Communities

Writing
Writing
Codidact Meta
Codidact Meta
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Photography & Video
Photography & Video
Scientific Speculation
Scientific Speculation
Cooking
Cooking
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Judaism
Judaism
Languages & Linguistics
Languages & Linguistics
Software Development
Software Development
Mathematics
Mathematics
Christianity
Christianity
Code Golf
Code Golf
Music
Music
Physics
Physics
Linux Systems
Linux Systems
Power Users
Power Users
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Community Proposals
Community Proposals
tag:snake search within a tag
answers:0 unanswered questions
user:xxxx search by author id
score:0.5 posts with 0.5+ score
"snake oil" exact phrase
votes:4 posts with 4+ votes
created:<1w created < 1 week ago
post_type:xxxx type of post
Search help
Notifications
Mark all as read See all your notifications »

Activity for Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Answer A: What is this squirrel doing and why?
I think it serves a few purposes. One is for heat absorption, especially if the squirrel is young and the rock is warm. We learned this when we found a young squirrel splayed out like that on our driveway in the sun. It was a hot day and we thought he (or she) would burn on the driveway, but as it ...
(more)
almost 7 years ago
Question What part of the world has the largest variety of corals?
I'm fascinated by corals. I've been told there are more than a thousand varieties spread out in bodies of water throughout the world. What part of the world has the most varieties of corals in a concentrated area?
(more)
almost 7 years ago
Question Do backyard birds prefer birdbaths with moving water?
It's spring here in the Northeastern United States, and we're getting a large influx of the wonderful birds who will spend the summer and fall with us. Although we feed and water birds, and any other hungry outdoor creatures, throughout the year, we increase their options during the busier months. T...
(more)
almost 7 years ago
Answer A: What are the differences between alpaca wool and merino wool?
The main difference between alpaca and merino (or any other) wool is the fur itself. Alpaca is not technically wool, as it has a different construction. It's fiber, which is more like hair. Because Alpaca fiber is hollow, it has many advantages over merino wool. It's warmer, softer, more lightweight...
(more)
almost 7 years ago
Answer A: What are the risks of stream crossing with bare feet?
I think there would be many times when crossing barefoot would be fine. However, a number of potential risks do exist. Those can include: Getting scraped or cut on either the bottoms or sides of your feet. Culprits could be various sharp items, including broken shells, broken glass, pieces of fis...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Where are some places for people who can't stand up to learn water skiing?
I'm part of a group of disabled people who'd like to learn, or at least experience, water skiing. Our disabilities vary, but none of us are able to support our legs enough to stand on water skis without assistance. Some also have limited arm strength. I've heard that adaptive equipment exists, and w...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What is this floating raft-like object in the waters of a reservoir in Massachusetts?
My husband frequently walks at the Wachusett Reservoir, which spans a few towns in central Massachusetts. This past Sunday he was on his usual path, and saw something floating in the water which he hadn't seen before. It's a square (or perhaps a rectangle, it was hard to tell) structure built on ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Why are common grackles standing on our bird feeders with their heads pointed straight up?
Those grackles are engaged in a courting behavior, most frequently called &#x201C;bill tilt.&#x201D; It's also been called &#x201C;head up&#x201D; or &#x201C;head up threat.&#x201D; While establishing pairs for mating, males vie for the attention of the females. Usually as the birds arrive, a group o...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Why are common grackles standing on our bird feeders with their heads pointed straight up?
I live in Northeastern United States, where it's spring at the moment. We keep bird-feeders throughout the year, so those that over-winter always have something to eat. As is usual at this time of year, a massive group of common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) recently arrived, along with other bir...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What is the sport of Horse Boarding?
Recently a user mentioned something called Horse Boarding. At first I thought she was talking about boarding horses, like in a stable, but she was actually referring to an activity that's popular, especially in the UK. What exactly is the sport of horse-boarding? How is it done? Is it only in the U...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What are the dangers of walking barefoot in towns/cities?
In my town, which is a neighborhood in a suburban location in Massachusetts, barefoot walking is common once the summer starts. I'm old and stay cold longer than most, so I don't even switch over to sandals until long after people like you have taken off your shoes! My "winter feet" are soft and vuln...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What is the smallest owl in the world, and where can I see one?
The smallest owl in the world is the elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi). It's about the size of a sparrow, and weighs about an ounce and a half, which is just less than the weight of a golf ball! Wingspan: 13 1/2 - 16 1/2 in. Length: 5 - 5 3/4 in. Tail: 1.8 - 2.1 in....
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What is the smallest owl in the world, and where can I see one?
I've read that there are up to 200 species of owls, encompassing many sizes, shapes and colors. Ornithologists and scientists continue finding new species and sub-species. They also re-name previously identified species, so information fluctuates. As of March, 2017, what's the smallest of all the ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What is the history of the Duckbill rock formation in Oregon?
During an internet search for fun places to go in the Western United States, I came across a number of articles about an unusual rock formation in Oregon called Duckbill. It was called iconic, treasured and beloved. It had been weakened for years by people standing on, climbing, and falling off it....
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What and where is the builder's plate on a boat?
Since you mentioned wondering what the boat plate looks like, I'm providing a few examples. There's also a bit of information to supplement what Charlie Braumbaugh already presented. From The Department of Transport in Ireland: Every new boat sold or first used in the EU since 16 June 1998 must...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Is this bar-headed goose's behavior an indication of a problem?
Paul Lydon could be right. The behavior is designed to encourage worms to come to the surface, to make it easier for the geese to find and eat. From the same Wikipedia page he quoted, entitled Worm Charming: Worm charming is a behavior also observed in the animal kingdom, especially among birds...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What is this animal with orange webbed feet, a white head with black stripes, and really likes breadcrumbs?
I believe this is a bar-headed goose. Source Source The Bar-headed Goose has a white head with distinctive black bars or stripes on its head, black extending down the front and back of the neck, leaving a white stripe down the sides of the neck, the upper parts and breast are medium grey, flan...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Do squirrels' teeth grow again when lost?
There are over 200 species of squirrels broken down into three categories: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels. Since the most common variety is the tree squirrel, that's what I'm discussing here. It's also the kind from the source in Charlie Brumbaugh's answer, Squirrel Refuge. I ha...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question How can I identify Woolly Adelgid on a Hemlock tree?
Note: An update has been added to this post, and is found below the first set of pictures. I live in Central Massachusetts, in the town of Holden. We're on the border of the large city of Worcester. In a previous question, one of my photographs caught the eye of a user here in Massachusetts who ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Do American mourning doves only make their plaintive cooing sound where people can't see them?
That vocalization is called a perch call, or perch coo. It's only made by a male mourning dove, and the only time he uses it is when he's looking for a mate. As @cr0 and @That Idiot have seen, the dove will make that plaintive sound where you can see him, although it's not that common. Even if he's ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What is the HIN number on a boat?
Not long ago, my husband and I were at a restaurant in Massachusetts. At a nearby table, a man and woman were discussing a large yacht they had seen moored in Boston Harbor, which intrigued them. They made a plan to go back the following day and look at the boat's HIN number so they could get more in...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Do American mourning doves only make their plaintive cooing sound where people can't see them?
We have American mourning doves in abundance in Massachusetts. They spend months in our yard, eating seeds both on the ground and in the feeders. They also peck around in my flower garden, so I think they might be eating grubs and insects. We see many of them every day, rain or shine. I love their ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Where exactly is this rocky shoreline in the Downeast region of Maine, USA?
During the second week of October, 2016, my husband and I went for a drive from our home in Massachusetts to the state of Maine. One of the things we wanted to see was the town of Bar Harbor. Whenever we go anywhere, we try to take the &#x201C;scenic route&#x201D; rather than the highways. That affo...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Could this year's unusual warmth harm turtles?
An early thaw can definitely be dangerous to some of the many varieties of painted turtles. However, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, you only have one breed of painted, which is the Midland Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata. There are several subspecies of painted turtles in ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Do raw eggs need to be rotated for freshness on a long voyage?
Kelley at Preparedness Pro published an article called Safely Preserving Eggs. She believes that the answer to your question is yes, the cartons should be gently flipped upside down about once a month. This is to preserve the integrity of the egg. She also seals them individually for the best protec...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What are some blind-friendly wildlife trails in or including Massachusetts?
One excellent idea is a trip to the sanctuaries owned by the Mass Audubon Society. They have an exciting program called The Accessible Trails Project. Our goal is to connect as many people as possible to the nature of Massachusetts. Our trails are extremely welcoming for all &#x2013; whether y...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question What are some blind-friendly wildlife trails in or including Massachusetts?
I have a group of friends who live in Florida, United States. One woman is blind. One man uses a wheelchair most of the time, although sometimes a cane is sufficient instead, or a friend to lean on. (My mobility restrictions are very similar to his.) The others have no significant physical restrictio...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: What must be causing a decrease in sparrows and an increase in pigeons in my town?
Common Sparrows, which are the State Bird of Delhi, and also of Bihar, have indeed been on a massive decline in India in recent years. What you're seeing is not a fluke. It's happening in many urban areas in India, and is a serious problem. Although many studies have been done over the years, the l...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Is sunscreen toxic to marine life, especially coral reefs?
As part of an effort to be a responsible user of the world's waterways, I've been thinking about ways to reduce marine pollution. A friend told me that certain chemicals in common brands of sunscreen are dangerous to marine life. She specifically said sunscreen is killing much of the delicate eco-s...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Are there any Draisines-Railbike Companies that have wheelchair accessibility?
I've located two current possibilities in Germany, and one potential option in the United States. The first, and what looks like the best, option, is a company called Draisinentour. It utilizes sections of the Glan Valley Railway in the German State of Rhineland-Palatinate. It's quite beautiful! Th...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Is there a Leave No Trace equivalent specifically for boaters?
This question lists the principles of Leave No Trace, taken from the Center for Outdoor Ethics website. While the general principals apply to many types of outdoor activities, this particular set seems geared toward land-related activities. Of course all are true no matter who or where you are, or...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Can I participate in rail biking without my own equipment or experience?
This is a supplement to @Ken Graham's excellent in-depth answer. It's an expansion on a link he referenced in his second picture, which seems to perfectly fit the criteria you're seeking. The organization is called Rail Explorers. They provide guided tours you can take in a safe environment, with ...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Question Can I participate in rail biking without my own equipment or experience?
Thanks to @Ken Graham, I just heard of an activity called rail biking. It involves riding a certain type of bike along sections of abandoned railroad tracks. It sounds like a lot of fun, and my husband and I would love to try it. He's very athletic, and even has a few different bicycles which he us...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question How do I judge what fabrics used to make ear warmers mean, in terms of their function?
My husband recently lost a pair of ear warmers he got at North Face 15 years ago. North Face no longer sells them, so I'm looking for a high-quality replacement. I'm confused by the types of materials used in construction, what they mean, and how they should factor into my purchasing decision. He ...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question Will a live clam on the beach have a better chance of staying healthy if I put it in the water?
Usually when I'm at the beach, especially at low tide, there are many pieces of open or broken shells of mollusks, including clams. They can't survive without their shells, so those broken pieces are left over from animals which have died. Every once in a while, I'll come across some intact clam sh...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question How can I tell the difference between an American Crow, and a Common Raven that lives in America?
I live in Massachusetts, which is part of New England, in the Northeast section of the United States. We have a large number of birds I identify as crows, and only crows. I've heard of ravens, but thought they were mainly found in Europe and other countries in that region of the world. A friend rec...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Best food to attract Blue Tits
Charlie Brumbaugh is correct in his recommendations. In addition, I've found sources indicating that blue tits like certain live animals in their diet, including insects, caterpillars, mealworms and waxworms. These are most important during breeding season, as they're high in protein which is helpf...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question How can I tell if there's a living snail in the shell, without picking it up?
When I go to the beach, I love to look at sea shells. I never take them with me because they're vital to the eco-system. I just gently pick them up, have a close look and sometimes take pictures, then put them back where they were. It's very important to me not to bother any animals. In the case of...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question Where and when can I see the most seals in Cape Cod, Massachusetts?
A few different types of seals (Pinnipeds) are common in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Some live and breed there year-round. Others migrate through on their way elsewhere. We're planning a trip to the Cape specifically for the purpose of seal watching. We'd probably be in the area for about two days. ...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question Is there an easy way to tell if a bee in my yard is being raised in a hive (domestic), or if it's wild (feral)?
I live in Massachusetts, in the Northeastern region of the United States. As a lover of bees, I'd like to learn how to identify some varieties, including their behavior, and how they're raised. Major types of bee habitats include domestic, meaning hand-raised in hives by beekeepers, frequently in s...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question How should I choose a submersible bird bath heater which is reliable and effective?
I live in Massachusetts, United States. A large number of backyard birds overwinter in our yard. Some of the smaller varieties include American Goldfinch, American Tree Sparrows, European Starlings. The larger ones include Northern Cardinals and Mourning Doves. Many have been here all year, and ar...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: How dangerous are kangaroos?
Kangaroos can be very dangerous to men. It's never a good idea to approach them and we should always exercise caution when in the vicinity. However, they don't go looking for people to attack. They're herbivores, meaning they only eat vegetation, so even if they kill a person, they don't eat it. Th...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: What breed is this very large, black, turtle/tortoise found in the Northeast United States?
This is a common snapping turtle. It's not a tortoise. The biggest difference is that turtles are aquatic, spending most of their time in the water, while tortoises live on land. As for your other questions: Age: It's not easy to tell the age of the snapper. They reach full size between 8 and 10 ye...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Why would a Canada Goose sleep on a frozen pond?
There are a few reasons why Canada Geese sleep on the ice. michael has covered them, so this is supplementary. In simplest terms, it's because they live in the water, and are able to tolerate frozen water for periods of time if fresh is not available. Geese on the ice may be resting or preparing to...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Does feeding migratory birds in the fall affect the timing of migration?
Because there are so many different migratory birds, each with their own unique pattern, this is a rather broad question. The answer, therefore, will be based on the general study of migration, rather than individual birds. Migration is an extremely complex process, and a large amount of research i...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: What's the difference between an oar and a paddle?
There are a few fundamental differences between oars and paddles. One main difference is the position of the user relative to the direction in which the vessel is moving. Oars are used to propel the boat in the opposite direction from the direction the rower is seated. Therefore, the person who...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question What's the difference between an oar and a paddle?
I'm curious as to the difference between an oar and a paddle. Does it have to do with shape, material, or size? Is it solely related to the type of vessel for which it's used? In other words, can you use a paddle to propel a rowboat, or an oar to propel a kayak? Is it just a matter of terminolog...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: How to take care of an acrophobic person while hiking?
The other answers have covered the important ground, and are all things that have helped me, so I'll just add a few things from my own experience. I have acrophobia, a balance disorder, and a number of physical injuries and illnesses that make it hard for me to go places and see things. My husband...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Dozens of earthworms came on my terrace and died there
When checking to find out what kind of earthworm we might be discussing, I found sources listing anywhere from 100 to over 6,000 species. That wasn't very helpful so I'll just skip it and assume you have some common variety of earthworm that's present around many parts of the world! The short answe...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Question Does feeding migratory birds in the fall affect the timing of migration?
On the east coast of the United States where I live, various species of birds migrate South (sometimes West) for the winter. Some stop briefly on their long trek, others have been here for months. There are also many birds that stay throughout the winter, so we keep feeders out and full all year. B...
(more)
over 7 years ago