The Spider Lily at Walking Track Side - Gardening and Hobby 56

Saturday, October 5, 2024
The category 2 hurricane Francine with speed 96 to 110 mph (154 to 177 km/hours), made landfall in our state Louisiana in the last September 2024. 


Fig 01 - The wild Spider Lily grows well 

Hurricane Francine caused significant flooding in our state. The storm inflicted moderate damage before rapidly weakening into a tropical storm, and then a tropical depression when reached another state, Mississippi.

Surprisingly, we saw Spider lilies popped out on the day after Francine went through. "Mother Nature" has pretty good timing.

In addition to Spider lily, the plant has other names:
- Hurricane lily
- Naked lady


Fig 02 - The wild Spider Lily

They are called as Naked ladies; it is because the flower head is obvious any foliage. Their colors also in yellow and pink.


Fig 03 - The Spider Lily at Walking Track.

Do you know about spider lily?

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A Female Wren Visited Our Yards - Critter 79

Friday, September 27, 2024
We saw a young female wren visited our backyard last season. A delightful little bird. Look like a lively and energetic bird.  


Fig 01 - A female wren was seen at backyard

Three possibilities a female wren might visit our backyard:
1) Searching for foods:
- she attracts to insect as one of her main sources of food

2) Water
- we have a bird bath, so wrens or other birds visit for drinking and bathing regularly, especially during hot Summer. 

3) Nesting
- Backyards is one of suitable locations to build nesting site.  


Fig 02 - She is sitting on the twig. 

Two common species visit our city:
- Bewick Wren 
- Carolina Wren


Fig 03 - Lonely female wren

Have you seen Wren in your areas?

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Why can't People Take their Trash Home?

Friday, September 20, 2024
You might know Grand Isle, nestled along the Louisiana coast. The Grand Isle boasts pristine beaches, unparalleled fishing opportunities, and a fascinating heritage.


Fig - A wonder critter (taken from internet) 

I was at Grand Isle last weekend. I picked up a ton of trash on the beach. They are usually good with running the tractor on the beach, but they are working on a levee restoration project, and it is hard for the tractor to get through all areas of the beach.

As you know trash has disastrous impacts on the wildlife, just an example that ingestion plastic bags could block the digestive system of:
- turtles
- birds. 
- and fish.

Finally, why can't people take their trash home or to the cans at each crossover?

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The Great Egret around Neighborhood - Critter 78

Saturday, September 14, 2024
 Our state, Louisiana has several species of egrets, one of them is Great Egret with scientific name Ardea alba.


Fig 01- A Great Egret, walking around.


The egret is a common wading bird found in our state, especially near bodies of water, just seen again around neighborhood.

The birds are distinguished by their pristine white plumage. Great Egret features a long, S-shaped neck, a trait typical of herons and egrets.

The great egrets are characterized by their long, yellow bills. These birds are relatively large as depicted by the images.


Fig 02 - The long neck bird.

Where do you see this kind of bird?

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The Rusted Hydrants - Sign 76

Thursday, September 5, 2024
 The firefighters used the fire hydrant on the corner of Antioch and Monitor in our neighborhood areas.


Fig 01 - Out of service

The firefighters were able to swiftly access the necessary water from the hydrant at Antioch and Monitor.

Fire hydrants, particularly those with monitor nozzles, are essential for delivering a controlled, high- velocity water stream to effectively fight fires.

Now the fire hydrant is marked with an out of service tag. This really concerns many of our neighbors.

They haven't been maintained in years. Almost certainly, the hydrants will not work when you need them most.


Fig 02 - The rusted hydrant

When was the last time they were ready tested?

Not sure


Fig 03 - The hydrant needed to be replaced

We should call the city, mayor, local fire department, and city commissioner as well as state officials to replace these hydrants.

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The Whistling Ducks in the Water - Critter 77

Friday, August 23, 2024

 We talked about this critter previously: The Black-bellied Whistling Duck on the Roof - Critter 64 | Tanza Erlambang Update



Fig 01 - Ducs and ducklings in the pool

Some people said that they are odd ducks. They stand on one foot like a flamingo, will roost in trees and stand on rooftops.

The little ducklings have black feet and bills, which then turn that pink/orange color as they mature.

Actually, we see them in the nearby lakes such as in the area called as "Green Trails" all the time. Last year we watched two broods grow up and fly away.

However, Whistling Ducks are quite comfortable in urban environments. There’s a family that enjoys our neighborhood’s pool.


Fig 02 - Ducks swimming in the river

Have you seen this critter? Where?

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The African Daisy - Gardening and Hobby 55

Friday, August 9, 2024
Refer to its name, the African Daisy natives South Africa, then grow well in the warmer climate regions. 


Figure - Blooming of the African Daisy. 

The African Daisy also called as Gazania is getting population in many places nowadays, it is because the plants:
- have vibrant blooms 
- adaptability
- and bring a burst of color to any garden. 

They spent winter in my house and have come back strong in the sun at the yard, during Spring and Summer seasons. So brilliant and might brighten in the morning till before noon.

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