Category Archives: Birdwatching

Migration Is Starting And The Birds Are Heading Out

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Common Cranes in Israel. Many species of crane gather in large groups during migration and on their wintering grounds

Common Cranes in Israel. Many species of crane gather in large groups during migration and on their wintering grounds

“Even the stork in the sky Knows her seasons; And the turtledove and the swift and the thrush Observe the time of their migration; But My people do not know The ordinance of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 8:7 NASB)

This time of the year, the birds start gathering together to migrate, or move, to their winter place. The birds in Australia, begin flying north to their summer place. But they like to fly in groups. This helps keep them secure and going in the right direction. The cartoon below is cute, but God has built into birds a very accurate way to migrate. A few birds become confused in storms and become “lost.” Even then, many of them still arrive at their destinations.

Migration – Family Circus

The V-formation helps the birds use less energy. This enables the birds to travel the long distances much easier. There are several articles written that you might want to read:

You Comfort Me

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Skimmer Baby Leaning against Parents Beak – ©Thomas C – NatlGeog – Pinterest

“If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalms 94:18-19 NKJV)

A Black Skimmer chick holding on to it’s parent. Adorable!

What verse(s) would you use for this photo?

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Gideon

Woodstock’s Shock Lessons

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Woodstock and Flying

For those of you who do not know about Peanuts, the cartoon character, they feature a dog named Snoopy. Snoopy’s friend is a little yellow bird named Woodstock. Snoopy is the only one who understands what Woodstock says.

While I have been recovering from my surgery, my birdwatching has been only reading about the adventures of Woodstock and Snoopy instead of out birdwatching for real. I have kept a few the adventures of them to share with you all.

The top photo was a shock to Woodstock, and you can see this in – Flying is at least safer for Woodstock

Here are a few more adventures of Woodstock:

Woodstock Shock of No Worms

“O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (Psalms 90:14 KJV)

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17 KJV)

Woodstock was seeking a worm to eat, but the Lord wants us to seek Him early in the morning, and all day long.

Woodstock’s Wake Up Shock

“A friend loves at all times, …” (Proverbs 17:17a NKJV)

Sometimes were are tempted to do things, but really shouldn’t do it. We really do not want to hurt one another.

Woodstock Needs Recycled

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:7-10 KJV)

The Lord knows that we fail sometimes, but He gives us many 2nd chances.

Wordless Birds

 

Sorry for the Long Delay

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There hasn’t been a blog posted here since Aug 5th. The last few articles were scheduled ahead of time as I had back surgery on Aug 3rd. My overnight stay in the hospital turned out to be 5 days in the hospital. I had side affects like fluid build up in the sac by the lung. Could hardly breathe and that had to drained. And other side issues. Got out on Tuesday, and ended up in the Emergency Room the next day for another side-affect.

“Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” (Psalms 40:11 KJV)

But all is not lost. Dr. James J. S. Johnson [Dr. Jim, to me] has kept the main blog active with some very interesting articles. So, if you are not a follower of Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus [the main blog], take a look at the last articles that were posted over there. I trust, with the Lord’s continued healing, that things will get back to normal soon.

Shake a Leg (or 2 or 3 or 4), Crab-Eater! – Aug 7

Crazy as a Coot! – Aug 8

Pinyon Jay, Grand Canyon’s Forester – Aug 9

Killdeer atop Killdeer: Appreciating Help from Others – Aug 10

Loggerhead Shrike: Converting Thorns into Meat-hooks – Aug 11

Oystercatchers Must be Gentiles – Aug 12

Eggs Taste Better if Salted – Aug 13

Penguin Eggs Tragedy – Aug 14

Viera Wetlands – Candy Corn Moorhen

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Common Moorhen by Dan at Viera Wetlands

The Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) has a bill that reminds me so much of Candy Corn. On our latest trip to Viera Wetlands, Dan was able to capture this adult with his camera. We showed you the young one with big feet in Big Feet on July 5th.

Young Moorhen at Viera Wetlands

Here are some more photos taken previously:

Common Moorhen Parent and baby Moorhen at Lake Hollingsworth

Another Baby Moorhen at Lake Hollingsworth by Lee

Baby Moorhen – Big feet and undeveloped beak color. Lake Hollingsworth – by Lee

Baby Moorhen with Big Feet above and Adult Common Moorhen below with big feet

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) PB Zoo by Lee

Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” (Genesis 1:20 NKJV)

Back to the Candy Corn beak:

Baby Moorhen No Feathers on Wing at Lake Hollingsworth Cropped by Lee

Fact from All About Birds:

  • Newly hatched Common Gallinule chicks have spurs on their wings that help them climb into the nest or grab onto vegetation.

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) Lowry Park Zoo

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) Amazon and Beyond-wild – Zoo Miami – by Lee

Moorhens [Gallinule – They keep changing the names]- All About Birds

Big Feet

Wordless Waterbirds

Wordless Waterbirds

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Common Moorhen by Dan

Wordless Waterbirds

Gold/Yellow = Heaven

The GOLD/Yellow tip of the beak reminds us of Heaven. The Bible tells us Heaven has a street of gold! But the best part about Heaven is that God, who created you and me, lives there. The Bible, God’s Word, says: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 Jesus, God the Son, is in Heaven preparing a place for all who put their trust in Him. (John 14:2-3) God is holy and perfect. He cannot allow anything in Heaven that is less than perfect, so there’s one thing that can never be in Heaven. Can you think of what that might be?

Black/Dark = Sin

It is sin! That is what this DARK back and head of the bird reminds us of. Sin is anything you think, say, or do that does not please God, like lying, cheating, being selfish, or hurting others. The Bible says: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 That means everyone, big or little, young or old! No matter where you live or who you are, you have sinned. Everyone is born with a “want to” to do wrong. God says that sin must be punished (Romans 6:23), and the punishment for sin is to be separated from God forever in a place of suffering….a place called Hell. But God has a wonderful plan so that you will not have to be punished for your sin!

Red = Jesus Blood

God sent Jesus Christ, His perfect Son, to be born as a little baby. Jesus lived a perfect life….He never sinned. When He was grown, wicked men nailed Him to a cross. This Moorhens beak is RED reminding us of Jesus’ blood. The Bible says that without the giving of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). So Jesus Christ willingly died to take your sin punishment. “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.“— 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Now, because of what Jesus has done for you, you can have your sins forgiven. Read on to see how!

White = Clean Heart

The Bible says: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on His name.” — John 1:12 The WHITE beak of the Hawaiian Coot reminds us of a CLEAN heart. How can you have a clean heart? A = Admit to God you are a sinner and want to turn away from those sins. B = Believe in Jesus Christ, that He is God’s perfect Son who died for your sin, was buried, and rose again. C = Call on Him to save you from your sin. Would you like to do that right now? He has promised to hear, and once you are His child, He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Take a moment and talk to God right now. It will change your life forever. Only one more color! What can it mean?

Green = Growth

The GREEN around this Purple Gallinule stands for things that grow. When you ask God to forgive you and save you, you become His child. God wants you to get to know Him better and to grow to become more like Him. These four things will help you grow:

1. PRAY (talk to God every day)
2. READ & OBEY THE BIBLE (to know what He says, then do it)
3. TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS
4. GO TO A BIBLE-BELIEVING CHURCH (where you can learn more about pleasing Him)

As a child of God, if you should sin again, stop and tell Him about it. He promises in His Word… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 Ask God to help you live a life to please Him! Share the Good News of this story with someone else.

The Wordless Book has been used for many years by CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). These words are from CEF.

Photo Credits – Common Moorhen by Dan at Viera Wetlands; Hawaiian Coot (Fulica alai) Cropped ©WikiC; Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) by Densie Russell;

Secretarybird – The Note Taker

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Secretarybird look straight at the lens – ©Pinterest – Rudi Luyten

You would like me to take a note?

Secretarybird -Notice the eyelashes – ©Pinterest

Looking down to start writing! [Notice the eyelashes]

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,” (Proverbs 3:3 NKJV)

These Secretarybird photos were on Pinterest and I decided to share them.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Africaddict

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Africaddict

Secretarybirds were named this because: “The secretary bird’s English name was once thought to come from the 1800s, when Europeans first spotted these birds. Back then, male secretaries wore gray tailcoats and dark knee-length pants. They also used goose-quill pens that they carried behind their ears. This long-legged bird shares many of these same physical features: long, dark quills at the back of the head; long, gray wing and tail feathers that resemble a tailcoat; and black feathers that go midway down the legs like short pants. It’s fun to imagine how the two “secretaries” compare!” From San Diego Zoo – Secretary Bird Nice photos in this article to check out!

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Lee

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Lee

These are one of my many favorite birds. With over 10,700 birds in the world, it is easy to have many favorites that the Lord, their Creator, has given us to enjoy.

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Secretary Bird – The Walker

The Wise Owl

Andre Rieu – Amazing Grace

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Thought you might enjoy this video. Andre Rieu – Amazing Grace

No longer available -8/31/24

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) by Nikhil Devasar

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) by Nikhil Devasar

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Injured Roseate Spoonbill at Flamingo Gardens by Lee

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Neal Addy Gallery

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Neal Addy Gallery

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) ©WikiC

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

Birds in Hymns

What will you do with Jesus?

 

Birds Who Build Pyramids by Creation Moments

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BIRDS WHO BUILD PYRAMIDS

Listen and or Watch


Job 12:7″But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee…”

Bee-eaters are birds whose way of life and behavior are both intelligent and unusual. There are 24 species of bee-eaters.
Birds Who Build Pyramids
Bee-eaters make their living catching and eating bees and wasps with stingers. The poison in many of these stinging insects is powerful enough to kill bee-eaters, but the birds are not only skilled at avoiding stings, they know how to remove the poison from the bee when they eat it. Having captured a bee or wasp, a bee-eater will take it to a branch where he will pound its head and rub its stinging end until all of the poison has been removed from the insect’s venom sac. Once the poison is removed, the bee-eater enjoys lunch.

Bee-eaters are described as lively and sociable. You seldom see one roosting all by itself. And when the weather is cool, bee-eaters huddle together to keep each other warm. There are even reports that bee-eaters will roost on each other’s backs, forming a feathered pyramid made out of birds.

Bee-eaters Huddled Together – from email

Now, it’s possible that bee-eaters figured out that they were warmer when huddled together, although even that much intelligence had to come from their Creator. But how could bee-eaters simply “discover” how to detoxify bees? If this ability evolved by trial and error, there would probably be no descendants of the first bee-eaters around today. Obviously, this dangerous behavior would not favor survival. This makes the bee-eater one of God’s own arguments against evolution!

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) by Marc at Africaddict

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) by Marc at Africaddict

Prayer: “Lord, not only does Your wisdom surround us, but You have so generously given intelligence and wisdom to so many of Your creatures. I thank You for the wonder Your handiwork inspires. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
Clanbake. Natural History, Mar. 1990. p. 94. Photo: A male Blue-throated Bee-eater presents his mate with a captured insect. Photo taken by Lip Kee Yap and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Used with permission of Creation Moments

 

Tawny Frogmouths at the Zoo

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Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee

At the Brevard Zoo recently, we saw two Tawny Frogmouths. They were in one of their aviaries. [An aviary is a large area where birds can fly freely.] It also makes it easier to take photos, because you are in the aviary with the birds and critters. You do not have to take the photos through cage wires, etc.

Tawny Frogmouth [either young or famale] at Brevard Zoo

“Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.” (Psalms 102:2 KJV)

The Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is a species of frogmouth native to and found throughout the Australian mainland and Tasmania. Tawny frogmouths are big-headed, stocky birds often mistaken for owls due to their nocturnal habits [night time] and similar coloring.

Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee

Fun Fact: “Their silvery-grey plumage patterned with white, black, and brown streaks and mottles allows them to freeze into the form of a broken tree branch and become practically invisible in broad daylight.”

This one might be thinking, “What you looking at?”

Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 NKJV)

Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee
Tawny Frogmouth at Brevard Zoo 4-3-18 by Lee

Big Feet

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Young Gallinule at Viera Wetlands

On the Fourth of July, yesterday, we were at Viera Wetlands, Viera, Florida and spotted this young Common Gallinule, depending on what they are calling it. Look at its feet. He/she has some growing to do to fit those feet.

Below is how it will look when it matures.

Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus) by Reinier Munguia

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25 KJV)

Another promise our Savior and Creator has given us. Lord’s Blessings.

Common Gallinule – All About Birds

Shield of Thy Salvation