Latest news with #Hubbard
CNET
3 days ago
- General
- CNET
A Wildlife Expert Helped Me Find the Best Spot for My Bird Feeder. Here's What I Learned
As a wellness writer and self-proclaimed amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to and watching birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can enhance our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city, which meant I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders. I quickly realized I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder, where to place it and which seeds to use -- or avoid. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about placing and caring for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just an important term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can impact the birds and other local wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from said bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET The only visitor I saw for the first week after installing my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wasn't hogging the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I currently have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a little roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos of the cute birds as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird friends didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but it can take up to a few weeks before birds interact with a new one. They are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It has now been two weeks, and I have yet to receive a visitor to the Bird Buddy feeder. However, I am confident that with abundant patience and the right food, it's only a matter of time before it becomes part of their routine. Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. The placement of your bird feeder impacts the number of birds that visit and the presence of other animals and predators. Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird sickness and disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Why is the Church of Scientology so controversial?
Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Elisabeth Moss are just some of the prominent Hollywood stars who have publicly associated themselves with the controversial religion of Scientology. The religion, which is often referred to as a cult, was founded by US author L. Ron Hubbard in 1953 after the author failed in his bid to mask his pseudoscientific ideas as a form of therapy. Some of the key beliefs of Scientologists include that humans are immortal spiritual beings and that they will be reincarnated. Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Elisabeth Moss are just some of the prominent Hollywood stars who have publicly associated themselves with the controversial religion of Scientology. Pic:for Paramount Pictures Here is just a touch of what the religious organisation is all about… L. Ron Hubbard was an American author and the eventual founder of Scientology. In 1950, the Nebraska native wrote Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, which led to him establishing organisations to promote and practice Dianetic techniques. These were a set of ideas and practices regarding the mind which were initially framed as a form of therapy or psychological treatment. The organisation went bankrupt, which led Hubbard to reframe his ideas as a religion. Hubbard coined the term Scientology, which is made up of the Latin word scientia (knowledge/skill) and would claim that Scientology meant 'knowing about knowing' or 'science of knowledge.' This photograph shows the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on May 21, 2025. Pic: Thomas SAMSON / AFP The core beliefs for Scientologists are the idea that humans are immortal spiritual beings called 'thetans' that reside in the physical body. Thetans have had numerous previous lives. Those within the religion also believe in reincarnation, where the thetans are reborn into various bodies. Scientology says: 'The thetan is immortal and has lived — and will continue to live — through countless lifetimes.' The core practice in Scientology is auditing, and this sees one Scientologist (the auditor) ask the other questions. This is said to improve the abilities of the subject, but it creates a dependency on the auditing subject. Auditing can be quite costly for Scientologists, with Hubbard writing in 1964 that the cost for a 25-hour block should be the equivalent of three months' pay. Scientology is widely criticized and seen to be a potentially harmful organisation as well as quite manipulative to its members. Pic:Scientology is widely criticised and seen to be a potentially harmful organisation as well as quite manipulative to its members. It is often argued that the movement is not a religion but a commercial enterprise masquerading as one, as a means of Hubbard avoiding prosecution following the collapse of Dianetics in the past. Many members have left the church and spoken out about the abuse within the organisation. In 2023, Saved By The Bell actress Leah Remini sued the Church of Scientology for what she said was years of 'psychological torture.' In a blistering statement, the actress said she had endured 17 years of 'psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation' which had 'significantly' impacted her life and career. In 2018, the church faced backlash for its so-called 'safe, healthy and thorough method of purging drugs from the body' at drug rehabilitation centres. Those attending the facility were said to be cut off from their addiction cold turkey, and given high doses of vitamins and minerals instead. The issue was brought to the Seanad by then Senator Ray Butler, who said it was 'brainwashing of the most vulnerable people.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hubbard wins first district title in program history
LORAIN, Ohio (WKBN) – Hubbard topped Norton 3-0 in eight innings in the Division IV Baseball District Final on Thursday at the Pipe Yard in Lorain. With the win, the Eagles claim their first district championship in program history. The Eagles plated all three runs in the top of the eighth inning to seal up the victory. With the win, Hubbard advances to the Division IV Regional Semifinals. The Eagles will face the winner of Canfield/Field on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
WA livestock legend Dean Hubbard joins Agora to lead livestock market expansion
Agora Livestock has landed a major signing with industry heavyweight Dean Hubbard joining the team as its head of markets, bringing more than 40 years of experience and a serious track record in commercial livestock trading. Mr Hubbard will start his new role on June 3, after recently holding senior roles as WA Commercial Livestock Manager at both Elders and AWN, and is widely regarded as one of the most connected and trusted names in the livestock industry. Agora founder and chief executive Rob Kelly said Mr Hubbard's appointment marked a major step forward for the company as it looked to scale its national marketplace and brokerage operations. 'Dean knows how to build real markets — not just manage transactions,' Mr Kelly said. 'He knows the people, understands how agency works, and has seen first hand where the traditional systems fall short. 'He's come on board because he believes in what we're building — and he wants to be part of the change.' Agora's platform, including its Stockbook system for managing livestock bookings, has been quietly gaining momentum since its it was launched by Kojonup-raised Mr Kelly in 2018. Feedlots and processors have adopted the platform to help streamline their booking management to remove delivery errors and tighten up supply agreements whilst improving communication with suppliers and agents. Mr Hubbard will be work directly with producers, buyers, agents and feedlots to unlock market access, drive efficiency, and open up new opportunities. His work will have a close focus on forward pricing and interstate trade, where Agora believes structural change has created space space for more innovation. Backed by a strong board, including Peter Toll, Greg Harvey and Mr Kelly, Agora is eyeing its first capital raise to accelerate its growth. The company has already attracted high-profile investors, including large cattle and sheep feedlots. Mr Hubbard said he believed there had 'never been a more exciting time' to be 'building something better for the livestock industry,' 'The demand for better market access, clearer pricing, and more efficient trading is real — and Agora is well positioned to lead the charge,' he said. Agora Livestock was founded in 2018 and was initially called LIVEstock Pricing. It has since evolved from a simple service that shared livestock prices to a platform providing price discovery, market access and supply chain efficiency for Australia's livestock buyers, sellers and agents. 'When we started Agora, our aim was simple — to make the livestock market more efficient,' Mr Kelly said. 'We began by giving producers and agents a clearer view of pricing through grids and saleyard reports. With Dean now on board, we're taking the next step — building new markets and connecting the right buyers and sellers in the right way.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Summer House' Season 9 Reunion: Trailer, Time, and How To Watch
Is Lindsay Hubbard still with her baby daddy? Was Craig Conover lying about buying an engagement ring for Paige DeSorbo? And who's really to blame for Lexi Wood's disconnect with the other girls? These are all questions that are sure to be answered at the Summer House Season 9 reunion, which begins airing tonight on Bravo. There was no shortage of drama this season, especially between Wood and Jesse Solomon, whose summer fling fizzled out by September when Wood realized she could no longer trust him. Plus, fans got to watch the evolution of Hubbard's pregnancy throughout the summer, begging the question: will she return to the Hamptons with a baby in hand next year? From the sounds of it, not even Hubbard has a definite answer. But perhaps the reunion could shed some more light on that! So, when is the reunion airing? And how can you stream it? We have all the answers to your burning questions. Keep reading for more information! Part 1 of the Summer House reunion airs on Wednesday, May 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. The second and final part of the reunion will air the following week on Wednesday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. If you have a valid cable login, you can watch the Summer House reunion live on Bravo or via the network's website. No need to worry, cord cutters! You can also tune into the Summer House reunion when it airs live on streamers such as Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. Plus, both episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the following day. As we mentioned before, the Summer House reunion episodes will be available to stream on Peacock. Here's when they will land on the streaming platform: Part 1 Peacock Premiere Date: Thursday, May 29 Part 2 Peacock Premiere Date: Thursday, June 5
