The Squirrel with two-toned fur - Nature 132

We have two previous postings about squirrels: a little squirrel in her nest and four weeks old baby squirrel. 

Image 01 - A squirrel with two tones.

You may read the two previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Little Young Squirrel in her Nest - Nature 85

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Four Weeks Old Baby Squirrel – Science 17

Based on internet sources, the squirrels with two toned furs are in good health, and there's no cause for alarm.

If you come across squirrels sporting two-toned furs in any places (parks or gardens), these bicolored squirrels can enjoy just as lengthy and robust lives as their monochromatic counterparts.

Image 02 - A two-toned fur, just playing. 

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Blue Parakeet in the Park – Nature 67

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Market Corners of the Little Town in America

Image 03 - A brown squirrel.

At least there are 3 possibilities of squirrels with two-tones:

1) Mismarking

- It’s not uncommon to see squirrels with a patch of fur that differs in color from the rest of their coat. Mismarking can result from various factors, such as genetics, injury, or illness.

2) Parasites

- Occasionally, mites or fungal infections can lead to patchy fur loss in squirrels, resulting in a dual-colored appearance.

3) Piebald

- Piebald squirrels exhibit a rare genetic trait resulting in patches of pigmentation loss. These squirrels can display various color combinations, although gray and black fur is the most frequent occurrence.

Image 04 - A squirrel, playing on the grass.

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The White Spider Lily at our City Garden – Nature 36

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 1

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Swap Plants at Our City Botanical Garden

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange? - Part 2– Food 21

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Flooding after Raining in Our Neighborhood – Nature 37

The Bees Pollinating Morning Glory Flowers - Nature 131

Morning glory is a common plant seen in our areas. Interestingly, the flowers attract many pollinators. 

Fig 01 - A bee pollinating a flower.

Since the blossoms are rich in sweet nectar and brightly flowers colors, make bees attract to come to Morning Glory plant. 

Other various pollinators include:

- butterflies

- hummingbirds

- and many insects

Flowers with trumped-shaped are perfect for pollination. As the pollinators dive for a sugary reward, it helps the flower reproduce by picking up pollen. 

Fig 02 - A bee picking up pollen.

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Fox Crossing the Street at Neighborhood Recently - Nature 123

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Interesting Plant at Neighborhood - Nature 122

Fig 03 - A gate to the garden, illustration 

Moreover, as the bees fly to different morning glory flowers, they transfer pollen, leading to fertilizing the flowers and allowing them to produce seeds.

Fig 04 - The bee just landing.

Do you know about Morning Glory Flowers?

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Higher Temperature due to Heat Island Effect – Science 15

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Giveaway and Discount in Time of High Inflation

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Do You Like Boba Bubble in Your Drink? - Part 2 – Food 20

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Newborn Sea Turtles are almost All Females – Science 16

-The Rainbow Before Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange? - Part 1 – Food 21

JJJJJJJJJJJJ

A Female only Needs to Mate once in Life - Nature 130

The Spring season means mosquitos season in our southern state, Louisian. Higher temperatures make them so active. 

Image 01 - A mosquito (credit to Google). 

We are struggling to mow the lawn, and it seems our neighbors are having the same trouble. 

It is because we are breathing and swallowing these small critters at our backyard or outdoors. 

When open the front door, the mosquitoes attack our eyes and about 5 to 10 of them comes into house.

The fact makes me surprising that female mosquitoes store sperm from a single mating and use it to fertilize eggs throughout their lifespan.

Image 02 - Blooming at neighborhood

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Mother Duck Brings her Duckling to Swim – Nature 69

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Simple Steamed Layer Cake – Food 22

Image 03 - Multiple flowers, blooming.

A female mosquito can lay between 50 and 500 eggs in her first batch. While subsequent batches may have fewer eggs, a single female can produce up to 10 batches throughout her life. Her lifespan can reach up to 5 months.

Image 04 - Our neighborhood's corner.

What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Million Chickens are Killed in the USA

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 2 – Brain Plasticity 2

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Flowers as Objects of Paintings - Part 1 - Art 11

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Joker, PBA, and Alzheimer's Disease – Part 1 - Alzheimer's 12

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Mockingbirds are Permanent Residents of Our State – Nature 47

Is Meat Not a Main Food of Fox? - Nature 129

We have talked briefly about a fox crossing street at our neighborhood recently at previous posting. 

Image 01 - A fox, sitting on the street.

You may read the previous post:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Fox Crossing the Street at Neighborhood Recently - Nature 123

What our neighbors (common people) wonder that foxes didn't consume pets, then, what their main diets?

Based on internet sources that in their eating habits, foxes are adaptable to consume whatever food is easily accessible. Foxe don't usually eat "meat," they eat berries and variety of bugs.

Image 02 - Wild fruit at neighborhood

# Important posts:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Yellow Four O'clock Flowers - Nature 119

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Captivating Indoor Garden in Singapore - Nature 107

Image 03 - Colorful flowers

Yes, foxes hunt on frogs, worms, insects and small mammals (rodents and rabbits). 

We believe the foxes around our neighborhoods are mothers searching for foods for their kits. Their habitats are disappearing to build houses.

Image 4 - A mother of fox, searching for food,

What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Paintings Exhibition of Local Artists – Art 10

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Pulmonary Hypertension Type – Part 1 - Cardiovascular 4

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Green Parakeet in Our State – Nature 46

- The Rainbow Before Evening : How often Should we Consume Blueberries? - Part 1 – Food 35

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Million Chickens are Killed in the USA

JJJJJ

The Spring is Coming around Here - Nature 128

 The temperature going up to around F 68* (20* C) and flowers are blooming, it is mean that Spring is coming in our areas. 

Image 01 - Red Chinese Fringe flowers.

One of favorite flowers is Red Chinese Fringe flower with scientific name, Loropetalum chinense. 

The other common names for this flower are:

- Strap flower

- Chinese witch hazel

- Chinese fringe flowers

- Pink fringe flower

- Loropetalium.

Image 02 - The plant of Red Chinese Fringe

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Canadian Geese Live Permanently in Neighborhood – Part 1- Science 23

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Tax Free Outlets in the Special Area of Our State

Image 03 - A road, illustration. 

The flower original to Far East Asia (China and Japan) and SouthEast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand)

Image 04 - Another blooming flower.

Many people love Red Chinese Fringe plants because of their attractive foliage and colorful flowers.

Image 05 - Beautiful red flowers.

Do you know of Red Chinese Fringe flowers?

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature? - Science 30

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 2 – Science 28

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Temperature Drop to Minus but No Snow – Science 31

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Kumquat is a Little Orange in the Neighborhood – Food 34

- The Rainbow Before Evening : White Hominy Pearls Tossed with Coconut Shreds – Part 2 – Food 32

A Grasshopper on the Leaves of Gardens - Nature 127

There are plenty of grasshopper species found in our areas. Based on internet sources, there are at least 45 species. 

Image 01 - Grasshopper in action.

We capture a grasshopper in a garden, based on identification from GoogleID, the machine offered two possibilities of species:

1) A Caroline locust

- has a scientific name, Dissosteira carolina.

- they are not major pest but may damage vegetations or gardens.

2) A Gray bird grasshopper

- a scientific name, Schistocerca nitens.

- are found in our areas, Baton Rouge, LA.

Image 02 - A species of Grasshopper. 

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Pickle Eggs in the Neighborhood Market – Food 30

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Commercial Firewood in Our City, Baton Rouge

Image 03 - Cotton candy, illustration.

However, there are 4 (four) most common grasshoppers that are found in our city, Louisiana.  

Image 04 - A grasshoppers tried to escape. 

The 4 most common grasshoppers are:

- Easter lubber grasshopper.

- Differential grasshopper.

- Carolina locust.

- Dichromorpha viridis.

Image 05 - Wild flowers, illustration.

Carolina locust is suggested by GoogleID as one of two species from our images. The species may be found fields, grasslands and meadows. 

Image 06 - Is it Carolina locust? 

Do you know species of grasshopper in your areas?

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Middle School Students Show their Paintings – Arts 13

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Minnie Winnie RV of Homeless People in Our City

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird? - Science 32

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Mediterranean Diet and Alzheimer's Prevention – Part 3 - Alzheimer's 11

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature? - Science 30

The Red Chili in the Market - 126

 We "very rare" to see red chili in common grocery stores such as Walmart. We may find this chili in the place such as ethnic groceries and farmer market.

Image - Red chilis, sold in the ethnic store.

Red chilis are essential to many cuisines for many countries around the globe. We may use them as adding of:

- flavor

- heat 

- and even color to dishes.

In addition to fresh, we could find red chilis in forms of powdered, dried and in sauces.

Do you like chilis?

The Minorca Rooster and Leghorn Hens - Nature 125

We talked about chicken at previous posts, the topics include "Chickens Enjoying Freedom Outside" and "The Free Ranging Chickens."

Image 01 - The Minorca rooster.

This post talks about "The Minorca Rooster and Leghorn Hens." The Minorca origins from Minorca, Spain. Other common names:

- Gallina de Menorca (in Catalan)

- Menorquina (in Spanish).

The Minorca was imported by J.J. Fultz to Ohio, USA in 1884. Then, spreading across America.

Since our areas are warm and humid during summer, this breeding is suitable enough to grow well.

Image 02 - Several chicken Eggs from yard.

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Chickens Enjoying Freedom Outside - Nature 116

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Free Ranging Chickens - Nature 109

Image 03 - Chickens on the yard.

The Leghorn hen was origin to Tuscany region, Italy, then export to America in 1828. Americans called its as "Italians" initially.

Image 04 - A Palm, illustration only.

Leghorn hens are amazingly producing a great number of eggs compared to other breeding.

Image 05 - A beach, illustration.

The breeding could produce eggs at average of 250 eggs per year. The Leghorn hens produce eggs from 4 months old to several years. 

Fig 06 - Several Leghorn hens and a Minorca Rooster.

Do you know about a Leghorn hen and a Minorca Rooster?

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Leprosy is One of the Oldest Ancient Diseases - Part 2 - Healthy Life 27

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Pheasant in Neighborhood – Nature 45

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 1 – Brain Plasticity 2

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Tabasco Pepper Plant in the Yard – Food 33

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Mediterranean Diet and Alzheimer's Prevention – Part 3 - Alzheimer's 11

Leaves of Maple Tree Hardly Turn Red in our City - Nature 124

We have one Maple tree at backyard, its leaves hardly turn red before fall down. It might be related to temperature.  

Image 01 - A single tree turned its leaves to red.

Our areas are known for "mild winter" in which we have no or less snow during winter seasons. Sure, we have "mild fall" season as well.

As far as we remember, the last snow (light snow) fell in Baton Rouge in 2017, seven years ago.

However, surprisingly, the foliage of Maple trees at our backyard and neighborhood turns beautiful "red" before falling down in the last several years. Some reasons include our areas have temperature below 0* C (below 32* F) and freezing blast from Artic regions for weeks. 

 

Image 02 - Read leaves, look pretty

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Do you Love Tomatoes? - Science 37

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Baby Quail Stuck on the Patio – Nature 73

Image 03 - A cat on the fallen leaves.

Due to its beautiful red foliage makes this tree to be one of favorite choices for landscape in many areas.

Image 04 - A cat sitting on the street.

In addition to temperature, red leaves are influenced by many factors include sunlight, soil condition and rainfall.

Image 05 - Tree with red leaves.

Love to observe red foliage during fall season to early winter in our areas.

Image 06 - Closer look at Marple tree. 

How about weather in your areas?

## Previous postings

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Paintings of Elementary School’s Students - Art 9

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science 28

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Black Cobra Chili Plants – Food 31

- The Rainbow Before Evening : White Hominy Pearls Tossed with Coconut Shreds – Part 1 – Food 32

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why are We Worry with Human Extinction? - Science 29

A Fox Crossing the Street at Neighborhood Recently - Nature 123

When drive our car, we saw a fox passing our car at one of our neighborhood corners just few days ago. 

Image 01 - A fox from a distance.

Actually, our first respond that "oh, look is that fox?." Then, we had to circle around to check it out.

We hardly seeing a fox around, and they are smaller than you might imagine. From several readings (please Google it), reminding us that foxes are generally not going to harm us humans and our pets. 

No, the foxes are not harmful to our lovely pets (dogs or cats) as they are about the same sizes. Many of our neighbors believe that the coyotes that we would have to worry about.

Image 02 - A dog, just for illustration.

# Important postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Middle School Students Show their Paintings – Arts 13

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The American Robin in the Yard – Nature 55

Image 03 - Flowers, just illustration.

One neighbor found one fox laying on the ground in the grass beside her dog. Both seemed totally relaxed. 

Image 04 - A little Kitty, could be attacked by Fox.

So, let them be and allow them to live in nature without human intervention. Interesting sight for the night though.  

Image 05 - A plant with red flowers, illustration.

Leave the fox and her kits alone. They are not hurting anything and will help keep the rodent population down.

Image 06 - A fox at yard, neighborhood. 

Have you seen foxes around your neighborhood?

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Pickle Eggs in the Neighborhood Market – Food 30

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Leprosy is One of the Oldest Ancient Diseases - Part 1 - Healthy Life 27

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Local Coffee Shop in Our City, Baton Rouge

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Mediterranean Diet and Alzheimer's Prevention – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 11

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Paintings of Elementary School’s Students - Art 9