The white thing below the cocorahs gauge is an AcuRite wireless rain gauge. And as far as the placement of the Stratus gauge, I agree with you. But I live in an HOA community and am very limited where I can place things in my yard. I am very happy that I am actually able to have my weather stations up where they are now. I can't put the Stratus gauge on a post, because I tried and had to remove it. I am only able to have my sensors and gauges where they are now. For the most part I get pretty good readings, and the Davis VP2 is much more accurate. Thanks for the advise anyway.