On Fridays, we would like to “re-introduce” you to some of our Guest Writers who have blessed us with many interesting articles over the years.

My friend Dorothy Malcolm, or Dottie, as we all call her at church, has written several posts about birds. She loved to watch them in her yard and on her many plants. Dottie is now residing in a nursing facility, but she is still enjoying the birds that come by.

Here are Dottie’s first two articles (updated a bit)

The Joy of Awareness – by Dot Malcolm (01/02/2012)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) by Dan at Lake Morton

Since I was a child there has been an awareness of God’s creation and great enjoyment in it. At the age of 11 or 12 years, I saved my allowance and bought a book on Birds of America. It was really special to see a Heron fly over the farm headed for a swampy area.

My grandparents lived a short walking distance from us, and I liked going to her house. Her kitchen always smelled of toast. Also special was looking out the south kitchen window to see the wrens flying in and out of their houses which hung at eye level.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by Lee at Circle B

I no longer live in the north, but in the south and am now a grandma. Birds, butterflies and gardens are still high on my list of favorite things. Even tho’ the seasonal changes are not as evident as in the north, still I look forward to my special feathered friends coming and going.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) at Bok Tower By Dan’sPix

The Blue Jays are always present, and they let me know before I see it, when the neighborhood Red-shouldered Hawk is around. They “Yell” enough to discourage even me if their frenzy of cries and wild flying were directed at me!

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) by Daves BirdingPix

A pair of Cardinals come about the beginning of November and I hear them before I see them. Also in the winter months small chirpy birds can be heard which makes me look out the window for them. Today, I’m sitting on the patio swing having put out a cushion for myself and my sweet doggy companion, Ruby. When not claiming her seat, she stays busy with squirrel patrol.

Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) at Lake Morton By Dan’sPix

While working on the coming Sunday School lesson, I heard them – Crows. Some people find them irritating, but not me. Looking up I see black flying bodies against a blue sky dotted with white-dumpling clouds.

White Pelicans in Flight – Circle B Bar

There are also the usual Vultures beautifully soaring overhead, and a single Pelican, and four unidentifiable ducks.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Reinier Munguia

I should also mention of the neighbors Macaw (very noisy) who only makes me smile when he talks or laughs. They also have chickens that are very pleasant to listen to.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in nest by Ray

Admittedly the best will be if the Robins return. In the 5th grade our teacher had all of us draw a picture of a Robin. She then hung them around the room above the blackboards. Oh, Robins, please come back. Remember I promised not to mention your bad manners to anyone. I will gladly welcome you and you can be noisy, toss leaves, eat all the worms you want and anything else that suits you fancy.

Dot Malcolm, 12/30/11

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31 NKJV)

Thanks, Dottie, for another interesting article. What a delight to read your love and awareness of birds. When the Robins come back, we will expect another article. You kept me busy finding photos for your many birds. Keep it up.

Dorothy is a charter member of our church, Faith Baptist, and a great friend.

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I Just Happened ~ by Dorothy Belle Malcolm (07/21/2012)

Outside A Window ©©jmason

How many times have I said either out loud or to myself – “I just happened.” That seems to say it all for me when certain things occur. For instance, this spring I just happened to be looking out the family room window and saw the most beautiful bird. The colors were bright blue, red, and orange. In less than a minute it was gone. I had never seen one like it all the 30 plus years in Florida. Looking it up in a bird book the colors were described as blue-black, cinnamon belly and a reddish-brown chin. Well, yes, better than I described it. It was a Barn Swallow which I have not seen again.

Barn Swallow in Cades Cove by Dan

Also, I had a first time visit from a non-breeding adult Little Blue Heron. Of course, it was a result of “I just happened” to be looking out the same window and also had to look it up in a book.

Little Blue Heron at Lake Howard, Winter Haven, FL

Now that I think about it, maybe this particular window is proving to be a real winner for the “just happen” events. Come to think further about it, I recall seeing a pair of Orioles once.

The only thing is none of these birds have ever been seen by me again. Oh well, as long as I have the window, the book and the “I just happened,” perhaps ……

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:11 NKJV)

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Stay tuned! We will show more of her post, Lord willing.

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