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.”
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.
Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus mexicanus) by Michael Woodruff
The Wood Thrush is a member of the Turdidae – Thrushfamily. There are 185 species, including Rufous Thrushes, Whistling Thrushes, Ground Thrushes, our Bluebirds, Solitaires, Nightingale-Thrushes, Cochoas, Shortwings, and our American Robin.
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)
And the vulture, and the kite after his kind…. (Leviticus 11:14)
And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind …. (Deuteronomy 14:13)
Flies (and other flying insects) better flee, whenever a hungry Mississippi Kite flies by!
MISSISSIPPI KITE (Dick Daniels / Wikipedia photo credit)
Perhaps the term “kite”, translating the Hebrew noun אַיָּה [’ayyâh] in Leviticus 11:14, and in Deuteronomy 14:13, refers to the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) that currently dwells in the Holy Land – as well as in several parts of Eurasia, Australia, and Africa.
Once, recently, while I was gazing at tree-perching cardinals and mockingbirds, a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) landed on a tree-branch near my house, recently (Wednesday, May 7th, A.D.2025), letting me to see its magnificent movements and eye-catching plumage.
During springtime, here in North Texas, local insect populations are booming – and this busy bonanza is an insectivore’s smörgåsbord for Mississippi Kites, who love to eat flying and crawling insects (bees, cicadas, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and more!).
MISSISSIPPI KITE hunting dragonfly (Matthew B. Furst image credit)
Also, these diurnal raptors (i.e., daytime hunters) employ their short hooked beaks to eat other small animals, e.g., small snakes, lizards, frogs, mice, bats, and even small birds. If cicadas are abundant, as they periodically are, kites may feast on them beyond other foods. [See Stan Tekiela, “Mississippi Kite”, BIRDS OF TEXAS FIELD GUIDE (Adventure Publications, 2020), pages 326-327.]
This mostly grey-colored maneuvering marvel has a black tail, dark-red eyes (surrounded by black “blackeye-like eyepatches), red-to-yellow legs, charcoal-grey (with some russet-brown) plumage on the wings, and whitish-grey “ashy” underside and head; the kite’s head is such a pale grey that it is almost white, similar to a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher’s head. It is easy to remember a Mississippi Kite when you see one – what a beautifully bioengineered and impeccably constructed bird it is!
Mississippi Kite parent, feeding a dragonfly to its young chick (Ozark Bill Duncan photo credit)
In fact, the Mississippi Ornithological Society (which, as its name indicates, is an ornithological society that focuses on Mississippi birds) has named its semiannual journal for this marvelous bird (see https://missbird.org/kite/ ).
Smaller than eagles, vultures, and most hawks, these aerial acrobats are migratory accipiters, i.e., smaller hawks with short, broad wings, plus relatively long legs (with precision-designed talons!), often found flying fastly in wooded habitats that include riparian edges. Since my neighborhood has several ponds and drainage ditches, it’s no surprise that kites visit occasionally – this is not the first time that I’ve seen a kite on my homeplace.
MISSISSIPPI KITE (Cornell Lab of Ornithology photo credit)
Unsurprisingly, this Mississippi Kite visited my Texas homestead in springtime. These kites routinely winter in Central or South America, yet sometimes they winter within the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. During spring they migrate northward, to their summer nesting-and-breeding grounds; besides Mississippi (where they are famous for dwelling near the Mississippi River), they migrate to breeding ranges north of Mexico, including Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and much of northern Texas. Some are even known to have migrated as far north as South Dakota, or as far east as Florida! [See, accord, David E. Fantina, “Mississippi Kite”, THE TEXAS BREEDING BIRD ATLAS (posted at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, at https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/mississippi-kite/ .]
MISSISSIPPI KITE (J. J. Audubon image credit / public domain)
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, kites are social creatures:
Mississippi kites are very social in all activities. They do not maintain territories and they congregate at roosts in late summer. . . . . Kites have been known to fly about cattle and horsemen in order to catch insects that are stirred up from the grass [acting as the airborne equivalent to pasture-strolling Cattle Egrets!].. . . .
Paired kites generally begin nesting soon after their arrival in their old nests or in newly constructed ones. In late May or early June, kites breed and both sexes will incubate usually two bluish-white eggs until they hatch 31 to 32 days later.
Mississippi kites, at times, cause problems for unsuspecting individuals. Kites, like many other birds, will dive at animals and people that venture too closely to their nests. This diving behavior is simply an attempt to ward off potential threats to the nest and young. Once the young leave the nest some 30 to 34 days after hatching, kites will stop their protective behavior. Kites normally may live to seven years of age in the wild.
Kites are a lot like falcons, they are small birds of prey with streamlined and quick-darting maneuverability in flight. They prefer to nest in habitats of tall trees – “near water, in open woodlands, savannahs, and rangelands … [and sometimes] in urban settings” – according to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (see https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/kites/ ).
What an unexpected privilege it was, a few days ago, when I spotted that Mississippi Kite landing upon that tree-branch – perhaps that tree had some insects that the kite spotted, and quickly consumed. In any case, it’s a beautiful bird to which God gave admirable mobility.
Mississippi Kite parent, feeding cicada to its young chick (Vincent Fouchi, Jr. photo credit)
So, here is a limerick to remind us of how the Mississippi Kite is an aerial hunter of insects:
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:
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.”
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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)
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:
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)
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
“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.”
“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!!
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.
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.
This is Birdwatching really close
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?
Consider the ravens [κορακας], for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Luke 12:24)
AMERICAN CROW (Wikipedia photo credit)
Ever seen a crow [Corvus brachyrhynchos] on a road, struggling to consume roadkill? Yesterday I approached a crow in the road, as I was commuting—the crow was struggling to pull edible portions of meat from roadkill—it looked like a squirrel.
Like the Holy Land’s ravens [Corvus corax] who are mentioned by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (in Luke 12:24), crows are famously opportunistic eaters – and their potential food sources include the cadavers of dead rodents, such as squirrels who (sadly) become roadkill in tree-populated suburban streets.
AMERICAN CROW (J. J. Audubon painting / public domain)
The crow that I saw, yesterday morning, was struggling so, to get some edible parts of the roadkill, that he (or she) did not see my car approaching—which could result in the roadkill-eating crow himself (or herself) soon becoming another example of roadkill!
So, of course, I tooted my car’s horn, with the jolting noise scaring the crow – so the crow quickly (and safely) flew away, thus escaping a roadkill fate. After my car passed through that part of the boulevard, happily, the hungry (and still living) crow returned to its roadkill meal.
Sometimes a little “beep, beep” is all that is needed to “save the day” (for a crow)!
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