Category Archives: Birdwatching

Things To Do While Staying Home

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Swallow-tailed Kite

Like many of you, we are staying home during this time of protecting ourselves from the Corvid-19 threat. So, what are we to do?

Here are a few suggestions to keep you learning, especially about our wonderful Avian Wonders, birds, that the Lord created. There are many things about the birds that we can be entertained by and educated from websites on the internet.

“And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” (Genesis 1:22 NKJV)

Of course, you can check out our sites:

Here are few other places to check out:

Pete Thayer is offering free birdwatching software for students. Hurry, as there is a limited number available. It is great. I use it myself. [This is from my email.]
March 2020
Birding Software For Kids 
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced thousands of schools across the country to close for weeks. What are your kids or grand-kids going to do with themselves?
We have an interesting suggestion. Let them explore over 1,000 birds of North America. Take over 700 fun quizzes about birds. Listen to bird songs in their area. Watch videos of bird behavior. Learn more about their favorite birds.

Thayer Birding Software has started a “Young Birder” Program. Our goal is to give away one million copies of our software to kids 18 and younger. This seems like the perfect week to help spread the word about this no-cost program.

We want kids to discover birding and the joys of nature at an early age. You can help by letting others know about this program. Forward this newsletter to your neighbors, relatives, local teachers, school administrators, Audubon clubs, Scout leaders and even kids in your neighborhood.

(Maybe this offer will even go “viral”)
It is very easy to download a copy

Then click the “Windows download” button

Now click the “Add Promo button”

type in ThayerYoungBirder

Visit our web site to find out more.
Our software will also work on older Mac operating systems such as Mac OS X 10.9 – MacOS 10.13. This includes High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite and Mavericks. If you have Mojave or Catalina click HERE for important information.
If you liked this free newsletter be sure to forward a copy to your friends so they can enjoy it too.
Pete Thayer and the Thayer Birding Software Newsletter Team9048 Whimbrel Watch Lane, Unit 202, Naples Florida 34109
E-mail us
]

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) by Dan (closeup)

The Avian Conservation Center is South Carolina has this:

To facilitate continued access to our educational programming during this time of social distancing and e-learning, we are implementing a temporary learning program, which will allow students to connect to our educational content remotely. In addition to live streaming presentations on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/scbirdsofprey,) we will also be adding educational videos to our YouTube (http://bit.ly/33rV0up) channel and other educational content will be posted on our website (www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.) Although we are sad not to be able to see you in person, we are excited to have our community join us online!

Stay Tuned for more ideas!

Wordless Woodpecker

Raven That Shakes His Tail

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https://youtu.be/Cf0r4nnjZGM&rel=0

Thought you might enjoy this Raven. Not your typical Avian Wonder.

“Who provides food for the raven, When its young ones cry to God, And wander about for lack of food?” (Job 38:41 NKJV)

Most ravens have to search for their food, that the Lord provides. This Raven seems to have figured out how to charm this young man into providing food for him. There is a lot of trust shown here by both. The Lord has provided to feed the raven through this human.

 

Birds and Jesus – Infant Visit To Temple

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Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil Devasar

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil Devasar

The first time, listed in the Gospels, when Jesus, in His Humanity, is near a bird, was at His dedication. According to the Jewish law, the first born son was to be dedicated at the temple. This was to take place 40 days after he was born. This was so that Mary, his earthly mother, to be purified and Jesus could be dedicated. This was not His first visit, as at eight days old he was there.

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord“), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22-24 NIV)….

Continued Here

Twelve Years of Blogging

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Hooded Merganser Diving Duck, Georgia, by William Wise

Here we go again with another anniversary of the blog. Around February 13th or so, was the 12 anniversary of Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus. During this year, we hit the two million visitor mark. Wow!

The Birds of the Bible For Kids blog has been an important part of the main blog. We have tried to simplify many of the same articles from there so that the younger readers might understand also. We want all to enjoy the Lord’s Created Avian Wonders.

Eastern Phoebe on Beautyberry

Eastern Phoebe on Beautyberry 12-19-19

Looking at all the articles written about the 11th anniversary, I’ll let this one be simple. I just reread all the comments and encouragement that you sent last year. Those were and are again so appreciated. Now, the blog has slowed down some, but we are still blogging. Because of health and our new house, most of my birding adventures seem to be out my back door. I love the avian visitors!

This year, William Wise has joined us with some very interesting articles and photos. Welcome Aboard, William!! Dr. Jim has continued to contribute articles, which are always enjoyable. Ian Montgomery is still sending posts, and Emma Forster continues to enlighten us with her stories. Me, I’ve written less, but we are still at it.

Raven in Pumpkin by Linda Marcille

The Lord is always faithful and keeps us interested in His Creation.

Stay tuned to see what this new year of blogging will discover about our Avian Wonders from the Lord.

(9)  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
(10)  And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;
(11)  but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.
(12)  For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. (2 Corinthians 8:9-12 NKJV)

Wordless Birds

Dive In!

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Have you ever been to a park and seen lots of different ducks swimming around? We can tell ducks apart by the way they look. But there is another way ornithologists identify ducks. They divide them into two groups called dabblers and divers.

Dabbling Duck Mallard

The Dabblers – Have you seen the ducks along the edges of the ponds that stick their butts up in air? It’s a real funny site. What they are doing is called dabbling. They are dipping their head into the water and searching the banks for aquatic plants and insects to eat, but they won’t go very deep. The common green-headed Mallard ducks fit into this category of dabblers.

The Divers – The other group, the divers, they swim out to the middle of the pond and SPLASH!!!… they disappear, diving down to the bottom of the pond. They swim deep for those delicious fish and crayfish! The neat looking Hooded Merganser is part of the diving group.

Hooded Merganser Diving Duck, Georgia

When it comes to living for Jesus as a Christian, we can be either dabblers or divers. The dabbling Christian goes to church because his parents make him. He stays along the edges, not helping in church, and never really gets involved or excited. But the diving Christian is one that is excited to live for Jesus, to pray, to give, to get involved, to read his Bible, and to tell his friends about Jesus.

If you are only dabbling on the edges in your church, row your boat out to the middle of the pond and dive in. I can tell you for sure, the water is great! That’s the difference between dabblers and divers! Be a diver, not a dabbler when it comes to God!

To Dabble – verb – 1:  to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water; to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food; 2: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently

Ornithologist –  a scientist that studies the branch of zoology that concerns birds.

Hi kids, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I gave my life to Jesus while studying wildlife biology in college and soon fell in love with the Creator and His wonderful universe and creatures. My favorite animals are birds, coyotes, alligators and snakes! Each month I teach lessons from the Bible using nature and wildlife to the “creation kids” in my Creation Speaks Sunday School. — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Garfield’s Face & Bird’s Faces

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Face Not Woke Up Yet! ©Garfield

Face Not Awake Yet! ©Garfield

Just thought you might enjoy seeing some birds who may not have their Face Awake Yet!

Shoebill by Lee Lowry Park Zoo

Shoebill by Lee Lowry Park Zoo

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) ©WikiC – National Zoo-Washington-USA

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) by Lee at Brevard Zoo

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) ©WikiC

“So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21 NKJV)

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) by Lee at Zoo Miami 2014

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) by Lee at Zoo Miami 2014

Bornean Frogmouth (Batrachostomus mixtus) juv ©©RichardWellis

Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) by Africaddict

“Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34 NKJV)

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) ©Flickr Wayne Butterworth

There are many more birds that could give Garfield competition. Just thought you might enjoy seeing some of God’s Handiwork. Even if we aren’t the prettiest or most handsome person, God still loves us, even as He love all of His Creations.

Relocated Here

Bird’s With Faces Like Garfield’s Face With different birds

ABC’s of the Gospel

Time To Get Back To Work – Peeking

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Now that you students have returned to school after the holidays, it’s time for more articles.

I said "no" Peeking - by Poplively

To be able to learn, we need to “peek” in our books and listen to our teachers so we can gain knowledge. Don’t be afraid to read and study.

“I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things, To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness and madness.” (Ecclesiastes 7:25 NKJV)

In all your studying, don’t forget to “peek” into your Bible.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:5-7 NKJV)

Photo used:

I said “no” Peeking – by Poplively, Peek by Poplively

ABC’s of the Gospel

Tuesday’s Tickle – Birds and Christmas

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https://youtu.be/W6HAkw_apZs&rel=0

https://youtu.be/qUBMYF2p7bU&rel=0

https://youtu.be/lWEX89Ckpt0&rel=0

https://youtu.be/dNh4dKIl09s&rel=0

https://youtu.be/oenxgUiNOYA&rel=0

Just thought you needed a diversion from all the last minute gift wrapping and waiting for Christmas. Enjoy these birds with a Christmas attitude.

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13 KJV)

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 KJV)

“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” (1 Chronicles 16:9 KJV)

Wordless Birds

If You Are Happy And You Know It – Cockatiel

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https://youtu.be/U9NZnpleU0s&rel=0

An interesting Cockatiel that loves to sing. Shows another Avian Wonder from the Creator that allows this bird to mimic what it hears.

If You’re Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it
Clap your hands [clap, clap]
If you’re happy and you know it
Clap your hands [clap, clap]
If you’re happy and you know it
Then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it
Clap your hands [clap, clap]

If you’re happy and you know it
Stomp your feet [stomp, stomp]
If you’re happy and you know it
Stomp your feet [stomp, stomp]
If you’re happy and you know it
Then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it
Stomp your feet [stomp, stomp]

If you’re happy and you know it
Say “Amen!” Amen!
If you’re happy and you know it
Say “Amen!” Amen!
If you’re happy and you know it
Then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it
Say “Amen!” Amen!

If you’re happy and you know it
Do all three [clap, clap] [stomp, stomp] Amen!
If you’re happy and you know it
Do all three [clap, clap] [stomp, stomp] Amen!
If you’re happy and you know it
Then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it
Do all three [clap, clap] [stomp, stomp] Amen!

Wordless Toucan

Woodstock’s Christmas Tree

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I trust you are looking forward to Christmas. Thankfully, Snoopy cares about Woodstock. He has given him a Christmas Tree for his nest.

Woodstocks Christmas Tree

Woodstock’s Christmas Tree

Christmas is always enjoyable, but with all the excitement, do not forget the main reason we celebrate this holiday.

“Luke 2:8-18 NKJV
(8)  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9)  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
(10)  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
(11)  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12)  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
(13)  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
(14)  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
(15)  So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
(16)  And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
(17)  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
(18)  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Gospel Presentation

Wordless Birds

William Wise – Two Suppers

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Turkey Vulture; Walton County, Georgia by William Wise

Turkey Vulture; Walton County, Georgia by William Wise

Two Suppers

By William Wise of www.williamwisephoto.com

Revelation 19:17-18  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;  18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

While running a 10K race with my 69-year-old father, I laughed as he looked up and shouted at a group of circling vultures and said, “Go away! I’m not dead yet!” Although they were waiting to dine on him, he wasn’t quite ready to be their supper.

King James Authorized 1611 Pulpit Folio

The Bible tells us (and yes, I believe it) that one day in the future, God is going to host two great suppers, or feasts. The first is the party of the century… no, the party of the millennia… no, the party of the ages! It is called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And all the followers of Jesus Christ will be given clean, white garments and enjoy the greatest wedding reception of all time.

Georgia Vultures by William Wise

Georgia Vultures by William Wise

But simultaneously, there is another feast. It is called the Supper of the Great God. Those who did not RSVP for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but lived for themselves, will be attendees at this gathering. For it is a gathering of fowls; of carrion crows and vultures to feed upon the slain who turned in battle against returning Messiah. But you need not attend that feast.

Turkey Vulture; Clarke County, Georgia by William Wise

Turkey Vulture; Clarke County, Georgia by William Wise

When you pass a roadside party of vultures dining on last night’s unlucky road crossing, just remind yourself, “I’d rather feast at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb than be feasted upon at the Supper of the Great God.”

We are excited to introduce a new Photographer/Writer to the Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures blog. Not only is he a great Christian photographer, but a blogger who writes about Creation topics also. Welcome, William!

Check out his website at: http://www.williamwisephoto.com/index.html

Tuesday’s Tickle – Little Owls

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“My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.” (Psalms 119:148 NKJV)

Most of us don’t need coffee to open our eyes, but some do. Owls would not need to worry about being awake during the night watches, because that is when they are most active.

Just thought you might enjoy a few “tickles” from the Owl family members.

Coffee Owls ©Pinterest

Try This – Boreal Owl ©Robbie George Photos

“At the noise of the stamping hooves of his strong horses, At the rushing of his chariots, At the rumbling of his wheels, The fathers will not look back for their children, Lacking courage,” (Jeremiah 47:3 NKJV)

Moist Owlet ©Pinterest

Owl You Need Is Love ©Pinterest

“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;” (1 Thessalonians 4:9 NKJV)

Owls and a Kitten ©Pinterest

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB)

The Wise Owl