Caroline Wren was Using the Flower Petal to Scoop Poop - Critter 99

We saw wrens, either House Wren or Caroline Wren come and nesting at our yards almost every year. 

Image - Caroline Wren to Scoop Poop.

Some posting about Wrens are following:

- The Wren's Eggs and Two Babies - Critter 84 | Tanza Erlambang

- Caroline Wren Babies in the Mailbox - Critter 75 | Tanza

We had a nest next to our front window, and one day we observed interesting of baby birds' behaviors:

- turn their backside to the nest opening.

- then pooped there (smart bird!).

Mama bird doing the parent work that is "changing diapers." She is removing poop or the fecal sac to keep the nest clean.

As we understand the bird was using the flower petal to scoop poop. Amazing.

Have you ever observed this kind of behavior?

# Previous postings:

- Have You Tasted Pistachio Muffins? - Part 1 – Food Variety 22 |

- Snails as One of Popular Seafood – Sign 21 | Tanza Erlambang

- May Yogurt Reduce Risk of Heart Diseases? - Part 1 – Heart 11 |

- From Caterpillar to Monarch Butterfly – Critter 18 | Tanza

The Red Bellied Woodpecker - Critter 98

We believe; we have not seen any Red Bellied Woodpeckers at our yards for long time. Purely by chance, we saw one recently. 

Image - Red Bellied Woodpecker

Luckily, we could take one "good" photo, before the bird flying away. Actually, this bird should be "common" in our areas.

They may appear on the feeders. We don't know why they disappeared a while from our backyard.

The Red Bellied Woodpecker used to stop on our very old fig tree and then make a hole for a full life.

Actually, a half dead fig tree, and the other half has leaves. We are waiting to see if it produces figs.

Finally, do you have experience with the Red Bellied Woodpecker?

# Previous postings:

- Drinking Problem in the USA – Sign 18 | Tanza Erlambang

- Blooming of Freesia Flowers – Part 1 - Gardening and Hoby 25

- Peanuts in the Farmer Market – Part 2 - Food Variety 20

- A Fox on the Box of Neighborhood – Critter 15 | Tanza

- Waking up after Sleeping for 24,000 years – Part 1 | Tanza

The Three Babies of the Bird - Critter 97

We posted about eggs of a bird: A Bird Has Made a Nest and been Laying Eggs - Critter 96 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 01 - The 3 babies of bird

Now, 3 of 5 eggs are hatching. Unfortunately, one egg was moved out nest by mama birds, another was rotten. We don't know why.

Some of you guess the bird species Here are the guessed:

- A House Finch

- A House Sparrow

- A Wren 

- A mourning Dove 

- and a Robin   

Fig 02 - Five eggs

Based on a below picture (Fig 03), even though the photo is not clear enough, we believe the species is "a Robin."

Fig 03 - Mama Birds nearby eggs

What do you think about bird species?

# Previous postings:

- Small Business at Nearby Neighborhood – Part 2 | Tanza

- The Attractive Flower to Butterflies and Bees | Tanza

- Less Books in the Box – Sign 17 | Tanza Erlambang

- Pug was a Breeding Dog for Royal Families – Critter 13 | Tanza

- Peanuts in the Farmer Market – Part 1 – Food Variety 20

A Bird Has Made a Nest and been Laying Eggs - Critter 96

At first, we saw 3 eggs of a bird in the nest on the wreath, we didn't know the species of the bird is, could be few possibilities. 

Fig 01 - 3 eggs of a bird.

At least, because we often see them around this area, there are 3 possibilities of bird species which laying eggs on our wreath:

- A Robin

- A Caroline Wren

- A Mourning Dove

Hopefully, the sad day will not repeat when las Spring, we had eggs in our door wreath and a cat got to them before they could hatch! However, it's best not to interfere. Let nature takes its course.

Fig 02 - She adds more eggs.

We will observe these eggs until their hatching or at least 14 days, incubation period for many birds in our neighborhood.

Fig 03 - Update eggs, total 5 eggs

Do you have any guesses about the bird species?

# Previous postings:

- Raccoon Hiding under the Hood of the Car – Critter 10 | Tanza

- Hay Stacks in the Small Farmer Market | Tanza Erlambang

- World Faces with Refugee Crisis – Sign 15 | Tanza Erlambang

- Market of Ornamental Fish for Pond – Critter 11 | Tanza Erlambang

- Cutting the Tree Before Hurricane Coming – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang

A Limpkin from Florida - Critter 95

We are not familiar, even we never seen this critter around our areas until recently. Highly possibility the bird is Limpkin. 

Fig 01 - A Limpkin, wandering

The main distribution of Limpkins is Florida and Georgia. The storms might bring them to our state, Louisiana.

The birds are observed in other several states such as:

- Texas

- Wisconsin

- and Maryland.

In addition to storms, the birds come to our areas (neighborhood) due to their source of food: Apple Snails.

Fig 02 - The Park at our areas, illustration

Snails include Apple snails quite popular seafood in our state, you may read about this snail at previous posts:

- Snails as One of Popular Seafood – Sign 21 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 03 - The bird, Limpkin

Do you recognize Limpkin in nature?

# Previous postings:

- Finnish Nightmare in the Eyes of Far Eastern Countries - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Ornamental Fish for Pond in the Garden – Critter 9 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Slow Cat Crossing in Neighborhood – Sign 13 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Are Rattan End Products Expensive than Plastic? | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Database in Everyday Aspects of Life - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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?

# Previous postings:

- We Have Seen Jumping Worms in Louisiana – Critter 7 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Is Suicide Based on Individual Decision Only? | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Green Bridges for Plants and Pollinators – Sign 11 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Finnish Nightmare in the Eyes of Far Eastern Countries - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Rattan End Products Sold in the USA Market | Tanza Erlambang Update

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?

# Previous postings:

- How Important to Wash Our Hand – Sign 8 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- When Will We Have an Emperor in the Mars? - Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Have you Tasted Alligator Meat? - Part 2 – Sgn 7 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Increasing of Suicide Rate in America | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Free Meal Register for Students in Our City – Sign 9 | Tanza Erlambang Update

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 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

A Blue Heron with Plastic Cup Stuck on Beak - Critter 90

We saw a Blue Heron with bottle or cup stuck on its beak at the Green Trails Lake, one of lakes in our city.

Fig 01 - A heron with plastic cap

Another day, we drove by the lake multiple times, then just a few hours ago in recently. We did not see the bird.

We have no idea what other lakes it might go to, though we have checked at least at five other lakes in around our city areas.

We have spoken to several people and institutions. Wildlife and fisheries will not help, they say let nature take its course or contact a wildlife rehabilitation group or person.

The same with LSU (University), rehab people told us that if we bring to them, they will take it, but they will not come help with anything.

Fig 02 - A confuse heron.

# Some Previous postings:

- The Banana Tree Produces Fruit in Our State - Gardening and Hobby 60 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Repairs for Small Engines - Sign 64 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 03 - The bird walks around

We hope maybe someone else saw it and was able to help

Fig 04 - Still with a plastic cup

Do you have any suggestions?

# Previous postings:

- A Little dog on the Street – Critters 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Lighthouse for Helping People with Disabilities – Sign 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do You Know that Plants can Memorize Information? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Local Honey in the Farmer Market – Part 2 – Food Variety 17 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Squirrels Population in our Neighborhood – Critters 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird - Critter 89

We saw the Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird quite early; the bird should migrate to our neighborhood around as soon as the end of February. 

Fig 01 - Perching, The Eastern Phoebee.

The best time to observe the Eastern Phoebe is about March, when peak migration from South (central) America to Southern Canada (North America), and stop by at our city, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

They may stay in our areas until late spring or summer, but very rare to be seen. The early migration for this year might be relate to severe weather at wintering grounds or lack of food sources.

The bird sounds like fee-bee. With “bee” slightly lower in tone. You can listen on the Merlin bird id app or the Audubon app. Probably available online as well.

Fig 02 - Cute little bird.

# Important postings:

- Goslings at the Neighborhood Lake – Critters 5 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Are Red Silkies a Rare Breed Chicken? - Critter 25 | Tanza Erlambang Update

Fig 03 - Seeds for wild birds, illustration only.

The bird might be attracted by our foods in the feeder. Our main food that is dried mealworms.

Moreover, in addition to the mealworms, we have both white and golden safflower, black oil sunflower seed, sunflower seeds with no shell, white millet, shelled peanuts, and suet nuggets.

Fig 04 - The Eastern Phoebe, calm

Have you heard the Eastern Phoebe Hummingbird sounds in nature?

## Previous postings:

- Vaccinated but Mask Up - Sign 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Talented Students to Display Their Paintings – Part 1 - Art 4 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Why Turtles Produce almost All Female Hatchlings Recently? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Ways in “Caching” for Speeding Up Web Server – Part 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Special Parking for Low Emission Vehicles - Sign 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

A Lonely White Parakeet - Critter 88

Parakeets are not native bird of our state, Louisiana. They come from other countries about hundred years ago. 

Image - A white parakeet

We saw a lonely white parakeet close by our neighborhood area. We believe it is a pet belongs to a neighbor.

This bird is one of popular pets in our city. People love this pet, based on internet resources, it is because of some reasons that are: 

- social bird

- colorful 

- small size

- could bring happiness 

Who interests with Parakeet may find it in the pet shops for adoption with reasonable price in the city.

Do you familiar with a White Parakeet?

# Previous postings:

- Could Microchips Detect Covid 19 Virus in the Blood? - Part 2 - Virus 39 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Zinnia Flower and Vincent Van Gogh – Part 1 - Art 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Ways in “Caching” for Speeding Up Web Server – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Pets must Remain on a Leash at All Time – Sign 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Zinnia Flower and Vincent Van Gogh – Part 2 - Art 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Virginia Rail - Critter 87

With all the chaos going on in the world today, we thought we would share something a little brighter and wonderful.

Figure - A Virginia rail

Look at who came to visit us. We passed right by this little visitor as We went to put some things in the recycle bin to be picked up.

We never saw it when we went out. It was when we went to close the door, and our eyes had gazed to the corner. The little bird lows and beholds just sitting there being unbothered and bothering no one.

There it is sitting on top of the flower. As I searched the bottom of my phone on the pics for what kind of bird it is, it is said it’s a Virginia Rail.

Strangely, this bird should be found in the areas such as wet meadows and freshwater marshes. So, lucky to have this bird, a Virginia rail as our visitor.

Have you seen this bird in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- What are Tempe Health Benefits? - Part 2 – Food Variety 16 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Could Available Drugs Regenerate beta Cells? – Part 1 - Diabetes 28 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Bee Swarm Removing Cost – Part 1 - Gardening and Hobby 23 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Women Equality as Conflict Paradigm Example – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Using Woods for Fireplace in the Winter – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

The Young Redtail Hawk at Backyard - Critter 86

We saw a hawk in the pine trees at our neighborhood this morning. We believe it was a young Redtail hawk.

Fig - The Young Redtail Hawk.

Our neighbors' chickens heard it call and scrambled to get undercover, while the mockingbirds mobbed the hawk.

The young hawk flew off right after we took this picture. The chickens will probably hide for a while.

This bird is a familiar sight in our state, including our city, Baton Rouge. Young Red-tails can be identified by their brown plumage and the distinctive streaked pattern on their undersides.

Juvenile red-tailed hawks are meat-eaters (carnivores), mainly feasting on small birds and mammals.

Did you see Redtail Hawk around your areas?

# Previous postings:

- 40 million Guests Sleep on Camping Sites in the USA – Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Push-Ups are Good for Our Health – Part 2 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- How Nature could Make Human being Happy? | Tanza Erlambang Update

- The Reasons Raccoon Visit Our Neighborhood – Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update

- Do People Keep a Pig as a Pet? - Part 1 | Tanza Erlambang Update