieties in existence.

Bougainvillea, a favored landscaping plant in warm climates, thrives as a vine, shrub, or tree. Its relatively straightforward care makes it a highly rewarding choice for cultivation.

Have you observed this kind of Bougainvillea in your areas?

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Wild Ducks Don't Eat Bread - Sign 72

We always see people feeding wild animals include ducks in the lakes, man made lakes in our city, Baton Rouge, LA.

Fig 01 - Not to feed duck with bread.

Feeding ducks with bread seem "great" treat but could be bad for them and lake (environments). 

Some reasons are following:

1) Water pollution:

-  When bread remains uneaten, it can sink and develop mold, leading to water pollution and harm to the ecosystem. 

- Additionally, this uneaten bread can attract unwanted pests such as rats, cockroaches, ants and flies

.

Fig 02 - A corner of the city lake

2) Low Nutrition

- Bread primarily consists of carbohydrates and provides minimal vitamins, minerals, and protein. These essential nutrients that ducks require for their well-being. In essence, it’s akin to junk food for our feathered friends.

Fig 03 - A duck with several chicks. 

3) Overcrowding

- Convenient food availability can result in increased duck congregations within a specific area, leading to resource competition and disease transmission.

Fig 04 - A mother and chicks, ready for swimming.

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