The key to identifying Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks is to remember that there is no single telltale characteristic that can identify either species. Instead, birders need to consider several characteristics of the bird to decide which species it is, and even then the conclusion may not be positive. By studying these characteristics closely, however, birders can become more confident with their accipiter identifications. Identification Characteristics When trying to identify Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks, watch for these key traits:...

Riprap can be used to stabilize slopes to prevent erosion and provide support. Areas where it sometimes is used to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion include bridges, drainage structures, grade stabilization structures, storm drains, streambanks, and the sides and slopes of channels and culvert inlets and outlets. Constructing Your Riprap Barrier When building a riprap, it’s important to use well-graded rocks of different sizes. The variation in size allows the rocks to create a better interlocking system than rocks of the same size would....

These DIY industrial shelf ideas are suitable for multiple applications and will be durable enough to withstand heavy wear and tear. Sort through all the inspiration photos and pick a design that will work for your home. How to Build DIY Industrial Shelves from Cherished Bliss Easy DIY Shelves from Ohoh Deco DIY Pipe Shelves from The Navage Patch DIY Industrial Modern Floating Shelves from Vintage Revivals How to Make Industrial Metal Shelves from Simply Designing Rustic Industrial Shelves from Love Create Celebrate Industrial Shelving in the Bathroom from White Picket Farmhouse Industrial Piping Shelves from Taryn Whiteaker DIY Industrial Pipe Shelving from DIY Candy DIY Fixer Upper Pipe Shelving Tutorial from Unoriginal Mom DIY Industrial Shelves from Gray House Studio DIY Industrial Shelving from H2O Bungalow DIY Industrial Pipe Shelves from Table and Hearth DIY Faux Industrial Shelves from Uncookie Cutter DIY Industrial Shelf from My Repurposed Life

Performance: Does it all The Dyson Hot + Cool has a leg up on the competition because it is both an electric heater and a fan combined in one unit. Dyson uses its signature Air Multiplier technology to draw in and amplify airflow. When in heater mode, ceramic plates inside the loop amplifier heat the air. It was able to effectively heat our home office in 10 minutes when set to a higher temperature setting (70 degrees), but it struggled when we moved it to a larger open-concept living room....

Plus, the interesting shapes, peaceful vibes and natural beauty of real plants add a powerful dose of tranquility and calm to your bedroom—something you’ll never have too much of in your private space. There’s no decorating style that isn’t improved by a touch of life, and living plants match any other color or pattern. Choose a pot that matches your bedroom’s style, and voila! You’ve added the perfect accessory. The trick is in choosing the right plant for your space, then meeting its simple needs....

Why Bird Egg Identification Matters Birders are naturally curious to identify the birds they see, and identifying bird eggs is part of that curiosity. For birdhouse landlords, identifying eggs can help them understand which birds prefer their houses, and they can adjust the foods they offer and how bird-friendly their yard is to better suit each feathered family. Knowing which eggs are which can also help identify invasive birds that may not be as welcome, and can help note where brood parasites are active....

How Electric Water Heaters Work Electric water heaters use either 120- or 240-volt power (240 volts is more common) to energize metal heating elements that protrude into the water heater tank through the side wall. Most water heaters have two heating elements—one near the top of the tank, another located further down. Electricity heats the metal loops on the elements, which then heats the surrounding water. Depending on the size of the water heater and the recovery time, the wattage of these heating elements may differ from one water heater to the next....

Chores that must be completed at summer’s end depend on your personal outdoor activities and preferences. As the growth season slows, though, it brings more time to work your way down that priority list and even catch up on projects that have been on the back burner. Use this time to look around and evaluate how your gardens performed. Start with some clean up and maintenance to get a headstart on the busy spring season....

It was a sunny day so a visit to the flower market would be nice activity. (This was a few years ago, before my plant journey began). Towards the end of the day vendors heavily discount plants and flowers as they would prefer not to put them back on their trucks. Which is how I ended up with a Calathea as one of my first plants ever. I was drawn in by the 5 pound price tag (and it was a pretty big plant)....

The color white is the presence of all the colors of the light spectrum. It is highly reflective and white can literally brighten up and expand a space visually and energetically. White also is a color that can show dust or debris easily. For instance, you are more careful with a white chair than with a dark colored one. Therefore, this color can teach us mindfulness of our environment. The best part about white is that the color works in all types of spaces and styles....

Flamingo Characteristics and Behaviors Flamingos are so distinct; it doesn’t take a birder to know when a bird is a flamingo. But what makes these birds so unique and different? Flamingos are all members of the Phoenicopteridae bird family, and they are the only birds that belong to that family. Their closest relatives are ibises and spoonbills, but they are also related to ducks, geese, grebes, and even doves and sandgrouse....

Hoses are simple tools that help yards and gardens flourish. A subpar hose can make your tasks more difficult or be a big waste of time causing a multitude of problems, including leaking, cracking, bursting, kinking, and being too heavy or unwieldy to carry around. The best hoses are super flexible, lightweight, durable, and resist breaking. We tested the Flexzilla Garden Hose’s performance, design, and more. Continue reading to find out how this garden hose fares on all fronts....

Equipment to Identify Flycatchers It is essential to have the proper tools to assist with flycatcher identification. The best equipped birders will have: Optics: High quality birding binoculars are a critical tool, especially when species can be as confusing as flycatchers. A wide lens will admit the most light so details and colors can be seen more accurately. High magnification is also essential, since many details on these birds can be tiny and subtle....

Here are 10 of our favorite front door colors for brick houses.

But exactly what you place inside your beautiful package will depend largely on the recipient. For example, a care package for a college student will look very different from one for a new parent. Consider this collection of ideas for what to put in a care package: Supplies for a cozy night inTreats, waste bags, and toys for new pet parentsPlaying cards, board games, and more for game nightToiletries for a self-care packageSnacks and goodies for college kidsBeans and a mug for coffee loversCookie kit for just about everyone"Get well soon" package with medicine, tissues, and soupFlowers and a note for special occasions...

Purple Martin Facts With a height of 7 to 8 inches and a wingspan up to 15 inches, purple martins are the largest swallows in North America and one of the largest of the world’s roughly 90 swallow and martin bird species. Despite their colorful name, these birds are not actually purple. Their plumage is a dark blue-black with a rich, iridescent sheen. Depending on the light and angle, their color may appear to be royal blue, navy blue, deep purple, or even green....

Supplies Apple cider vinegarDish soapA jar or small bowl Instructions Why This Works As a natural, versatile, and environmentally friendly kitchen product, vinegar has many uses for cleaning. In addition to its cooking uses, it is an inexpensive ingredient in many cleaning DIYs. Plus, unlike many commercial products, vinegar does not emit harmful, harsh fumes. Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of the cider vinegar and will attempt to land on its surface....