owls - a natural, low cost rat control that won't harm pets or other wildlife

Interesting but useless facts; Owls have twice as many bones in their necks as humans, enabling them to rotate their heads 270 degrees (not completely around as the myth claims). A typical adult Barn Owl (seen here in north Texas) can eat about 1500 rats a year, for only the price of housing. A group of Owls is called a “parliament” of Owls, but most people just call them a “bunch”.

 

binoculars for children:    
When selecting binoculars for children,

there are three key criteria:  1. Choose one where the distance between the eyes (“IDP”) adjusts down to a minimum of 50-55 mm.  2. Avoid a toy/compact model – these almost always have smaller focusing dials, which save weight but are difficult for children to use.  3. Steer clear of extra-high magnification and toward a greater field of view, so a child sees more area and doesn’t just get frustrated.

 

The goal is to compensate for a child's decreased motor control, not just to make things lighter.  “toy” binoculars are quite often cheaply made, poorly constructed and have vastly inferior lenses. These built-in flaws will quickly discourage a child from using them, since he/she can’t see much of what real binoculars disclose.

     ..........

 

 

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.