Author Archives: Lee

May’s Bird of the Month

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Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia) ©WikiC

According to Birds and Bloom magazine site, there are Birds of the Month.

“You’ve probably heard of birth month gemstones and birth month flowers, but have you heard of birth month birds? It might come as a surprise to learn every month of the year has not only a representative jewel and flower, but also a bird. From owls to ravens, here are the birds that represent everyone’s birthdays.”

Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) ©WikiC

More from Birds and Bloom:

May: Nightingale

It can be hard to spot a common nightingale, especially if you live in North America (their range stretches through much of Europe). They’re elusive birds that keep to themselves, content to remain out of sight in brush or thickets. Belonging to the same family as the American robin, these May birth month birds give a wide variety of calls and songs.

Meet the most musical songbirds in America.

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birth-month-birds/

Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus mexicanus) by Michael Woodruff

Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus mexicanus) by Michael Woodruff

The Wood Thrush is a member of the Turdidae – Thrush family. There are 185 species, including Rufous Thrushes, Whistling Thrushes, Ground Thrushes, our Bluebirds, Solitaires, Nightingale-Thrushes, Cochoas, Shortwings, and our American Robin.

Spotted Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus dryas) ©WikiC

Spotted Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus dryas) ©WikiC

See: A Song Greater Than The Nightingale’s Song – by April Lorier

Nightingale Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus luscinius) ©WikiC

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)

See Also:

Birds of the Bible – Gleaning’s Noah and the Birds

Birds Vol 1 #5 – The Wood Thrush

Highlights From The Archives: Introduction

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Mixed Flock of birds flying in a V Formation- Put together- ©Creative Commons

Mixed Flock of birds flying in a V Formation- Put together- ©Creative Commons

Highlights From the Archives

There are over 350 articles that have been published here on Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures over the years. Just thought I would share some of those posts. The main theme when we started posting, was to introduce the different Birds of the Bible. So, let’s look back and see some of those. (And maybe update them some)

My goal in starting this blog was to introduce the birds that are mentioned in the Bible. It has grown from there and now there are many posts to review and different writers to check out.

The very first birds mentioned by name were just “every winged bird” or “every winged fowl.” God blessed them and told them to be fruitful and multiply. That was on the fifth day of creation.

“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. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”
(Genesis 1:21-23 NKJV)

Mixed Flock Flyiing 122717 Merritt Is NWR by Lee

Then in Genesis 2:19 the Lord God brought the birds to Adam and let him name them:

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. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” (Genesis 1:21-23 NKJV)

All the different kinds of the birds were placed on the ark to be kept alive. Then after the Flood, the birds were released and told to repopulate the earth. They did and today we have an array of beautiful avian wonders to watch and enjoy.

Today, I would like to show one of the very first blogs when we began:

  by Lee

Introduction to Birds of the Bible

April’s Bird of the Month – Canary

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Yellow-fronted Canary (Crithagra mozambica) ©Wiki

According to Birds and Bloom magazine site, there are Birds of the Month.

“You’ve probably heard of birth month gemstones and birth month flowers, but have you heard of birth month birds? It might come as a surprise to learn every month of the year has not only a representative jewel and flower, but also a bird. From owls to ravens, here are the birds that represent everyone’s birthdays.”

White-bellied Canary (Crithagra dorsostriata) ©WikiC

More from Birds and Bloom:

April: Canary

Perhaps it’s fitting that the bird for the month of Peeps candy is the canary. Some canaries live in the wild, but others, such as the domestic canary, are kept as pets. They’re not all yellow, either; some are red, while others are yellow and black. As part of the finch family, they are cheerful birds with a delightful song. To find them in the wild, you’d need to go to the Canary, Madeira or Azores Islands.

Like canaries? Discover more small yellow birds you should know.

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birth-month-birds/

Forest Canary (Crithagra scotops) ©WikiC

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psalms 8:3-9 KJV)

Black-throated Canary (Crithagra atrogularis) ©WikiC

Other birds that come from the Canary islands that aren’t Canaries but are yellow. They are all very cute and adorable, in my opinion.

Canary Island Chiffchaff

Southern Grosbeak-Canary (Crithagra buchanani) ©WikiC

Canary Islands Stonechat (Saxicola dacotiae) ©WikiC

Canary Islands Stonechat (Saxicola dacotiae) ©WikiC

Previous Articles that mention Canarys:

The Rescue of the Canary Bird

SAFETY MONITORING by Canaries, Crayfish, and Brook Trout

Finches at Feeder This Morning

Canaries are part of the Finch Family

Sunday Inspiration – Finches III

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Flowerpiercers, Sierra Finches, Plus

Gideon

March’s Bird of the Month – Robin

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Robin Eating by Jim Fenton

Robin Eating by Jim Fenton

According to Birds and Bloom magazine site, there are Birds of the Month.

“You’ve probably heard of birth month gemstones and birth month flowers, but have you heard of birth month birds? It might come as a surprise to learn every month of the year has not only a representative jewel and flower, but also a bird. From owls to ravens, here are the birds that represent everyone’s birthdays.”

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) by Ian

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) by Ian

More from Birds and Bloom:

March: Robin

Fans of warm weather, brightly colored flowers and returning migrating birds adore the American robin. After all, many view it as the first sign of spring. To identify the March birth month bird, look for a medium-sized songbird with a red breast, gray upperparts and a yellow beak. Their sweet cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio song rings out on spring mornings.

“My husband and I were walking through the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden in Greensboro, North Carolina, in June. I saw this little birdbath with what I thought was a fake bird… but then I heard it singing! I love the colors of this American robin, and I absolutely love photographing these beautiful birds!” says Teri Quintal.

Psst–if you see a robin bird, here’s what it means.

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birth-month-birds/

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)by Raymond Barlow

American Robin)by Raymond Barlow

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) by S Slayton

European Robin-Ireland-Birdway

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)with youngsters by Raymond Barlow

Some of the Previous articles about Robins:

Good News

Bird of the Month – February’s Parrot

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Bird-Wings-Wing-Colored-Ara-Parrot-©Maxpixel

February: Parrot

According to Birds and Bloom magazine site, there are Birds of the Month.

“You’ve probably heard of birth month gemstones and birth month flowers, but have you heard of birth month birds? It might come as a surprise to learn every month of the year has not only a representative jewel and flower, but also a bird. From owls to ravens, here are the birds that represent everyone’s birthdays.”

More from Birds and Bloom:

Spunky, smart, colorful and filled to the brim with personality, parrots always inspire smiles. While they’re perhaps most recognizable for sitting on pirates’ shoulders, there are more than 350 types of parrots in the world—and plenty of them live in the wild.

“I love this this bird because every single time my shutter would snap, he would pose. I took this picture at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska,” says Katelyn Cheek.

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birth-month-birds/

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”
(Genesis 9:13 NKJV)

Moluccan King Parrot (Alisterus amboinensis) ©WikiC - Brevard_Zoo

Moluccan King Parrot (Alisterus amboinensis) ©WikiC – Brevard_Zoo

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus) by Ian

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus) by Ian

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16 NKJV)

Gathering of Parrots ©I.Ytim

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet Lowry Park Zoo 12-31-15 by Lee

Rainbow Lorikeet

Birds of the Bible do not include parrots by name, but we have written many posts about them. Here are a few:

Wordless Birds

Bird of the Month Introduction and January’s Bird

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Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) ©WikiC

Did you know that there is a bird assigned to each month like they do stones? I was not aware of these for birds. September, which is my birthday month has a Saphire. I’ll reveal September’s when we get to that post.

According to Birds and Bloom magazine site, there are Birds of the Month.

“You’ve probably heard of birth month gemstones and birth month flowers, but have you heard of birth month birds? It might come as a surprise to learn every month of the year has not only a representative jewel and flower, but also a bird. From owls to ravens, here are the birds that represent everyone’s birthdays.”

Great Horned Owl Youngsters at Circle B Bar Reserve by Lee

“January: Owl

Wise and formidable, owls preside over the woods at night. They’re commonly seen as a symbol of smarts, with great horned owls showing up on many a graduation card. Identify these January birth month birds by their large eyes, rounded heads and hooked beak. Listen for their hooting when the skies grow dark.”

They didn’t say which kind, so here are some of the articles we have done about Owls:

Tickle Me Tuesday – Owls With A Message

Owls in Flight: Being Quiet on Purpose

Sunday Inspiration – Owls

The Silence of the Owls – Creation Moments

Stay tuned for the February’s Bird of the Month

In the meantime, check out the Birds of the Bible – Owl articles:

 

 

Adventurous Cattle Egret

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Egret on My Car in front of Wendy’s

Adventurous Cattle Egret outside Wendy’s. When I pulled up to go into Wendy’s yesterday, this adventurous Cattle Egret decided to check my window. Later, as we were leaving, I noticed him riding on a man’s truck as he drove off. When the driver sped up, he finally hopped off.

If you notice the sign on the wall behind him/or her, it is Loitering.

Egret on Car in front of Wendy’s – no trespassing

We have written about these Cattle Egrets before, but this was a very close encounter. They love to ride on cattle or whatever critter they can catch a ride on and try to find food. Here are a few of previous photos of Cattle Egrets.

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NKJV)

Some Previous Egret Posts:

Cattle Egrets, Cattle, and Other Herbivore Neighbors

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Cattle Egret

Gatorland’s Snowy Egrets

Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 8/6/17

Good News

Hawk’s Wisdom Is From Whom?

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Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) by Daves BirdingPix

The other day while I was filling my gas tank, I looked up and spotted a Hawk flying overhead. He (or she) kept flying back and forth slowly. I have no clue as to what kind of hawk it was, but wondered which verses mentions the hawk? We have written about hawks many times here on the blog, and know it is one of the Birds of the Bible.

Job 39:26 is a great verse that asks a very thought-provoking question.

“Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?” (KJV)

I have Bible Gateway loaded on my computer and brought up that verse and asked to show all the various Bible versions. Looking through the various ways of asking or questioning God about His hawks was interesting. As I read through the various versions, it makes us realize how little we know about The Creator’s Wisdom.

Raptor Bird of Prey, Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk profile, William Wise

Here are some of those questions:

ASV
Is it by thy wisdom that the hawk soareth,
AMP
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars,
CSB
Does the hawk take flight by your understanding
CEB
Is it due to your understanding that the hawk flies,
CEV
Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter?
EASY
Was it your wisdom, Job, that taught hawks how to fly? No! You could not teach them to fly towards the south in winter.
GNT
Does a hawk learn from you how to fly when it spreads its wings toward the south?

Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) ©WikiC

MSG
“Was it through your know-how that the hawk learned to fly, soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts? Did you command the eagle’s flight, and teach her to build her nest in the heights, Perfectly at home on the high cliff face, invulnerable on pinnacle and crag? From her perch she searches for prey, spies it at a great distance. Her young gorge themselves on carrion; wherever there’s a roadkill, you’ll see her circling.”
WYC
“Whether an hawk spreading abroad his wings to the south, beginneth to have feathers by thy wisdom? (Be it by thy wisdom that a hawk haveth feathers, and spreadeth his wings towards the south?)”

I’m very thankful that the Lord instructs the Hawks do spread their wings and come down here to Florida!! Especially in the winter!!

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Birds of the Bible Hawks
Birds of the Bible – Hawk Migration
Birds of the Bible – Hawks and Wisdom
Waterman Bird Collection – Hawks and Owls
Ian’s Bird of the Week – Spotted Harrier
Hawk Photos
Hawk Videos
Raptor ID
Raptor Overview
Nave’s Topical Bible – Hawk

Is There a God?

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks Are Back For The Winter

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Our Black-bellied Whistling Ducks have shown up again this winter just like previous years. I’ve written about them many times, but I am always glad when they return each winter. I searched through some previous post about them and found this one from 2011. I especially like the verse quoted, “”I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalms 32:8 KJV)” That verse means a lot as I am learning to adjust to my current situation. See Time To Find and Watch Birds Again. I trust you enjoy this older post again.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks feeding 6/11 by Lee

Birdwatching and Blessings – 6/11/21

This morning our Whistling Duck pair came looking for food, as is becoming their routine. Dan was planning to mow the grass today, so the food dishes were empty and stacked on the patio. So, I put one close by and gave them some food.

Church Signs:

God likes it when you smile, but he loves it when He is the reason!

The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.

Truths To Consider:

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks looking to see if they should go that way.  6/11

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalms 32:8 KJV)

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks maybe asking or deciding which way to go.  6/11

“And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.” (Judges 18:5 KJV)

Decisions! Decisions! Always best when the Lord is involved in seeking answers.

Good News

Time To Find and Watch Birds Again

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Dan at work

I haven’t been active here for several months. So, it’s time to start writing posts again. An explanation is due to those of you who follow this blog.

On October 17th, the love of my life went to heaven. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” The Lord chose to take Dan on to be with him.  Dan developed a brain bleed 10 days earlier and never regained consciousness.

Since Dan was our main photographer, I’ll either repost previous favorite photos or use other photographers. So, bear with me as I try to get back in the “Birding Saddle”, so to say.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) and Dan

This is Birdwatching really close

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) and Dan

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) and Dan by Lee

These last two pictures are my favorites as I caught the mischievous Galah checking out Dan’s camera and then Dan’s expression as he looked at me.

As for Dan, I’ll see him later. He, like me, accepted the Lord as his personal Savior when he was a youngster.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16 NKJV)
Have you accepted Him?

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Good News

 

Birdwatching Thru The Bible – Birds Mate For Life

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Birdwatching Thru The Bible – Birds Mate For Life

Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) by Ian
While reading through an article about animals mating for life, they listed these birds:

11 Animals That Mate for Life

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by AestheticPhotos

“As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings,”
(Deuteronomy 32:11 NKJV)

Bald Eagles (from the above article)

“Although Benjamin Franklin once disparaged (possibly in jest) the bald eagle’s “bad moral character,” America’s national bird upholds a high standard for family life by (mostly) remaining faithful. Following a kamikaze courtship ritual in which two birds lock talons and tumble end-over-end until they nearly hit the ground, the male and female settle into a period of domestic bliss marked by dad’s willingness to undertake incubation and feeding duties. The “divorce” rate for these birds is less than 5%, according to scientists. And while they spend large chunks of the year alone, bald eagles mark their fidelity with a shared long-term commitment to nest building: One such home put together by an eagle couple in Florida was found to measure 9.5 feet long and 20 feet deep. It holds the record for the​​ largest bird’s nest ever documented.” (The largest bird’s nest was built by a pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and possibly their successors, near St Petersburg, Florida, USA and measured 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) wide and 6 m (20 ft) deep. It was examined in 1963 and was estimated to weigh more than two tonnes (4,409 lb).)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Aesthetic Photos

Atlantic Puffins

Atlantic Puffins by Bill Boothe, MD in the Isle of Mull Scotland

Gentoo Penguins

Calgary Zoo – Gentoo Penguins ©Inside Edition

Albatrosses

Laysan Albatross with chick

Most likely there are other birds that pair up for life but I thought you would enjoy seeing these.

See a few previous articles about these birds:

Bald Eagle Blessing

“A” is for Avocet and Albatross: “A” Birds, Part 1, by James J. S. Johnson

Sunday Inspiration – Austral Storm Petrels and Albatrosses

Ian’s Bird of the Moment – Gentoo Penguin

Atlantic Puffins on the Isle of Mull, Scotland

 

 

 

Birdwatching Thru the Bible – Vulture’s Eyes

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Vulture-turkey.Texas Hill Country

Ever since I posted the Lee’s Four Word Thursday – Vulture’s Eye, I have been curious about their eyes. Do they really have great vision? Is this verse in Job 28:7 the only reference to their eyes? The search began with that verse. Only the KJV, DRB versions use the word Vulture. (My E-sword versions). The other translations use Falcon, Hawk, and Kite. Apparently, all of the birds have great vision and are great hunters.

“There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen:” Job 28:7 KJV

Turkey Vulture; Walton County, Georgia by William Wise

Turkey Vulture; Walton County, Georgia by William Wise

Here is an interesting article about Vultures: 50 Interesting Facts About Vultures

Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) or Lammergeier by Ian

Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) or Lammergeier by Ian

We have posted quite a few articles about the Vultures and here are just a few:

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) ©WikiC

Here are two more links (of which one was about the Vulture’s Eye):

Here’s another article that our Dr. Jim (JJSJ) gave us:

Christ’s Creativity in Canyon Critters

The Lord has provided these Vultures with great vision to enable them to find food, and actually help clean the landscape. If He can provide for the Birds of the Air, I know He can provide for us.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalms 32:8 KJV)

Good News