The Barred Owl just Visit our Fence - Critter 51

Monday, September 4, 2023
We saw a barred owl sitting in the birdbath this evening, then the bird flew to the fence about 5 feet away and sitting there.


Fig 01- A barred owl sitting on the fence.

We wonder how long the predator will stay there, and it didn’t seem perturbed at all by we are talking to it.

The young squirrels didn’t seem too afraid of it either, since squirrels are included in barred owl's diet.

Actually, barred owls consume a variety of prey, some of them are rabbits, opossums, mice and voles.

Yes, they mainly eat small mammals, it is because small mammals are easy to catch and quite abundant.


Fig 02- A barred owl, turns its head.

However, the barred owls are nocturnal predators, they active in daylight could be weather conditions. Higher temperature which reaches more than 40* C (104* F) makes them try to find out water.


Fig 03- Just standing on the fence.

Have you seen barred owl on daylight?

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The Trashcan Fix or Replacement in our Areas - Sign 51

Friday, September 1, 2023
 When we are jogging, we just saw a trashcan with a sign which need to be repaired or replaced. The sign has quite attractive words, make us smile.


Fig 01- A trashcan, need to be fixed or replaced.

The words: "for the love of God. Please fix this trashcan." Actually, we have similar problem several years ago.

On that time, the garbage truck caused the damage, then, we called the city (311) multiple times.

As requested by the city, we put the damaged trashcan at the end of the driveway. Our address, home number is very visible from the street.

Unbelievable, the 3rd party contractor that repairs/replaces the trash can keeps going to the wrong house and has admitted they went to the wrong house.


Fig 02- Flowering, just illustration.

Finally, it had been replaced after almost 3 weeks. It’s getting ridiculous, especially for the amount of money we are charged.


Fig 03- A flowerbed, illustration only

Have you ever had a similar experience?

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Are Cage Free Eggs Healthier than Regular Ones? - Part 2 – Food Variety 32

Wednesday, August 30, 2023
 You may read previous post (Part 1):

- Are Cage Free Eggs Healthier than Regular Ones? - Part 1 – Food Variety 32 | Tanza Erlambang Update 



Fig01- Cage free eggs packed


In addition, cage free hens live in housing system are able to stretch their wings, run around and lay eggs in the nest.  Thus, hens are able to express their natural behaviors compared to hens in battery cages


However, they might not access to outdoor, few of cage free systems let hens to play outside. 


The main reason the hens are not allowed to go outdoor that it is difficult to control predators. As you know, the foxes and coyotes are predators live around cage free system. 



Fig 02- A hen plays outside in the morning


In term of price, sure, cage free eggs much more expensive than confined hen’s eggs. The price could be double or more. I found US$ 2.26 for 12 regular eggs, while 12 cage free eggs are US$ 3.96. 



Fig 03- Two hens at a small farm.


Have you tried cage free eggs?  What do you think?


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The Lightscape Design - Gardening and Hobby 42

Monday, August 28, 2023
I am not so familiar with the words of "The Lightscape Design," then try to find out from several resources.


Fig 01- Light around trees as part of the lightscape design

It is kind of art in using of lighting to enhance the landscape in terms of the beauty and functionality.

Lightscape design can be used to highlight such inviting space, sense of atmosphere and architectural features.

As inviting space, lighting may highlight patios, walkways and other areas like area people together.

An example of a sense of atmosphere that soft and diffused light can create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. 


Fig 02- Lightscape in the architecture.

By highlighting arches, columns, arches and other architectural elements with spotlights, then we use light to highlight features of architectures.


Fig 03- Lightscape of the architecture and yard.

Do you like to play with lights?

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Don’t Give Money to People in the Roadway - Sign 50

Saturday, August 26, 2023
We have seen the signs "Don’t Give Money to Persons in the Roadway" in some exit of interstates or road junctions around our city.


Fig 01- Sign of don't give to persons.

The sign could be mean that "they are panhandling for money, to buy more drugs." so, don’t be a part of their problem.

We used to give money because we didn't understand then when we realized what we were doing we started giving water bottles and baggies of small items.

We got rude comments from many panhandlers. So now we don't give anything but it's hard to sit there and ignore them now.

Actually, there are organizations that give care packages of food out and would you like to know what happens to a large portion of them?


Fig 02 - A beggar on the street

Sadly, the packages of food end up wasted on the side of the road or abandoned properties. The food that is given out is almost 100% not consumed.


Fig 03 - Hibiscus flowers, illustration only

What do you think?

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The Reasons Your Dogs have Eaten Grass – Part 2

Thursday, August 24, 2023


Fig 01- A dog on the grass, waiting for something.

Several methods (based on several resources) to prevent dogs to eat grass are:

1) If dogs bored, the owners should let dogs getting some exercises and interactive games.


2) If dog faced with nutritional deficiency, then owners might give dogs with good quality foods such a higher fiber food.


3) Be careful that many yards use toxic substances (herbicides or pesticides) to maintain green grasses. If dog owners are quite not sure whether the grass contain poison or not, just avoid it. 



Fig 02- Grass, just for illustration



Fig 03- A cute dog, play on the grass


Do you have dogs as pets? Did you see your dog is eating grass?


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Mexican Petunia is a Beautiful Flower Tolerates to Heat - Gardening and Hobby 41

Tuesday, August 22, 2023
In addition to heat, Mexican Petunia tolerates to drought and poor soil. This plant is ornamental perennial, commonly grown in the corner of yards or gardens. Ruellia simplex is its scientific name.


Fig 01- Th beautiful flowers of Mexican Petunia

The flowers come from Latin America then spread to all over the world. It is good to attract pollinators, that are hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Mexican Petunia has several colors, just examples are pink, white, purple and blue. We saw purple is the dominant color in our areas.

Blooming is quite long, from Spring to Fall, so we may observe the Mexican Petunia flowers in the hot summer. They make gardens look beautiful.

Interestingly, the flowers are much prettier in the morning. However, they are hardy plants and spread like wildfire. They could be all over in our backyard.



Fig 02- The plant looks like weed.

Yes, the Mexican Petunia plants are very invasive. It is suggested to keep them in a pot, if we find the plats in our yards.


Fig 03- The Mexican Petunia grows in the pot.

In many countries, the Mexican Petunia outcompete local (native) plants, then disrupt ecosystem. We should aware the risk to plant them in our areas.


Fig 04- The plant grows in the corner of garden.

Do you know about the Mexican Petunia plant?

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