Tag Archives: Birdwatching List

Birds, But No Birdwatching

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First Birds of 2015 - 1 BT Grackle

First Birds of 2015 – 1 Boat-tailed Grackle

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? (Luke 12:24 NKJV)

Well, we are over half way through January of 2015 and we still haven’t “gone” on a birdwatching trip. I have been seeing birds in my yard and neighborhood and on short trips to the doctor, store, or church. These have all been occasional sightings. Haven’t even kept a list, except in my head.

As I have visited some of your sites and others, your 2015 list of birds is becoming quite impressive, at least for some of you.

On New Years morning I awoke with a sore throat. I now have been dealing with my second round of bronchitis since November. (Just can’t seem to shake it.) My 2015 list of birds has been “grounded.” Can’t seem to get it off to a start. Yet, the birds seen in 2015 are growing.

My First Bird of 2015 was a Boat-tailed Grackle that visited the feeders. Followed close behind were Mourning Doves and Red-winged Blackbirds. Woke up with a sore throat, so that was my birdwatching adventure of the new year so far. (From Birds of the Bible – Eye Hath Not Seen)

First Birds of 2015 - 1 BT Grackle-2 M Dove-3 Redwing Blkbd (19)c

First Birds of 2015 – 1 BT Grackle-2 M Dove-3 Redwing Blkbd -through kitchen window

The Grackles, Morning Doves and Red-wings started the year off. Since then the White Ibises strolled through the yard, the Downy Woodpecker checked out the tree next door (which was chopped down 2 days ago), the Sandhill Cranes walked down the street, and overhead I saw Black and Turkey Vultures flying by. With a gap between two houses across the street, I have seen the Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and some UFO fly over the pond there.

While riding we have seen a Bald Eagle, Anhingas, Double-crested Cormorants, and others. Luckily, we have over 500 Lakes in Polk County, so we pass several (on purpose) as we are out. We had to drive right by Circle B, our favorite birding spot here, on the way to the doctor. Well over 100 Vultures were resting in the trees that morning.

The Lord has been great in letting me enjoy His created critters even though in fewer numbers than I would prefer. Some times we need to slow down and just rest, I guess, and take things as they come. I am thankful to be getting better (I think) and am keeping my eyes open to enjoy what is given to me.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17 KJV)

First Birds of 2015 - 1 BT Grackle-2 M Dove-3 Redwing Blkbd (3)c

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. (Psalms 55:6 KJV)

2015 List so far:

  • Grackles
  • Morning Doves
  • Red-winged Blackbirds
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Sandhill Cranes
  • Great Egret
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Bald Eagle
  • Anhingas
  • Double-crested Cormorants
  • Osprey
  • Pigeons
  • Common Moorhens
  • Red-shouldered Hawk
  • Blue Jay
  • White-winged Doves
  • Eurasian Collared Doves
  • Common Nighthawk

Looking forward to doing some “real” birdwatching soon. Your prayers will be appreciated as I continue to fight bronchitis. Am starting to get “cabin fever.” Went to church a week ago when Pastor Jerry had his special day, for which I am thankful, but it caused me to re-lapse. Oh, well! It was worth it and you will get to hear more of that music in later articles.

Pastor Jerry Smith – Testimony

Sunday Inspiration – Big Mighty God

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Alternative Bird Lists

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Various Lists

Various Lists

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the sons of Israel from a month old and upward, and make a list of their names. (Numbers 3:40 NASB)

Saw this on Alternative Life List from About, which was a side-link from Keeping a Life Yard List.

“Many birders keep a life list, but the guidelines for what birds count on a life list that will be accepted by organizations or competitions can be strict. Fortunately, there are many alternative ways to keep a life list, from serious to silly, and each one adds a new dimension to enjoying the record-keeping side of birding.

Here are some of the List they suggest:

  • Geographic Lists:
  • Seasonal Lists:
  • Photographic Lists:
  • Subspecies Lists
  • Sound Lists
On Way to Lowry Pk Zoo - Crossed County line at 8:42

On Way to Lowry Pk Zoo – Crossed County line at 8:42

Then they list Silly Options For Fun Life Lists:

  • Captive Birds: (See them often)
  • Extinct Birds: (That might be a little difficult)
  • Taxidermy Birds: (Don’t do too many museums)
  • Hollywood Birds: (That might be interesting, you hear them in the backgrounds a lot)
  • Book Birds: (Yep, not too hard)
  • Dream Birds: (That would be hard if you don’t dream much – Wish Birds might be better)
  • Missed Birds: (That might be REAL easy)

I think I need to keep a Captive Bird List (my Zoos, Aviaries, Wildlife Rehabs and other places that have birds that are not free to leave.)

The Photographic Life List also sounds interesting. (I have plenty of “proof shots”)

eBird Report

eBird Report

Do you keep a list of birds? I do, but am not always faithful to record them. As we go on trips, I record all the birds I see as Dan drives. I include even the county, time, temp, and whether clear, cloudy, etc. I use eBird to keep North American birds, but again, don’t always log my findings until later. (or when I re-find my notepad)

Here are photos of some list written on trips and outings. You can tell if I forgot my Notepad, I am resourceful.

My List of ALL the Birds I Have Seen is really a combination of many of these.

I have written about Birdwatching Lists before, but found that article interesting and thought you might like to see how I do some of the listing. As you can see, it is not very scientific. Sometimes I draw a marking or shape to help ID it later. Now days, I try to capture my unknowns with my camera. Easier than drawing and I get to keep my eye on the bird.

What ever way you keep a list or lists is up to each one. The main thing is to get out and enjoy the beautiful birds the Lord has created for us to enjoy. I would rather miss getting something on my list, than missing the opportunity to watch the bird as long as possible. For some birds will only give you a glimpse of itself before it dashes away.

Finding a verse to use that had the word “list” in it required me to use my e-Sword again. Looking at different versions I was able to find some The KJV used, “number of their names,” the CJV used “determine how many there are,” DRB used “shalt take the sum of them” and the CRV used probably the best for this, “Write their names on a list”

Check out some other articles we have written about this:

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