#Cost-Effective Bird Protection

[fast-safety-nets-chennai]

Transparent Pigeon Nets: Enhancing Views while Preventing Birds

In urban environments, pigeon infestations can pose significant challenges for buildings, compromising cleanliness, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers innovative transparent pigeon nets that effectively address these issues while preserving the visual clarity of your surroundings. This blog explores the benefits of transparent pigeon nets and why they are an ideal choice for urban dwellings.

1. Unobtrusive Protection:

1.1 Maintaining Views: Transparent pigeon nets from Fast Safety Nets Chennai provide a clear view through windows and balconies, allowing natural light to enter while preventing pigeons from roosting or nesting. This ensures that your views remain unobstructed, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your living or working space.

1.2 Blending with Architecture: These nets are designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture of your building, whether it's residential or commercial. They do not detract from the building's design, offering discreet bird protection without compromising on style.

2. Enhanced Safety and Hygiene:

2.1 Preventing Health Risks: Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but also carry potential health risks, including respiratory issues and infections. Transparent nets effectively block pigeons from entering while keeping your environment clean and safe for occupants.

2.2 Structural Preservation: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials over time, leading to costly repairs. Transparent nets protect your property by preventing pigeons from causing structural damage, thereby extending the lifespan of your building.

3. Noise Reduction:

3.1 Peaceful Living Spaces: Pigeons can be noisy, especially during mating seasons or when they gather in large numbers. Transparent nets help reduce noise pollution by keeping pigeons at bay, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.

4. Eco-Friendly Solution:

4.1 Humane Bird Control: Transparent pigeon nets offer a humane approach to bird control, preventing birds from accessing unwanted areas without causing harm. This aligns with environmental conservation efforts by respecting wildlife while addressing urban challenges.

4.2 Sustainable Materials: Fast Safety Nets Chennai uses high-quality, eco-friendly materials for their transparent nets, ensuring minimal environmental impact. These nets are durable and weather-resistant, providing long-term bird protection while supporting sustainability initiatives.

5. Cost-Effective and Low Maintenance:

5.1 Long-Term Savings: Investing in transparent pigeon nets is a cost-effective solution for property owners. By preventing damage and reducing cleaning efforts associated with pigeon infestations, these nets offer significant long-term savings.

5.2 Easy to Maintain: Transparent nets are easy to maintain and require minimal upkeep. Regular cleaning to remove dust and debris ensures that they remain effective without compromising visibility or functionality.

6. Professional Installation:

6.1 Expert Installation Services: Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers professional installation services for transparent pigeon nets. Their experienced team ensures precise fitting and secure fixing, optimizing the nets' effectiveness and longevity.

7. Customer Satisfaction:

7.1 Tailored Solutions: Fast Safety Nets Chennai provides customized solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements and architectural nuances. This ensures that the transparent pigeon nets seamlessly integrate with your building's design while delivering superior bird protection.

Conclusion: Transparent pigeon nets from Fast Safety Nets Chennai offer a balance of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability for urban buildings. By choosing these innovative nets, you can enhance views, maintain hygiene, and protect your property from the adverse effects of pigeon infestations. Invest in transparent pigeon nets to transform your living or working environment into a safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing space.

[sairamsafetynets]

Why You Need Pigeon Nets for Your Windows

Pigeon nets are an essential addition to homes and buildings in urban areas, where pigeons and other birds often create problems. From health risks to property damage, pigeons can be a significant nuisance. Installing pigeon nets on your windows is a practical solution to keep these issues at bay. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai offers high-quality pigeon nets that ensure your windows remain protected while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property. Here’s why you need pigeon nets for your windows.

1. Health and Hygiene:

1.1 Disease Prevention: Pigeon droppings are known carriers of various diseases, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These diseases can pose severe health risks to humans, especially children and the elderly. Pigeon nets act as a barrier, preventing pigeons from entering your living space and reducing the risk of disease transmission.

1.2 Cleanliness: Bird droppings can create unsightly messes on window sills, ledges, and exterior walls. Regular cleaning can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Pigeon nets help keep these areas clean by preventing pigeons from roosting and nesting near your windows.

2. Property Protection:

2.1 Structural Damage: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials, leading to long-term structural damage. By installing pigeon nets, you can protect your property from such damage, preserving its integrity and appearance.

2.2 Preventing Nesting: Pigeons often build nests in window corners and ledges, which can block ventilation and drainage systems. Pigeon nets prevent birds from accessing these areas, ensuring your windows and vents remain functional and unobstructed.

3. Noise Reduction:

3.1 Peaceful Environment: Pigeons can be quite noisy, especially when they gather in large numbers. The cooing and fluttering sounds can disrupt your peace and quiet. Pigeon nets help create a noise-free environment by keeping pigeons away from your windows.

4. Aesthetic Appeal:

4.1 Transparent Options: Modern pigeon nets, like those offered by Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai, are available in transparent options that do not obstruct your view. These nets blend seamlessly with your windows, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.

5. Cost-Effective Solution:

5.1 Long-Term Savings: While there is an initial cost associated with installing pigeon nets, the long-term savings are significant. You can save on cleaning, repairs, and potential health-related expenses by preventing pigeon-related problems.

6. Easy Maintenance:

6.1 Low Maintenance: Pigeon nets require minimal maintenance. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these nets are designed to withstand harsh conditions while remaining effective for years. Occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep them in good condition.

7. Environmental Benefits:

7.1 Humane Solution: Pigeon nets provide a humane way to deal with bird problems. Instead of using harmful chemicals or deterrents, nets offer a non-lethal solution that simply prevents pigeons from accessing certain areas.

8. Increased Property Value:

8.1 Attractive Feature: Prospective buyers often look for properties with added safety and cleanliness features. Installing pigeon nets can enhance the value of your property by showcasing your commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.

Why Choose Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai:

1. Expertise and Experience: Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai has extensive experience in providing bird-proofing solutions. Their professional team ensures precise installation and effective coverage.

2. Quality Materials: They use high-quality, UV-stabilized materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring your pigeon nets remain effective for years.

3. Custom Solutions: Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai offers customized solutions tailored to fit your specific needs and window dimensions, providing optimal protection.

4. Professional Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of pigeon nets. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai ensures that nets are securely and aesthetically installed, offering peace of mind and maximum protection.

Conclusion: Pigeon nets are an essential investment for urban properties, offering numerous benefits from health protection to property preservation. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai provides high-quality, durable pigeon nets that ensure your windows are safe, clean, and free from bird-related issues. Enhance your living environment with the best pigeon net solutions available.

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - May 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi or $Kaybarr1735! Also, if you tip me on Ko-fi or CashApp (and give me some way to contact you if it doesn’t automatically), at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content!

1. Scientists Invent Healthier More Sustainable Chocolate

“The new chocolate recipe from researchers at ETH Zurich uses more materials from the cocoa pod that are usually discarded, including more of the pulp as well as the inner lining of the husk, known as the endocarp. […] The resulting chocolate also [was “deliciously sweet” and] had 20% more fibre and 30 percent less saturated fat than average European dark chocolate[, and] it could enable cocoa farmers [to] earn more from their crops.”

2. Vermont Is Coming for Big Oil, Making It Pay for Decades of Climate Pollution

“Legislators in Montpelier are on the brink of enacting the "Climate Superfund Act," modeled after the federal Superfund law, that seeks to make oil, gas and coal companies pay for damages linked to historical greenhouse gas emissions. […] Companies would be held liable for the costs associated with […] floods and heat waves, along with losses to biodiversity, safety, economic development and anything else the treasurer deems reasonable[, that were caused by their emissions].”

3. Important bird habitat now protected in the Rocky Mountain Trench

“Grassland-reliant species in the Rocky Mountain Trench now have more protected habitat thanks to a new [270-hectare] conservation area near Cranbrook. […] About one-third of the Skookumchuck Prairie Conservation Area is forested[…,] Most of the site is a dry grassland[…, and] Three hectares of wetlands add to the landscape diversity and offer crucial benefits to wildlife and water systems in the area. This conservation gem also provides habitat for endangered American badger and excellent winter range for elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer.”

4. Lemur Week marked by 70th breeding success

“A wildlife park has celebrated its 70th lemur breeding success ahead of a week raising money to help save the endangered primates. […] The park's open-air Madagascar exhibit is home to 31 free-roaming lemurs and was officially opened in 2008. […] Females are only sexually receptive for just one or two days a year, leaving a small window of opportunity for males to father offspring. […] The two playful siblings, one female and one male, were born to father Bernard and mother Hira.”

5. Innovative material for sustainable building

“Researchers introduce a polymer-based material with unique properties. This material allows sunlight to enter, maintains a more comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself like a lotus leaf. The new development could replace glass components in walls and roofs in the future.”

6. Isle of Wight eagles don't pose threat to lambs as feared

“While there had previously been fears that the eagles would feed on livestock, such as lambs, the project has found no evidence of this. [… “W]hite-tailed eagles effectively steal meals from other predatory birds[, which is] a really important ecological role that had been lost within the landscape and is being restored.” [… The birds’] population was boosted by a chick last year – the first time the species has bred in England in 240 years.”

7. Breakthrough discovery uses engineered surfaces to shed heat

“Cheng's team has found a way to lower the starting point of the [Leidenfrost] effect by producing a surface covered with micropillars. […] The discovery has great potential in heat transfer applications such as the cooling of industrial machines and surface fouling cleaning for heat exchangers. It also could help prevent damage and even disaster to nuclear machinery.”

8. New malaria vaccine delivered for the first time

“A total of 43,000 doses arrived by air today from UNICEF, and another 120,000 are scheduled to show up in the coming days. […] They're the first vaccines designed to work against a human parasite. […] Across four African countries, these trials showed a 75% reduction in malaria cases in the year following vaccination of young children. […] The Serum Institute of India, who will be manufacturing the new vaccine, says a hundred million doses will likely be available to countries by the middle of next year.”

9. Urban gardening may improve human health: Microbial exposure boosts immune system

“"One month of urban indoor gardening boosted the diversity of bacteria on the skin of the subjects and was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood. The group studied used a growing medium with high microbial diversity emulating the forest soil," [… whereas] the control group used a microbially poor peat-based medium. [… N]o changes in the blood or the skin microbiota were seen. […] “This is the first time we can demonstrate that meaningful and natural human activity can increase the diversity of the microbiota of healthy adults and, at the same time, contribute to the regulation of the immune system."”

10. Cities Are Switching to Electric Vehicles Faster Than Individuals

“[M]ost large cities have adopted some kind of climate goal, and some of them are buying EVs for their municipal fleets at a faster rate than the general public. And that progress could speed up as more EVs enter the market and as cities get educated about grant funding and tax incentives that were passed over the last four years.”

May 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[bridenore]

Lights Camera Drarry 2024 recs

Here are some of my favorite fics from @lcdrarry 2024. Listed in alphabetical order.

Black Sheep by shushu_yaoi_lj / @orange-peony [10k]

“You know, Potter, maybe all you need to win is a little—incentive, let’s say.” “An incentive?” Harry asks, his interest piqued. He takes a step closer to the fence, and then another one, until he’s standing so close that he can smell the intoxicating scent of Malfoy’s expensive cologne. “Shall we say that if you win, you can have whatever your heart desires?” Malfoy replies with a smile. “Anything.”

A Ferret, a ScarHead, a Weasel, and a Baby by trishjames [91k]

They say becoming a parent is an unparalleled, priceless joy. Draco Malfoy finds himself putting that theory to the test when the star witness in his dangerous illegal potions case entrusts him with a powerful wish: protect her newborn baby at all costs. Now, it's up to Draco to fulfill that wish despite the looming threat of criminals hunting for the child. To think, just the day before, he was fretting over his inappropriate feelings for his annoying, bespectacled git of a housemate—not the mechanics of changing nappies! Thank Merlin it takes a village to raise a sack of flour, ah, child.

first, she fell by luminae [1k]

Harry's wife is dead. No one knows quite what that means.

Love Will Abide by @dodgerkedavra [39k]

Harry and Draco survive the apocalypse. This is what happens after.

Obscuro by stratigraphy [35k]

Draco is grieving. His conversation partner is here against his will. It's a shameless rip-off of an insipid Muggle reality dating show. Hardly the occasion for true love, if you ask Draco. feat. a cat named Marmalade, a bird named Mumble, Lee Jordan's answer to Love is Blind, and two best friends who only want their dads to be happy.

this strange effect by harDeehar [30k]

Harry hated his job, his cousin, and his inability to figure out how to fit into the boring, depressing world around him. He kept his peace until Draco Malfoy turned out to not be dead like Harry thought he was. Deadly, though? Harry was going to figure that out.

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

[clericsong]

sunday and robin ramblings 🕊

long post ahead containing some thoughts on sunday and robin because i'm really obsessed with them.

to start this, i want to talk about how self-sacrificial sunday is. even going past his plan where he literally intends to suffer to create paradise in true jesus figure fashion, robin mentions that while she confides in and receives support from sunday, he doesn't tell her anything. in her letter, we see her being concerned for him because she knows he's so overworked as well, taking on so much on his own, and from the robin pc, we see how much he tried to bear his loneliness in her absence. it's clear he didn't want to worry or burden robin, but i also believe he was doing this to prepare for his role past a certain point.

i headcanon that this self-sacrificial nature comes partly from witnessing his mother's death and having a survivor's guilt reaction to it, as well as a protectiveness for his last living family, robin- feeling guilt perhaps that his mother could not be saved, he's determined to protect robin from the same fate, at the cost of his 'unworthy' life; (once again, this is mostly inferred) the belief of this unworthiness may stem not only from wishing his mother had been saved instead, but also the way his inability to effectively protect robin as he wants- from her audience, from getting shot, then 'murdered'- is dangled over him time and time again, thus highlighting his failure properly parent her in their mother's place. this nature of his is then further cultivated by gopher wood to fit his agenda; i am also of the belief that he purposely encouraged the divide between the siblings, specifically robin's differing philosophy (it's shown he was indoctrinating sunday specifically with the teachings of the order as opposed to robin who was taught the odes of harmony), then her career and absence from her brother's side, in order to further isolate sunday so he could groom him.

and building off of that, i think it shows a paradox in sunday's sense of self-worth: with his monologue on it against the individualistic philosophy of the strong exploiting the weak, sunday is collectivist to the point of self-effacement, and yet he's extremely isolated in that he cannot trust in or rely on anyone, not even his sister. he's so ready to throw himself under the bus for "the greater good," and yet he also cannot believe in a world that isn't under his control.

and that brings me to robin, who embodies the very contradiction in sunday's logic: hope and kindness, the humanity in helping one another that ties us all together in true harmony. robin, who even in opposing sunday, cares for him so much that she asks him to reconsider his plan bc she does not want him to compromise himself. who embraces him in his defeat, and searches for him afterward. it feels as if when she challenges him during the boss fight is the first time it occurs to him that there's someone who would wish for his salvation and happiness as well, that robin loves him too much to let him do this to himself. he was ready to make a perfect world for her where she wouldn't need his support, a paradise where she would forever be shielded, but robin's core is helping people; she wouldn't be satisfied with an escapist fantasy where she's detached from the people she wants to help, and that includes him. she never stops reaching for him.

we have already heard countless times how despite robin's caged bird imagery, sunday is the truly caged bird in his isolation and ideology, along with the sort of world he seeks to create, emphasized further by his design elements (especially in contrast to robin): pierced wings, a set of wings that can't be spread, a more covered up, stiff, confined design, etc. but i'd like to add another inversion: in robin's teaser, we see that sunday is the one crying between them. i like to think this detail was intentional: even if sunday tries to be strong, and does everything to protect robin, he is resultantly the more vulnerable of the two siblings, or rather "the weaker": restricted by his position in the family, isolated without a support system, exploited by the strong through gopher wood's grooming, and made to suffer for the sake of a paradise for others. meanwhile robin is the stronger of the two: she comes out of her trauma with her own wounds, but rises from them with a renewed will to help others, she questions the role she's put in, she breaks out of her confines as an idol to do humanitarian work, and even wakes from ena's dream on her own. and once again, she never stops reaching out for sunday, embodying her very philosophy, whereas sunday contradicts his own philosophy in that to create his paradise, "the weak," in this case being himself, must suffer.

but sunday also contradicts his philosophy in a different way. he believes in a cruel world where the strong and individualistic take advantage of the weak, and yet there's someone who wishes to help others so much he is ready to damn himself for their happiness, someone who, despite being misguided, feels so much responsibility over helping the weak, someone who has unconditionally supported his sister without seeking anything in return. perhaps robin has such strong convictions in people helping each other because she witnessed it from him.

[theweeklydiscourse]

Baghra was always a terrible mentor and we were gaslit into thinking she wasn’t.

I was scanning Ruin and rising to find a few passages for a Darkling meta I was in the process of writing and I happened upon a very interesting conversation between Baghra and Alina. In this conversation, they discuss merzost and its potential consequences as Baghra scolds Alina for seeking the firebird. Baghra’s argument is both contradictory and unhelpful, serving only as a condemnation of Alina’s efforts to defeat the Darkling. There is no wisdom in this exchange, only judgement from an old woman who has no idea what she’s talking about.

So let’s break it down.

Alina confesses that she dabbled in merzost and Baghra responds in her usual ominous and vague manner, grabbing Alina’s wrists for dramatic effect. She warns Alina that merzost can only cause misery, citing the creation of the fold as an example and seems to imply that Alina might journey down a similar path. Baghra gestures towards the inherently corruptive nature of merzost and expresses concern for Alina’s potential. Interestingly, it was exactly her use of merzost that allowed Alina to thwart Aleksander at the end of Siege and Storm. Alina also contradicts herself: “I didn’t do it myself” but “I used the connection between us, (…) to control the Darkling’s power.” she creates a disconnect between herself and the use of merzost as a way of softening the blow. She claims that the merzost was involuntary, but at the same time uses words that signal her activity as opposed to the passivity she initially professed.

This is a small example of Alina’s tendency to claim helplessness and deny her agency. Truthfully, she did use the merzost to save her friends and try to kill Aleksander, a sacrificial act to defeat the big bad. It almost worked, it was effective at warding him off for a time while they regrouped and recovered from the ambush.

Now THIS is what really set me off. Alina argues that she may not have a choice in wether or not she uses merzost to defeat Aleksander and honestly? She’s right. At this point, the narrative has told us that negotiation is not an option, Aleksander is on the war path and the consequences of not fighting him could cost thousands of lives. All of this is presumed to be true and yet, Baghra still takes up this aggravating “holier than thou” attitude towards the pursuit of the firebird.

Baghra: Wow Alina… you’re going to sacrifice the life of this INNOCENT animal for the sake of your own power? This poor innocent bird? I can’t believe you would be so cruel.

Alina: People are dying Baghra.

Baghra’s framing is so manipulative. She’s straight up accusing Alina of being a power hungry villain who would gladly sacrifice an “ancient life” for HER own power. Bitch, since when has this been where we draw the line? Baghra acts as if killing the firebird for the sake of an amplifier is a testament to Alina’s greed but Alina HAS NO OTHER CHOICE. She clutches her pearls at the notion of Alina killing an old bird to save the country as if she hasn’t ranted at length about how dangerous Aleksander is. Baghra has spoken of Aleksander as the apocalypse personified, and yet when presented with the most viable option of defeating him she cries: “but think of that poor ancient life!”?

In the same exchange, she completely dismisses Alina’s peaceful resolution of being merciful to the stag and mocks her for suggesting such a childish idea. But notice how she suggests no other alternative? If she’s so passionate about protecting this ancient creature, why not propose a plan to defeat Aleksander that doesn’t require killing the final amplifier? Instead she scolds Alina for her greed and derides her for doing what is necessary to save the country. Alina tell her that no one is strong enough to stand against an army of shadow soldiers and Baghra STILL dismisses her efforts to do the right thing.

It is here that Alina acknowledges her intentions to seek power and uses sound reasoning to do so. She is the only person strong enough to stand against Aleksander and NEEDS the amplifiers to win. “Abomination against abomination” but I don’t see you offering any alternatives Baghra. If this hag cared so much about preventing an all out magical war maybe she should’ve been proactive during the centuries where she witness Aleksander’s rise to power.

Baghra’s “warnings” are complete nonsense and devoid of reason. It is her reacting to Grisha power with disgust and expressing contempt towards Alina for giving a damn about the country’s welfare. But what do we expect from Baghra? She’s always been more concerned with preserving decorum and her own moral purity than taking a stand against injustice. She does not offer sage advice, only condescending and vague bullshit that validates her self righteous martyr complex.

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Why Have All the Birds Stopped Singing?

Originally posted on my website at https://rebeccalexa.com/why-have-all-the-birds-stopped-singing/

Summer is nearly halfway through, and while the days are still long there are already changes hinting at fall’s arrival. The heat causes some of the leaves on trees and shrubs to begin to turn just a little, and the sunset is a bit earlier each evening. One phenomenon that often startles people is when they realize that–seemingly overnight–the birds stopped singing.

Now, it’s not unusual for them to quiet down when a predator passes by (that includes us big, scary humans, by the way.) After all, they don’t want to be noticed by something that would happily turn them into a snack. But with each passing week there are fewer birdsongs in the daily chorus, and by the end of August pretty much all the birds stopped singing. Why is that?

Well, first we need to look at why birds sing in the first place.  I start noticing songs late in winter, and then the diversity and frequency build up throughout spring. This is correlated with nesting season. Both male and female birds sing, though male songs have historically been given more attention.

Songs serve to establish and protect territory in which mated pairs of birds build their nests; birds of the same species know that this spot is taken, move along, please–or else. And they also help birds to attract their mate for the year; male songs in particular have been studied in this regard. So what sounds like lovely music to us is serious business for birds, meaning either “Hey, baby, check ME out!” or “GET OFF MY LAWN!” (Birdsong is also more surprisingly complex than we had assumed!)

The singing continues throughout nesting season. Some species of bird only raise one clutch of young a year, especially those whose young may take several weeks to fledge. Others, especially many songbirds, can raise two or even three clutches a year, seeing their young fledge and leave the nest within two weeks of hatching. As long as the nest is active, the parent birds work actively to protect it, to include re-establishing residency through song.

There is, of course, a risk associated with singing. Birds aren’t the only animals noticing the singer; predators also use these songs to home in on a potential meal. Singing does increase the likelihood of becoming prey, but it’s effective enough in helping spread one’s genes that it’s worth the risk from an evolutionary perspective. A bird that gets nabbed while singing near a nest is more likely to have passed its genes through at least one clutch of eggs, and if the surviving parent can get some of the young to fledgling age, then they have a good chance of surviving to spread the singing genes on to the next generation.

As soon as the nest is empty for the year, and the last batch of young have successfully fledged, the birds stopped singing. Why keep bringing attention to yourself when you no longer need to? It’s time to transition to non-breeding behavior patterns, whether that means a solitary existence, or a social group for winter.

But there’s another reason birds quiet down this time of year. By this point, their feathers are pretty beat up from their spring migration (even many resident species still engage in local migrations), and then defending their nests and literally running themselves ragged getting food for demanding, hungry young. They have to prepare for the fall migration, which for many species is a marathon thousands of miles long to their wintering grounds.

If you’re a bird whose flight feathers in your wings and tail are torn and even broken, you aren’t going to be a very efficient flier. Each wingbeat is going to cost you more energy, and on a long journey that inefficiency can be fatal. So July and the first part of August are prime times for North American birds to molt, shedding out old feathers and growing fresh new ones. By the time they’re ready for liftoff for the fall migration–or simply surviving winter’s cold right here–those shiny, undamaged feathers are going to be the perfect tools for energy-efficient flight. By saving valuable calories, they increase the likelihood that they’ll survive to see another breeding season next year.

This northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) looks a little sad with a bare head–but don’t worry, those feathers will grow back soon!

But while they’re molting, they’re going to be additionally hindered in flight. That makes them even more vulnerable to predation. So this is another great reason for birds to quiet down as summer winds on. (They also may look a little silly, and while they probably don’t feel embarrassed about losing all the feathers on their head, I wouldn’t blame them if they were, in fact, a little self-conscious about it.)

Never fear, though–once late winter arrives next year, we’ll get to start hearing our birds warming up their syrinxes again, and soon the mornings will be full of the dawn chorus, fresh and new.

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes or hiring me for a guided nature tour, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

[2treez]

The felling of a tree should be carefully considered, whether it is to build a road or a house or because the leaves pollute the roof and block the drainage system. Trees offer numerous benefits that should be considered:

🌳 **CO2 absorption and oxygen production:** One tree absorbs about 22 kg of CO2 per year and produces enough oxygen for two people. This contributes significantly to improving air quality.

🌿 **Soil stabilization:** With its deep roots, a tree stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion. The roots improve the soil structure and increase the water retention capacity of the soil.

🌳 **Climate regulation:** Trees reflect and absorb some solar radiation, which helps to cool the environment. A single tree can have the cooling effect of ten air conditioners.

🌿 **Cloud formation and precipitation:** Through evaporation, trees contribute to cloud formation and thus have a positive influence on the local microclimate and precipitation.

🌳 **Soil fertility:** Leaves that fall to the ground decompose and serve as food for the soil. This promotes soil fertility and supports the growth of other plants.

🌿 **Nutrient cycling:** Trees provide sugars to the mycelium in exchange for nutrients, which promotes soil life and supports ecosystem health.

🌳 **Air purification:** Trees absorb dust and pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, which significantly improves air quality.

🌿 **Habitat:** Trees provide habitat and food for a variety of animals, including birds, insects and rodents, thus promoting biodiversity.

🌳 **Sound and visual protection:** Trees can act as a natural sound and visual barrier, which is particularly beneficial in urban areas.

🌿 **Shade and protection:** Trees provide shade and protection from UV radiation, which pleasantly cools the local microclimate.

Additionally, it can be mentioned:

📊 **Economic benefits:** Urban trees can increase property values and reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling.

📈 **Health benefits:** Spending time near trees and green spaces reduces stress, improves mental health and promotes physical activity.

🌳🫶🏼🌳

**Conclusion:** In addition to CO2 reduction, a tree provides freshness, water and oxygen. Trees are an indispensable technology that can save us! Plant trees, plant hedges. 👍

[that-one-i-think]

don’t know anything about Soul Eater so would it be possible for Irene to be the meister and the rest of the divine warriors be the weapons?

SO the answer to this is actually yes! Irene can have multiple weapons as long as they are compatible! Due to the fact that there are so many, I will exclusivel show what weapon forms the divine warriors are when Irene is using them.

SHAD: He is an executioners axe! I feel that is is very fitting for his personality and due to his relationship with Irene giving him a death sentence, it seems the best option. Shads special ability is to swiftly behead someone and rip out their soul.

Enki: A Rapier! It is both elegant and beautiful, much like how I imagine Enki to be. I feel that Enki and Irene were both considered to be elegant and beautiful, and are very swift fighters. Enki's ability is to create soul runes with varying magical effects and abilities.

Menphia: I believe that Menphia would be a mace! It is an extraordinarily bloody weapon that requires a lot of Fury to use. You have to have strong emotions to want to bash someones head in, something that exemplifies Irene and Menphia's relationship. Menphias special ability is that the Mace can turn wrecking ball size and absolutely destroy a person.

Esmund: Shield. I feel that this one is rather self explanatory, he is the protector so he protects. He wants to protect Irene at all costs even at the cost of his own safety. Esmunds special ability is a sort of ram ability. Irene can use the shield to charge through enemies.

Kul'Zak: Trident, but specifically a minecraft trident with all of the enchantments. The summon lightning enchantment and the go through water enchantment. He is the wanderer so he is fit to wander the seas and since Irene is a bird, they need help when it comes to water. Kul'Zak's ability is just summoning lightning and zooming through water. (I just think it is funny)

[ksiondzkanexkiii]

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AGAIN | Angor Rot

CHAPTER TWO

Next chapter (three)

Chapter One

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Anoana wasn't too interested in the new troll hunter in fact she was never up to date on who the current new troll hunter was. She always believed that it was her husband who would be able to protect her even if he never returned from his trip to the islands of the gods as she called it, it's not that she didn't miss Angor the truth is that there wasn't a day or night in which she didn't weep watching the bed she sleeps in still empty on the other side.

It was as if she believed that Angor would regain her soul and return to her and Morgana would eventually be killed so that the couple could once again happily develop their village.

A village that is no longer there. She wasn't able to run the village she handed over the power to Vendel however she is still beside the old man to help him, not all the trolls of Rot village took the sudden change of power well they hoped that Angora's wife would handle the pressure and make them rebuild their village somewhere other than the marketplace however none of that happened. According to Anoana, this was the safest option she could have chosen.

she couldn't handle the pressure of being a leader she was used to standing by optionally suggesting what to do, smiling at the crowd when her husband spoke or she had time to help her subjects in the village. Here she helped the blacksmith with bringing rare metals she found in the deepest caves, here she helped in the troll nursery to teach the young trolls about the magic that could be extracted from every object from flowers, from tree leaves, from tree bark she showed them how to extract magic, from the nature that surrounded them on every side.

However, not every young troll was interested in this so she had the story of her expeditions in store, which were more interesting for children however, when the village of Rot joined the marketplace and there was no trace of Angor Anoana's heart broke however her hope that she would get her husband back did not diminish. She had a bad feeling about the expedition and yet she let him out of the village she feared that he had died on the way to the island where Morgana is located however, when she heard that Angor had become an assassin for Morgana her heart beat harder and her hope was strengthened she dreamed every night of meeting her beloved.

She disregarded the crimes he had committed, she told herself that he had been forced to do so. Since he was left, when Anoana learned that Angor had lost his soul her heart broke again every day and night she sat over her books and even books borrowed from Vendel optionally from Blinky with more willingness or less to lend to his wife the killer, she tried to find a way to retrieve Angor's souls from the hands of the shadow goddess however with poor results.

Unable to find the right spell even if she used forbidden books, after sleepless nights she finally succumbed to Indun who, each day worrying about her mother-to-be, urged her to rest. When Anoana finally succumbed to the younger troll she quietly uttered a vow to find a way to be reunited with her husband even if it was at the cost of her health or life, when the woman finally scaled back her attempts from finding a way to get her husband back she did not let go of learning spells such as transformation into any living being in this world

She was able to change into a lizard, a bird, a horse practically any animal she could dream up into she even went so far as to try to change into a dragon or a griffin, but she failed however with the help of an old friend she soon got the desired effect only she had a small problem.

She couldn't change into a human being whenever she tried and the magic around her blew away everything around her creating a small tornado and she slowly floated into the air feeling the magic flow through her body stretching or shrinking parts of her body however not everything went as smoothly as she wanted it to

Although she resembled a human her skin was flesh-colored maybe slightly pale, but to her eye her complexion was too pale, she still couldn't hide her horns or her tail the sun kept burning her turning her skin to stone, despite many attempts she still failed, when the appearance suited her thinking it wouldn't arouse people's suspicions the sun had a different plan, she couldn't produce a shield that protected her from the scorching sun just waiting to turn her to stone.

 After several months of trying to turn herself into a human she finally gave up still living on the border of the Market in the most remote place, it's not that she didn't want to meet other trolls or talk to them she just didn't feel confident to live in a stone heart without Angora, after losing her husband she felt that her position had declined and she shouldn't elevate herself above other trolls as if she did before.

Although the biggest reason she isolated herself from the rest of the troll society was that trolls didn't like shapeshiftersodź she took lessons from the "hiding" of a certain young wizard to change her body into animals, she was afraid to brag to C about her abilities for fear of being shunned by society. Although Vendel knew what she had learned and applauded her power, which she continued to strengthen, he respected her decision to hide it in secret although he didn't understand why.

- Anoano what are you thinking about?  - Asked Vendel's calm voice as the stone tankard came into contact with the stone table, the old man's heavy footsteps rang out among the crowd of other trolls in the tavern. Vendel sat down in front of the troll with his drink as his pale eyes looked intently at the widow - Your head is full of thoughts at the same time it is full of tension, not what you would expect from a wizard - Vendel added with his scholarly tone

Anoana smiled with difficulty as she listened to her leader's every word, her green eyes momentarily fixed on Vendel's staff made of a stone heart which, like the stone heart in the middle of the troll market, shimmered pink and orange - You're thinking about him again aren't you? - Vendel asked rhetorically, seeing the gaze of the woman, who thoughtfully began to braid her long red hair in a tight braid so as not to get her precious hair wet in a mug full of dried leaves, people call it tea, but Anoana didn't like human tea, so with the help of her transformation into a cat and a bird she watched people make this invention.

And she created her own mixture of leaves that tasted good to her, Indun and Vendel. The pleasant smell of brewed leaves split her nostrils as she thought of an answer she could give to the old man - It's been centuries since I've seen him, I've only heard horrible stories until he suddenly sank to the ground - whispered Anoana not wanting to speak louder so that the inquisitive ears of the trolls wouldn't hear what she was saying, she moved her protruding long ears gently to pick up any suspicious words in the tavern but heard nothing of interest

- I hope to find Infern Copul to give him back his stolen soul and to get back his husband," she stated her plan so confidently however not once did she move further from Arcadia even using the sewer tunnels she was unable to go further than the end of the city then doubts and maybe even panic flooded her veins effectively scaring her from traveling further. She had no problem leaving the market or Arcadia when she was trying to find out what the tea was made of however, when she wanted to move on the expedition and get her husband back fear was wracking her body.

- It was a rhetorical question," Vendel muttered, wanting to throw another smart remark, but refrained, "You've been planning this for decades and you still haven't done anything about it," the old man shook his head in disapproval he knew what it was to lose love however Anoana couldn't accept the fact that Angora was gone and unlikely to return to her life, he was defeated and imprisoned even the old man himself didn't know the exact location of Morgana's servant's prison.

Anoana squinted exceptionally she was not wearing a scarf, on her hair she had loose tassels hiding her green eyes, without a scarf she felt a bit undressed however she did not want to tie a scarf on her hair. Vendel dropped by her house while she was weighing potions out of boredom offered to drink tea together Anoana couldn't refuse him so that's how she ended up here. At the inn.

- I know Vendel - She muttered as her shoulders slumped in resignation - However, I will soon be able to go further out than before - She added after a while in the same dreamy tone, she twisted the stone tankard in her hand as she looked at the drink that was swirling inside the tankard - Please change the subject - She sighed heavily through her nose however Vendel understood why she asked this so he meekly nodded his head

Vendel did not have to think long about the next topic of conversation - Our human troll hunter challenged Draal to a duel. Did you hear about that? - He asked raising his eyebrow as he took a sip of tea without taking his eyes off the woman in front of him. The light blue troll's eyebrows rose high up, she was not yet used to the fact that their new troll hunter was human however she did not underestimate Jim, she had seen him from afar and knew that this young boy would do great deeds however he needed solid training not a tournament of who would die faster

- Are you sure this rumor is true? - asked the woman skeptically, putting the tankard down in front of her with a silly clatter as the tankard touched the stone floor of the table - Isn't this another invention of Draal? - asked the woman - The last time Draal challenged someone to a duel it turned out that the opponent didn't even know about it - the woman added after a while under her breath

- This time I trust Draal's words - Vendel muttered, rolling his eyes at the words muttered by the widow - I am inclined to believe that the troll hunter dared to challenge Draal - Vendel defended himself, finishing his tea without paying attention, that the widow hadn't even started drinking her warm decoction - I'm betting that the fight will be short anyway - Vendel shrugged his shoulders - But I hope I'm wrong - He added after a while feeling Anoana's appraising gaze on him

- Don't you believe in a boy? - She asked curiously, she knew such a case. Indun, considered by many a weak and naive girl too weak to face the monstrosity of this world and yet, when Anoana and Angor trained her taught her how to fight, how to use simple spells such as shield protection then Indun grew into a capable warrior, everyone could envy her. Anoana had a feeling that Jim Lake Jr. will be similar to Indun no one believes in him except a group of friends however at some point he will grow into a capable warrior for whom everyone will bow down for the work he does

Vendel squinted his pale eyes and murmured something under his breath - Disbelieving someone is a strong word - explained the old man linking his hands together on the table top he pressed his lips tighter together forming his mouth into a thin line feeling how his lips are still moist after drinking tea - However, I will admit that I have mixed thoughts about the boy - explained Vendel scratching his long beard, Anoana smiled gently hearing the sincerity of her friend who sometimes becomes her mentor

- Amulet chose Jim must have a reason," she finally explained taking the first sip of tea in this meeting, "Jim may have potential he doesn't know about yet," the woman muttered turning her gaze from Vendel to the table to their right, where Blinky was sitting, Aaarrrgghh, "Jim can be like a crystal, if he is polished well -

- This will emerge a strong fighter - Finished Vendel knowing what Anoana wants to say - I might agree - The old man followed the woman's gaze and also looked at the two friends, before he could utter his next words Anoana forewarned him

- However, you don't believe Blinky is a good teacher - She raised an eyebrow as she slowly turned her head towards the old man straightening up in her seat even more than necessary - I believe Blinky has learned from his mistakes and a bond will soon be formed between him and our new troll hunter -.

- Anoano, you are forging ahead," sighed Vendel, also taking his eyes off the table of trolls they were looking at, the market leader said nothing more to even contradict the woman's words. He wanted to chastise her for once again looking too far into the future, which might kick her in the butt because of what she had thought up and failed - In that case, will you come to the fight tomorrow? - finally asked the old man changing the subject

Anoana shook her head with a mocking smile on her face as she gently dropped her head. When she lifted her gaze she encountered two people sitting across from Blinky and Aaarrrgghh she immediately recognized the troll hunter and his friend - A busy schedule I have - She winked with a smile, ran her tongue over the top line of her teeth - However, I will come - Finally she looked towards Vendel nodding her head

Vendel smiled - In that case, I'll see you tomorrow - He said goodbye to the woman, who answered him with a brief nod of farewell as she stared dully into the mug of tea in front of her. When she raised her gaze again she stuck her gaze into the foursome who were whispering to each other, not overhearing them her long ears lowered to avoid accidentally hearing what secrets they were whispering to each other.

She hoped she wasn't looking too far into the future and Jim would turn out to be what she hoped he would become. She stared intently at the foursome contemplating the human troll hunter she hoped she was telling the truth and Jim would turn out to be worthy of having the amulet and maybe even be the best troll hunter in the history of trolls.

She smiled under her breath as she finished her tea in one gulp and moved away from the table. She would get up to go to her house and prepare for tomorrow's duel between the troll hunter and Draal, she didn't notice that the new troll hunter was also looking at her as she was looking at him. Jim turned again toward Blinky who was assessing the photo that Toby had taken when they fought the shapeshifter in the museum, but the troll hunter had something else on his mind right now other than worrying that some troll was looking at him as if he was assessing him.

✮⋆｡°✩⋆˙⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆*: ･ﾟ✧*: ･ﾟ

Jim's speech after winning the battle with Draal brought only the fact that Vendel left the marketplace with the help of Blinkie and Aaarrrgghh to check what Jim saw was actually a decapitated bridge and not some other monument. Panic broke out in the marketplace, but Vendel with the help of Anoana and Indun successfully calmed the crowd of anxious trolls.

At the request of an elderly woman, Indun stayed at the market to keep watch over the peace while she was away.

Vendel, Aaarrrgghh and Blinky waited behind the human troll hunter and his friend at the time the market leader was looking at the displays on display in the museum, Vendel did not necessarily understand the art that people enjoyed so much. Holding his scepter tightly as his patience ran out Aaarrrgghh looked around from time to time hoping that Jim and the appendage would soon arrive Blinky meanwhile was boiling in place with stress trying to somehow strike up a conversation with Vendel but after another reluctant mutter from the leader he finally understood Vendel's allusion and stopped talking.

- Let's hope he does something about the cameras," Jim muttered, stepping through the window inside the museum as he began to look around for a potential museum security guard this time Toby was trying to squeeze through a narrow window. Letting out a sigh and moving around the troll hunter's friend tried to get inside the museum

- Oh boy, so it's true," muttered Toby squeezing himself into the window, as his body slowly squeezed through the window frame, Jim extended him a helping hand but Toby ignored it or didn't even notice it, "The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime," after saying these words Tobes body finally freed itself from the grasp of the window to jump inside and fall to the ground with a silent thud, Jim seeing his friend fall only contorted his face in a sign of pain

- He thinks the Arrest will convert us, but it's even worse," concluded Domzalski trotting after his friend unable to catch up with him, Jim without turning behind him walked on without waiting behind his friend knowing he was following him

- Lucky there are no goblins," whispered Jim more to himself than to Tobes, the two teens were walking deeper into the museum, where the market leader, Aaarrrgghh and Blinky were waiting behind them, however, the teens were not the only ones who were late.

Vendel was getting more and more impatient, but he was looking curiously at the relics on display and his eye was caught by an old-fashioned dress from the Renaissance, but he didn't like it, He furrowed his brow and wrinkles formed on his forehead as he began to gently tap the mannequin on which the dress was displayed with his scepter - What a ridiculous garment - he muttered under his breath and Aaarrrgghh and Blinky were forced to stand behind him for a good half hour while the leader looked at one and the same thing.

The two trolls simultaneously rolled their eyes, however, when they heard footsteps behind them they turned to see Jim and Toby walking hurriedly toward them. Blinky had a tightly wrinkled nose - You're late," he accused them almost immediately as the teenagers approached them

- Yes, Yes, sorry Draal trained Jim," explained Tobes which was clearly meant to keep the secret that Kanjigar's son now lives in his basement to protect the teenager and his mother Barbara. Tobes receiving an elbow to the stomach looked with a confused look at his friend, who threw him a brief look full of anger, the green big troll raised his eyebrows a little lower than Blinky's

- Draal? - muttered Aaarrrgghh - He was training? - Finished Blinky both confused whether they heard correctly

The young troll hunter squirmed when he realized that he would have to explain to his mentor and Aaarrrgghh that Draal lives in his house to protect him and his mother - Yes. He has settled a bit in the basement - Jim had a tendency that when he was stressed or didn't know what to say he waved his hands to emphasize his point of view this moment he rubbed his hand over his knuckles as he explained - He makes for a bodyguard - Lake shrugged his shoulders not knowing what more to add

Blinky squinted - Of course the defeated troll turns to the victorious duelist asking for shelter," Blinky concluded sarcastically, linking his hands in front of him as if he wanted to pray to the gods that Jim would not be stupid enough to make it true

- So everything is fine? - Summed up Jim with a quiet hope that what Draal did was normal however, when Blinkie's shoulders slumped and he threw him an angry look and Aaarrrgghh behind the blue troll was shaking his head the teenager quickly realized that what Kanjigar's son did was not normal for the custom of trolls

- Oh yes everything is fine," concluded Blinky almost growling at Jim, "As long as there is no catastrophe even worse because of this! To a cataclysm! - outraged Blinky still throwing sarcastic remarks. Jim sighed heavily feeling embarrassed, before Blinky could continue his tirade interjected Vendel who stood behind the two trolls and listened to everything

- Are we, with apologies, waiting to be caught? Or are you going to show me what is supposed to resemble a bridge of decapitation? - Demanded Vendel and impatience and annoyance flooded him as the meeting grew longer and longer, when Blinky wanted to answer by placing his one of his four hands on Jim's shoulder but the words had not had time to leave his mouth when a small white bird flew into the museum. Not a typical bird, as it did not resemble a pigeon or any other bird often found in Arcadia

The bird was white one on its wings there were brown and red feathers that created an ombre effect on the bird's wings. As the bird was getting closer and closer to them Jim unconsciously pulled out the amulet sensing that this bird could be a threat come to think of it the little one sensed that something was wrong with this bird because it wasn't acting like a well... a real bird... The teenager wasn't wrong because the closer he got to them the more the animal lowered its flight to soon turn into a ball of light which transformed into a troll.

Anoana straightened up coming out of the bird's body she corrected her white dress the closer she got to the group, her steps were steady she was in no hurry. Jim raised his eyebrows seeing Anoana remembering that she was the one who had looked at him in the inn but now the trolless was wearing her familiar headdress and the tassels fell freely down covering her eyes and part of her nose and her light blue skin stood out delicately against the dark museum - Vendel where is that characteristic calm of yours? - Anoana almost mocked the leader by standing next to him

- Did she? - Toby pointed at the troll looking at her long white horns which were not curled like those of other trolls, but she had horns similar to a deer and her red hair was pulled back but in front she had two braids, her hair reached her calves she was a bit bigger than the hunchbacked leader, maybe if the old man had straightened up Vendel would have surpassed her - She was a bird just now! - Said Toby loudly however Jim quickly silenced him

Lake and Domzalski didn't know what to think they had heard about shapeshifters only that the ones in Blinkie's story didn't turn into animals - Oh - Anoana muttered - I didn't know that my entrance would cause so much confusion, she hurried - She added after a moment in thought - Apparently people have never seen real magic - she added thoughtfully

Vendel merely rolled his eyes, unable to wait to see the decapitated bridge as long as the young troll hunter actually saw the decapitated bridge. Before Jim or anyone else had time to ask questions about the magic Anoana was talking about Vendel interjected - Can we move? - demanded the leader

Blinky shook his head, shaking off his surprise at the widow's sudden appearance. Galadrigal patted Jim again - It was just our hunter who wanted to lead us - Blinkous stated, the teenager only smiled awkwardly

- That's right," choked Jim, "I was just about to do it," muttered the teenager as he started walking toward where he found a bridge, or something that resembled a bridge of decapitation.

The group moved deeper into the museum Anoana was enthralled by the art that was on display for visitors, whenever she could she would stop to look at the exhibits, when the group moved away without waiting behind the troll this one walked away from the exhibits she sped up her steps to be able to catch up with the group that was not waiting behind the widow.

Jim walking towards the bridge of the decapitated head which he found or as he let it pass he found, the widow didn't listen too much however she focused when Jim opened the door - And then we escape from the goblins - Jim explained and Anoana raised her eyebrows, she really should have listened from the beginning when Jim spoke however she couldn't help but be more focused for the museum exhibits - And what do we see? The bridge of the decapitated head - Jim dramatically pushed back the white sheets that covered the closed exhibition

The teenager to add drama rested his hands on his hips, but to the group's eyes appeared an unknown large thing hidden under the sheet. Blinky and Vendel's eyes widened and after a moment they looked at each other, the two teenagers would move to be able to reveal to them what was hiding under the sheet being sure that it was the bridge of a decapitated head, the group of trolls slowly approached the two teenagers who were trying to pull down the large tarp.

Anoana approached the two teenagers - I'll help - She murmured kindly bending down to pick up the white tarp wanting to help the young troll hunter and his appendage however Aaarrrgghh preceded her pushing the teenagers away. The widow, understanding that Aaarrrgghh would pull down the tarp in one stroke just as the teenagers obediently stepped back giving room to the bigger and stronger troll

Aaarrrgghh pulling down the tarpaulin in one motion showed the eyes of the group a huge wooden ship from some era, the widow bet that the ship was from the medieval era or maybe even the Viking era, it was hard for her to tell however the ship itself made her delighted with it. Vendel looked at the troll hunter with annoyance - It doesn't look like a bridge to me - the old man muttered The widow wanted to throw him a sarcastic remark, but refrained as she looked at the ship

- Well he was here - The human troll hunter stressed mumbling quickly wanting them to believe his words that the decapitation bridge was here, if he was so insistent that he saw the decapitation bridge then, why is there a Viking era ship here? Anoana turned her head slightly as Lake continued to explain however he spoke quickly and it was difficult to understand any words, the troll hunter pulled his friend by the hand wanting him to confirm his version of events - After all, you were here yesterday you even took a picture! - Lake almost begged Domzalski to confirm what Jim was trying to present

- Apparently so - stammered Toby - But it wasn't sharp and I forgot to turn on the lamp - argued Tobes without even noticing how Vendel's face is getting more and more annoyed as they listen to the explanations of the troll hunter and his friend - Plus that crazy pace - muttered Toby and Jim crooked more and more when he realized that Blinky might have been right, that he was predicted - We were rushing blindly, they were chasing us - argued Tobes further, ignoring Jim's nervous eye

- Maybe there was no bridge? - grimaced Domzalski as he came to this conclusion, Vendel on cue turned towards the smaller blue troll with an accusatory and angry look full of irritation that flooded the veins of the older troll as he continued to hunch over while holding his scepter as tightly as he could

- Blinkous Galadrigal - Vendel pronounced the name almost with even more irritation as he watched the smaller troll's shoulders slump as the older troll looked at him accusingly - I haven't left the marketplace for a century - Recalled the marketplace chief - I agreed to this trip because you deluded me with the vision of seeing the bridge - Said an exasperated Vendel as blood bubbled in his veins

- You put me in danger Blinkous," Vendel sent him an even angrier look, to which Blinky replied with the same crossed his first pair of arms on his chest and rested his second pair of hands on his hips as Vendel tapped his cane on the ground to express his displeasure more forcefully

- If Master Jim claims to have seen," argued Blinky, but he was not allowed to finish, "So you let yourself be misled," growled Vendel, the widow looking at the situation like the rest of the group, she let the air out hard through her nose shaking her head

- We both know how much you like conspiracies and plotting," Vendel argued, wanting to explain to Galadrigal what a mistake he had made by trusting the young troll hunter so much that he took Vendel out after centuries when he didn't have to leave. Anoana looked at the troll hunter whose shoulders slumped hearing Vendel vent his anger at his mentor. The widow didn't want to say anything for now to curb Blinkous' reprimand

- Conspiracies meddle me," Blinky argued as he said this very poetically pointing his finger at the chief to emphasize his point of view, "That's why I want to expose them," he argued further punching his fists in the air as more and more irritation awoke in the lesser troll as in Vendel.

- Like when you decided to rid our world of cat meat," Vendel raised one eyebrow in boredom as he heard Blinke's resistance to Blinke's claim that the troll hunter might be right, Anoana took no sides she knew that at some point the shapeshifters would want to rebuild the bridge of the felled head after all Bular wants his father back and Gunmar wants the whole world. The widow knew it was a matter of time when the dark night would come she only hoped that she would find her husband in time to give him his soul at the same time run away with him as far as she could to hide in the darkness of the caves.

- A big misunderstanding," Blinky indignantly moved back as he rested all four pairs of hands on his hips, Jim looked confused towards Aaarrrgghh who was standing behind the ship. The human troll hunter asked a silent question to the pacifist if what Vendel was saying was true to which the latter nodded without uttering a single word to interrupt the argument between Galadrigal

- And remember how you made us believe that our furs were teeming with fleas? - Vendel continued to argue however Blinky did not see his errors in this

Anoana quietly sighed, seeing the growing argument - But it's true - She muttered under her breath, but no one heard it at least she thought so Jim sent her a confused look this time - Calmly this outbreak has been resolved but sometimes it happens that a troll has fleas - she explained to the teenager, who only nodded in understanding

- Prudence the highest virtue," Blinky argued, but he felt the ground disappear under his feet as Vendel became increasingly aware of his mistakes which made the chief even more distrustful of him if he trusted him at all....

- Everyone believed it," Vendel muttered, "Everyone in the marketplace thinks you're paranoid! -

- If everyone thinks so then it must be some kind of conspiracy! - Exploded Blinky without paying attention to the words, his earlier arguments went to ruin when he realized what he had said before he had time to correct his words, the old man ran his hand over with fatigue knowing that the conversation would have no effect. Vendel slowly turned towards Aaarrrgghh, Toby, Jim and Anoana who were standing behind the two trolls who were arguing

- Well your youngster is trying to play the hero," he muttered casting a glance at Jim and then looked at Blinkous again pointing an accusatory finger at him, "You, on the other hand, are looking for danger where there is none," accused Vendel

Anoana was alert she listened to what Vendel was saying at the same time she did not take her eyes off Jim and Tobes, seeing them both lower their heads in a sign of defeat after the old man's words her heart beat harder seeing their sad faces she moved to stand between them and put her stone hands on their shoulders, sending them a small warm smile of encouragement wanting to make them feel better with poor results.

Both boys smiled briefly at the widow however, their grim expression returned, she squeezed her hand tighter on the troll hunter's shoulder. Vendel moved forward - Aaarrrgghh take me home," ordered Vendel, the larger troll muttered something in agreement moving towards the exit but stopped to look at the widow with a silent question if he was coming with them.

Anoana merely shook her head in response to Aaarrrgghh, she pulled her hand off Toby's shoulder as he moved behind Vendel and Aaarrrgghh to escort the market chief away. Anoana glanced at Jim seeing him looking awkwardly at the floor, out of the corner of her eye she watched Blinky who crossed his arms over his chest in annoyance. Anoana sensed that she should leave to give them space to talk however she was not going to do so without adding her words

- Don't lose faith troll hunter - Whispered the widow, leaning closer to the smaller teenager to be on an equal level with him, the boy at her words raised his head to look at her - You know what you saw - she continued as she turned her gaze away from the boy to look at the ship - It's been centuries since Gunmar has been in the land of shadows, it's obvious that he will want to escape - she explained interrupting the

- Having a loyal son at your side who could take on armies of shapeshifters at any time - She swallowed hard again interrupting her words, she let go of his arm continuing to look towards the ship and not towards Jim - Not everyone will believe you or follow you however no one can question what you saw - Finally she looked at him as the boy looked at her with a puzzled expression as he tried to understand her words

- You can make them believe your word and I know a person who will investigate the matter," she added with a gentle smile, Jim furrowed his eyebrows only watched as the widow cast a quick glance in the direction of the blue troll, who still stood there like an offended child with his arms crossed over his chest. He crossed all four arms and his cheeks pouted like an offended child.

Jim wanted answers from the widow and maybe even an explanation of how to make Vendel believe a human troll hunter, Jim just like the woman before him looked towards the ship. Anoana only shook her head, the widow spoke puzzlingly to the teenager specifically would the young boy discover the answers to her words on his own

- Vendel thinks you got carried away by your imagination when Blinkous told you the story of the trolls," she muttered, placing her hand on the teenager's shoulder again, "Imagination can sharpen our senses preparing us for the unexpected, you're a troll hunter worried you'll have to face Gunmar or his son," she sighed.

- I believe you saw the bridge however the question is, where is the bridge? - she asked deafeningly and the teenager shook his head, no longer believing himself.

Jim almost threw up his arms pointing to the ship, he could have sworn on his life that he had seen the bridge right here - I swear I saw it here - Jim argued looking around the room hoping to find a clue to where the bridge might have disappeared however he saw nothing in particular - How am I supposed to find the bridge when even now I'm not sure I saw it - Jim sighed, his nostrils flared as he looked pityingly at the widow who was taller than him

Anoana gently tilted her head - Do you stop believing in yourself? - She asked, but she knew the answer to this question, Jim reluctantly nodded his head - Bad - she reprimanded him - Very bad, a good warrior does not doubt himself - she squeezed his arm tighter, wanting to encourage him, although she did not know if it actually worked.

The widow looked at the boy waiting for his question seeing it forming in his head - You talk about a good fighter, when I'm not even a good fighter - He muttered looking at the troll next to him - How do you know I will be a good fighter? - He raised his eyebrow suspiciously

Anoana only giggled shaking her head at the teenager's question - You have to find the answer to this question yourself - She joined her hands on her stomach as she looked at Jim, who only mumbled without getting a sufficient answer, she knew he was speaking in riddles however she wanted to hint to the boy what to look for in the dark corridors of ignorance to discover what he had not yet discovered himself - When you find the answer you will tell me yourself - she smiled gently

- Are you a good fighter Jim Lake Jr? -

Jim clenched his jaws tighter as he looked at the ship Anoana sensing Blinky approaching Jim stepped back to give them space - I swear he was here - Jim muttered wanting to look at Anoane who was not next to him, when he turned around he met Blinkous who was approaching the teenager

- Maybe Vendel is right," muttered Blinkous, "Na I told you fairy tales and you let your imagination run wild," Blinky stated, so many questions were boiling in Jim's head so many riddles at once that he didn't know what to do himself. Jim only firmly shook his head believing that he had not predicted and saw the bridge of the decapitated head, when the teenager wanted to ask the widow something he noticed that the widow raised her hands above her head like a bird preparing to fly and her body begins to surround magic at the same time shrinking to the size of a small hummingbird, which quickly escapes through the open window through which Jim and Toby entered.

Jim sighed heavily as he looked at his mentor, "It's my fault," stated Blinky pulling the teenager out of his reverie, Lake had not previously caught the sad tone of his mentor however, when he realized this he wanted to help Blinky regain his faith that he was not at fault and maybe even helped

- No - Denied the boy coming closer to the troll so he could see him - It's not your fault at all - Argued the boy further - Please believe me, just like she believed me... Well - Jim interrupted his argument for a moment realizing that he didn't know the widow's name and yet she messed with his head, he put his hand on his chest - Well like that troll, I really know what I saw - he argued as the teenager's shoulders slumped to the side just like Blinky's

The light blue troll only sighed heavily, turning towards the teenager - If there is no proof they must be somewhere else - Blinky stated grabbing Jim's arm wanting to give him his support, Jim stood there with a serious look on his face as he watched the desire to uncover the conspiracy arouse in the blue troll - Get on with your studies better - He instructed in an authoritarian tone - And I will investigate," the troll whispered, sending a small smile towards the teenager, who reciprocated.

[markrosewater]

Maro’s The Brothers’ War Teaser

Before previews for The Brothers’ War officially begin, I thought it would be fun to do another of my Duelist-style teasers where I give tiny hints of things to come. Note that I’m only giving you partial information.

 First up, here are some things you can expect:

 • over ten legendary Human Artificers

• another card with ���end the turn”

• a command with X in its mana cost

• a spell that mimics an element of the effect of a creature that was originally printed with the picture of a World Champion on it

• a Teferi with a new way to gain loyalty counters

• equipment with “Equip Soldier”

• a new Onulet

• protection from everything returns

• a white creature that taps to let you and an opponent draw a card

• one colored artifact

 Next, here are some rules text that will be showing up on cards:

 • “create a tapped Powerstone token for each other creature you control.”

• “Put a +1/+1 counter on target Assembly-Worker you control.”

• “Whenever one or more creatures with mana value 3 or less enter the battlefield under your control,”

• “Permanents you control have ‘Ward – Sacrifice a permanent.’”

• “Whenever you cast an artifact spell with mana value 6 or greater,”

• “For each card type among noncreature spells you’ve cast this turn,”

• “Create a tapped 3/3 colorless Zombie artifact creature token.”

• “Look at the cards in each pile, then turn a pile of your choice face up.”

• “gains your choice of flying, vigilance, deathtouch, or haste.”

• “Whenever you cast a Beast or Bird creature spell,”

 Finally, here are some creature type lines in the set:

 • Artifact Creature – Ape

• Creature – Mole Horror

• Artifact Creature – Phyrexian Wurm

• Creature – Phyrexian Human Assassin

• Creature – Minotaur Barbarian

• Creature – Elf Druid Soldier

• Creature – Human Artificer Scout

• Legendary Creature – Human Wizard Advisor

• Legendary Creature – Elf Druid Scout

• Legendary Creature – Human Artificer Advisor

 For the answers to these puzzles and so much more, tune in to the official Magic YouTube channel or twitch.tv/Magic at 9 a.m. PT/noon ET *October 27* to watch the debut video for The Brothers' War. We'll kick off previews leading into an amazing weekend with the World Championship (airing on Twitch.tv/magic Friday-Sunday) and Magic 30.

[fast-safety-nets-chennai]

Building Protection: Benefits of Professional Pigeon Net Installation

Pigeon infestations pose significant challenges for buildings in urban environments, ranging from health hazards to structural damage. Fast Safety Nets Chennai specializes in professional pigeon net installation services designed to safeguard buildings effectively. This blog explores the key benefits of opting for professional pigeon net installation and how it can enhance building protection.

1. Comprehensive Bird Control:

1.1 Effective Barrier: Professional pigeon net installation creates a robust barrier that prevents pigeons from entering and nesting in unwanted areas such as balconies, terraces, and windows. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of property damage and health issues caused by pigeon droppings.

1.2 Tailored Solutions: Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers customized pigeon net solutions tailored to the specific needs and architecture of your building. This ensures optimal coverage and protection without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your property.

2. Health and Hygiene:

2.1 Disease Prevention: Pigeon droppings can harbor harmful pathogens that pose health risks to occupants, including respiratory infections and allergic reactions. Professional pigeon net installation helps mitigate these risks by keeping areas clean and pigeon-free.

2.2 Cleanliness Maintenance: By preventing pigeons from roosting, professional installation reduces the frequency of cleaning required to remove droppings and debris. This promotes a cleaner environment and minimizes maintenance costs associated with pigeon infestations.

3. Structural Integrity:

3.1 Preventing Damage: Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can corrode building materials over time, leading to structural damage. Professional pigeon nets protect your property by preventing these corrosive substances from accumulating on surfaces.

3.2 Long-Term Savings: Investing in professional pigeon net installation is a cost-effective solution in the long run. It prevents costly repairs and maintenance associated with pigeon-related damage, thereby preserving the value and integrity of your building.

4. Aesthetic Enhancement:

4.1 Seamless Integration: Fast Safety Nets Chennai installs pigeon nets that seamlessly integrate with your building's architecture. They offer transparent and color-matching options that blend discreetly with the surroundings, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.

4.2 Noise Reduction: Pigeons can be noisy, especially when they gather in large numbers. Professional pigeon net installation reduces noise pollution by discouraging birds from roosting near windows and other areas, creating a quieter indoor environment.

5. Eco-Friendly Approach:

5.1 Humane Bird Control: Professional pigeon nets provide a humane solution to bird control, ensuring that pigeons are deterred from entering without causing harm. This approach aligns with environmental conservation efforts and wildlife protection guidelines.

5.2 Sustainable Materials: Fast Safety Nets Chennai uses eco-friendly materials for their pigeon nets, minimizing environmental impact while delivering durable and weather-resistant solutions. These nets support sustainable building practices and contribute to a greener urban environment.

6. Expert Installation Services:

6.1 Skilled Installation Team: Fast Safety Nets Chennai employs a skilled team of professionals trained in safe and efficient installation practices. They ensure that pigeon nets are securely fitted and properly anchored, maximizing their effectiveness and longevity.

6.2 Safety Assurance: During installation, safety measures are prioritized to protect both installers and occupants. Fast Safety Nets Chennai adheres to industry standards and guidelines to deliver safe, reliable pigeon net installations.

Conclusion: Professional pigeon net installation with Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers comprehensive protection against pigeon infestations, benefiting buildings in terms of health, hygiene, structural integrity, aesthetics, and sustainability. Invest in professional pigeon net installation to safeguard your property effectively and enhance its overall protection.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - August 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Safari park welcomes flamingo chicks

“An animal park has said it is experiencing a "baby boom", including new flamingo chicks that have hatched. Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has also recently welcomed rare Amur tiger cubs and an endangered cotton top tamarin monkey baby. [… Flamingos] live 15-20 years in the wild, however in captivity and safe from predators, they can reach ages of 70 years.”

2. Golf clubs fight biodiversity loss

“The project aims to help green-keepers create havens for wildlife, particularly bees and butterflies, as well as introduce mowing methods to protect rare chalk grassland and encourage wildflowers. […] “Clubs doing this are seeing significant increases in pollinators, such as butterflies, without impeding the game."”

3. ‘We’ve got baby owls again’: how farming policy is helping English wildlife

“[In Abby Allen’s] lush Devon fields native cattle graze alongside 400-year-old hedgerows, with birds and butterflies enjoying the species-rich pasture. [… The Environmental Land Management Scheme] pays farmers for things such as planting hedges, sowing wildflowers for birds to feed on and leaving corners of their land wild for nature.”

4. $440 Million to Support Pregnant and New Moms, Infants, and Children through Voluntary Home Visiting Programs

“Through this program […] trained health workers […] provide support on breastfeeding, safe sleep for babies, learning and communications practices that promote early language development, developmental screening, getting children ready to succeed in school, and connecting with key services and resources in the community – like affordable childcare or job and educational opportunities. […] In addition, the [CDC] announced a new investment of $118.5 million, over five years, to 46 states [and] six territories […] to continue building the public health infrastructure to better identify and prevent pregnancy-related deaths.”

5. Endangered leopard frogs released into the wild

“More than a hundred leopard frogs have been released into the wild at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state. Leopard frogs are endemic to North America but have been classed as endangered since 1999.”

6. Heat-based batteries are a surprisingly versatile tool

“[T]hermal energy storage [… is] expected to be more cost-effective than conventional lithium-ion batteries for storing cheap clean electricity over longer durations[….] Thermal storage systems take up less space per unit of energy stored than lithium-ion batteries do, [… and] can also deliver their stored energy without the efficiency losses that occur in converting electricity from [AC to DC and back].”

7. Dolly Parton is sending free books to children across 21 states — and around the world

“[In 21 states,] all children under the age of 5 can enroll to have books mailed to their homes monthly. […] Since the program started, books have been sent to more than 240 million to [sic] kids in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.”

8. Biden-Harris Administration Awards $100 Million to Navigators Who Will Help Millions of Americans - Especially in Underserved Communities - Sign Up for Health Coverage

“The grants are part of a commitment of up to $500 million over five years - the longest grant period and financial commitment to date, and a critical boost for recruiting trusted local organizations to better connect with those who often face barriers to obtaining health care coverage. […] Navigators offer free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through HealthCare.gov, from reviewing available plans to assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care.”

9. ‘Ultra-Accommodating’ Hotel Concept Goes Beyond ADA Accessible

“The property […] will feature wider hallways, larger guest rooms, easy access to elevators and other modifications that exceed the standards required under the [ADA]. Staff will be trained in disability etiquette, how to assist with mobility devices and provide various accommodations ranging from hearing aid loops to sensory-sensitive lighting. […] The location in San Antonio is expected to be the first — not the only one — developed under this concept.”

10. Melbourne zoo welcomes rare southern white rhino calf to the world

“Kipenzi and the new calf have been closely monitored this week, with mother and baby being kept in a secluded area accessible only to keepers while they get to know each other and bond. […] The calf has already been showing a forthright personality, snorting and stomping around his enclosure[….]”

August 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[mochigobrrrrrrr]

Sorianna, the Guardian Force and daughter of the Lifestream

This is one of many lore posts I'm going to make. First Starting off with the little bird you always see, Sorianna. She is heavily inspired by FFVIII GF and the junction system.

Sorianna is one of many beings that dwell within the Lifestream. Like everything that lives or enters the stream, she has no corporeal form, only being a formless ball of aether that is capable of having consciousness. It was only after her bonding with Qin that she took the form of a bird, somewhat mimicking his colorful hummingbird tattoo on his right shoulder.

This unlikely pair met because of her interest in the corporeal world. Since the dawn of her birth, she has spent every moment of it watching mortals and their day-to-day lives, trying to understand everything. Witnessing mortals' hardships and their happiest. Yet, out of the millions of lives that were constantly calling out to their gods and praying, there was one that she had answered. The simple cry of an Au Ra man, pleading to no one, "Help me..." and fear engulfing him

She didn't know why she acted; she just simply did. Something that, frankly, was similar to a mortal. Perhaps her constant people-watching influenced her. When Keter themselves asked, "Tell me, sweet child, what drew you to them and not the others?" Sorianna simply replied, "This one thought it wasn't his time and has so much to give still."

Sadly, the effects of her coming to Au Ra's rescue came at a cost. One that she wasn't aware of herself. His memories. Large portions of Qin's past were lost and exchanged to gain Sorianna's seemingly limitless powers.

Sorianna is an unaspected aether summon. Unlike a carbuncle, she is her own entity with her own thoughts and feelings and is able to independently act.

Her abilities are mostly protective and non-combative, but when properly junctioned with Qin and his weaponry, they can easily make the pair formidable, at the cost of the users protection and leaving them open to an attack.

Her abilities:

In the most dire situations, Sori can invoke an unbreakable barrier around the user, preventing all harm. The drawback is at the expense of the user and her aether. The first and only time this was used, it caused Qin to lose a chunk of his memories and knock him out in a coma-like state. (She can perform smaller, less extensive spells, but they would be more focused, like, for example, deflecting a projectile or spell aimed at Qin's flank.)

When junctioned to a weapon, mainly one of Qin's firearms, she can ensure the shot is true. She can more or less guide the projectile to its intended target.

Overall, Sorianna boosts Qin's natural aether pool. (After the bond with Nanaki/Keter, they both draw upon their pool instead.)

Short Facts:

Sorianna is anchored to the corporeal world by Qin and his tattoo. Their connection can be severed if any significant damage happens to the tattoo.

Rajani Srivastava happened to be the alchemist that Qin commissioned for a protective gel-like patch. (A blessing from Keter also resided in the patch, which gives it a subtle speckled gold-like look.)

(It's also how Rajani and Qin ended up meeting and where their story began.)

Before his death, Qin left Sorianna with Rajani, knowing she would be emotionally distraught. Even in death, Sori was still somewhat tethered to him and could act as a link between the two.

Sorianna's current "bright wing" look.

[defaultjane-official]

Fun-scary

Red dead redemption 2 has succeeded in what I don't think any other game I've played has. It scared me. I've been watching horror movies and playing scary games and reading horror novels since I was a child, I never had nightmares or was scared of the dark, and since I was subjected to horror stuff from an early age, I suspect this is why horror media has no effect on me these days either, horror stuff just doesn't scare me. I'm not bragging, I'm lamenting. I miss out on fun-scary. But yesterday I got scared. Like, literally got goosebumps all over my body and the back of my neck is tingling because I'm in danger-scared. And it was so much fun! Is this what normal people feel when they're watching horror movies? If so, I'm envious. So, here's what happened.

I was playing RDR2, I was in the swamps, collecting orchids and skinning birds for their plumes so the bulimic hatter can make pretty things, and night fell, and I heard someone scream and I thought "oh, it's the weeping woman again", you know, where you go to help her and she attacks you and a few nite folk show up and come at you. It wasn't the weeping woman.

I saw someone run across the road near the small church at Lakay, and the map bliped like it would on a stranger mission, but no one was there, and I'm like, okay, nite folk are prowling somewhere, I'll just get off my horse because a) protect the horse at all costs and b) it would buck me off anyway, dual wield my trusty Schofields and let's go, come at me bro.

Except no one was coming at me, not that I could see, no enemies on the map, and it's dark (and I need glasses I guess) so I can't see anything anyway. But I can hear the hissing and the clicking and the breathing and the moving around in the dark damn swamps, and I got scared.

Eventually, they did attack and I shot 'em, and it all worked out fine, or so I thought until out of the blue I am attacked by a panther. I had been told about it by a hunter I met, but I didn't expect it to show up as I'm being piled on by nite folk! So, I survived the nite folk but was killed by the panther.

Reload into the game, and I thought the encounter was over but it wasn't, or it restarted, idk how the mechanics work, but I was surrounded by nite folk again, and ran into a cart that had a half eaten rotting horse on it??? Like, what the hell goes on in these swamps at night!?

I thought I got them all and head toward the tiny church to collect my treasure map, and the clicking and hissing starts up again. Instant goosebumps and cold sweat, this is terrifying. I LOVE IT.

Finally, dawn came, and either I managed to kill them all or they despawned when night ended, I don't know, and I got on my horse and Arthur said "It's all right, girl, they're gone now" and I know he was talking to the horse, but I needed to hear it too.

In conclusion, well done, whoever it was who was responsible for coming up with the nite folk encounter and the creepy stuff that goes on in the swamps, you got me, and I'm thrilled.

[flock-talk]

I just noticed today the very tip of my bird’s tail feathers have turned black. I’m really worried, I read online it’s a diet problem. I try to give my bird fresh fruits and veggies as often as possible, but it’s not as frequent as I’d like because they’re expensive. I give my bird fruits and veggies whenever I have them. Should I get multivitamins? Would frozen fruits and veggies work too? She gets lentils grains beans and peas daily as well as pellets and whatever fruits or veggies I have with lunch or as a snack.

So feathers can turn black for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is usually dietary but it can also be due to stress or excessive wear and tear.

Often times a feather may grown in healthy looking and then degrade over time and begin showing some black discolouration around the edges or speckled throughout the feather. That usually indicates that at the time of the feather being produced there was either higher stress or insufficient nutrients required to build a healthy durable feather. So they break down sooner than they should and go black before being moulted out.

That can mean that their diet and stress levels are fantastic now but whenever the feather was made it wasn’t. So a blackening feather may not necessarily be an indicator of a current issue but rather a potentially old problem.

Feathers may also turn black if they get damaged. Tail feathers are especially prone to this as they tend to get rubbed back against cage bars and dragged around which can bend, break, or otherwise damage the feather. A lot of the time you’ll see a broken feather display blackening along the line of the break. Damage can also be in the form of over preening or oils from your hands! You’ll often see conures with blackened backs because of how much they like to roll around and cuddle in to hands, the oils in our hands can remove the protective coating from the feather and cause that damage and blackening.

Diet is of course an excellent place to start, I would veer away from multivitamins until consulting with a vet to avoid risks of overdosing your bird. Frozen veggies will work just as well as fresh for a cost effective way to be able to provide them daily with less spoilage. Of course making your own chopped up mix of fresh veggies and freezing batches is the most common option for reducing waste and keeping them available regularly but it is more labour intensive so if that’s not an option for you then pre frozen veg will work just fine.

It doesn’t hurt to take a look at your pellet ingredients either, if they have a lot of sugars, colours, or fillers like soy you may want to experiment with another pellet and see if their plumage improves. Some birds will do better on different foods than others, it doesn’t hurt to sample something new and see how it works for you and your bird.

UV light and sufficient calcium will also play a big role in feather quality. If you can’t afford a light I’d aim to get them in a carrier outside for an hour or so a day so their body can produce vital D3 needed to synthesize calcium. And calcium is usually easy to supplement since you can just provide a cuttlebone or grind some over their fresh foods.

Otherwise I’d try to make a little chart and try to track the lifespan of new feathers being made. Then you’ll have a much clearer idea of what feathers have been produced on X diet and how they turned out.