Yes, you can still buy frozen bubble and squeak from most major supermarkets and frozen food retailers in the UK. While fresh bubble and squeak made from leftover vegetables used to be more common, the convenience of frozen versions has made them a staple freezer food today. What is bubble and squeak? Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish made from leftover roasted or boiled vegetables, usually potatoes and cabbage or Brussels sprouts. The chopped up vegetables are fried together in a pan until they start to stick together in patties or ‘cakes’. As the vegetable cakes cook, the…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Quick Answer Bird’s nest ferns can survive and even thrive when their roots are kept constantly wet, as long as their fronds remain relatively dry. This makes them well-suited for terrariums and vivariums where the lower portion of the plant sits in water, while the upper fronds remain above the water line. However, bird’s nest ferns are tropical plants that prefer high humidity rather than soggy soil. Letting the fern sit directly in water for extended periods can lead to root rot. Bird Nest Fern Overview The bird’s nest fern, also known as nest fern or asplenium nidus, is a…
The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout Europe, Asia, North America and parts of North Africa. It is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. Long-eared owls are slim, long-winged owls with prominent erect ear tufts, which are positioned in the center of the head. Their name refers to the elongated feather tufts on each side of their heads, which are commonly called “ears”. While many owl species have ear tufts, the ones on long-eared owls are particularly prominent, about 5 cm long. These tufts help break up the shape of the owl’s…
Black-throated sparrows (Amphispiza bilineata) are a species of sparrow found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are medium-sized sparrows with distinct black and white striping on their heads. Black-throated sparrows build nests on or near the ground, often at the base of shrubs or clumps of grass. Their nesting habits are adapted to the arid environments they inhabit. Nesting Habitat Black-throated sparrows nest in a variety of arid habitats across their range, including: Desert grasslands Chaparral Sagebrush Pinyon-juniper woodlands Oak savannas They are found at elevations ranging from sea level to over 8000 feet. Black-throated sparrows tend…
Hummingbirds are remarkable little birds that capture the imaginations of people around the world. Known for their tiny size, beautiful iridescent plumage, incredible flying abilities, and propensity for drinking nectar, hummingbirds seem like magical creatures. Around 340 different species of hummingbirds exist, and they are found naturally only in the Americas. One question that often comes up about hummingbirds is whether they hibernate. Given their small size, high metabolism, and the fact that many hummingbird species migrate long distances, it seems reasonable to wonder if hummingbirds slow down and take a true hibernate period like some other animals do. However,…
The ptarmigan is a medium-sized grouse that lives in northern regions and high mountain elevations. They are known for their seasonal camouflage, which helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. Ptarmigans molt their feathers twice a year from brown to white to match the changing landscapes. This provides an excellent example of cryptic coloration in the animal kingdom. Winter Camouflage In the winter, ptarmigans are covered in all white plumage. This serves as camouflage to blend into the snowy landscapes of their high altitude and high latitude environments. The white feathers help reflect sunlight, acting as insulation while…
Birds do not have permanent addresses like humans do. As animals that can fly, birds are able to move freely from place to place and do not establish fixed homes or mailing addresses. However, there are a few ways we can think about the concept of a bird’s “landing address” in terms of where they like to settle or take up residence. Migration Many species of birds are migratory, meaning they fly substantial distances twice a year between their breeding grounds and their overwintering grounds. The breeding grounds where migratory birds nest and raise their young in the spring and…
Birdwing vines are fast growing tropical vines that produce stunning and large flowers. They are perfect for growing on pergolas, fences, and trellises to create a tropical paradise in your garden. With proper care and maintenance, birdwing vines can provide an exotic focal point and wow factor for years to come. What are the requirements for growing birdwing vines? Birdwing vines require warm temperatures, high humidity, bright filtered sunlight, fast-draining soil, ample water, support for climbing, and regular feeding. The ideal growing conditions include: Temperatures between 70-85°F 50-60% humidity 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight Well-draining soil high in organic…
Whether female Vireos sing is a fascinating question for bird enthusiasts. Vireos are a genus of small songbirds found throughout North and South America. While the males are well known for their singing abilities, the females have historically been overlooked. In this article, we will explore the latest research on female Vireo vocalizations and singing habits. Quick Answers Yes, female Vireos do sing. Both male and female Vireos produce songs, though the structure and purpose of the songs differs between the sexes. Females sing less frequently than males and have simpler songs. Their songs are used primarily for communicating on…
Finches are small passerine birds in the family Fringillidae. There are many different species of finches found all over the world, and some species are noisier than others. In general, most finches use vocalizations to communicate with each other and can be quite noisy, especially when defending their territories or during breeding season. How noisy are finches compared to other birds? Compared to many other bird species, most finches are relatively quiet. Larger birds like crows, ravens, parrots, and mynas tend to be much louder and more vocal. Very small birds like hummingbirds and kinglets make only soft calls and…