PUZZLING BIRDS – INTRODUCTION

June 2, 2026 by Lee

PUZZLING BIRDS – INTRODUCTION

Hummingbird Wood Puzzle

In September last year, my niece sent me a wood puzzle for my birthday. I had never seen, nor worked on a wooden puzzle before. Since she knows I like birds, she picked out the one you see pictured above. It only has 200 pieces but proved to be a bit challenging.

When we go birdwatching, we encounter quite a few “puzzling birds”. At least I do. To find out what kind of bird we saw, we have to do some investigation. Usually, ask the birdwatching friend beside you, or look for it in one of your many bird books, or check the internet.

I also like to check my Bible to see if it might be one of the many birds that are mentioned. Since God created them in the first place, why not see if they are listed. Adam had the privilege of naming them and did not need to look them up.

“Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” Gen 2:19-20a

If you have been following this blog over the years, Bible birds have been written about many times. See Birds of The Bible.

This photo shows the wood pieces up closer. Do you see the two bird shapes?

Section showing puzzle shapes. See the two birds?

One is a Hummer and the other??? When we are out birding, sometimes all we see is a quick outline of the bird. Out come the books, etc. again. Right?

Because I now have physical challenges, birdwatching out in the woods and parks has become too hard for me. The birds out in the backyard, on the pond, and what fly by keep me puzzling as to who they are.

Stay tuned for more Puzzling Birds. Oh, and by the way, do you know what kind of Hummingbirds these are??

Good News

September’s Bird of the Month – Hawk

September 29, 2025 by Lee

Red Shouldered Hawk by Ray

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.”

Birds and Blooms Birds of the month

September: Hawk

They’re not always a welcome sight around feeders, but there’s plenty to admire about hawks. Resourceful and powerful, they’re striking as they hover in the skies or scan fields for prey. These birds of prey aren’t particularly hard to find, but since many look alike, it can be tricky to identify hawks.

Red-tailed Hawk by Ray

“I heard the undeniable screech of a red-tailed hawk (above) while I was out watering my flowers one early summer morning. It didn’t take me long to locate this beautiful, noisy creature. Majestically, it perched on the highest peak of my neighbor’s roof. It was communicating with its mate, which was perched in a nearby tree. I was lucky to see their interaction and snap a shot as it took off and flew away,” says Carol Holliday.

Can you guess the September birth flower?

September is my birthday month. So, along with the rest of you we now know that we should like Hawks, especially if this is our monthly bird. There have been plenty of Hawks presented over the years on this blog. So, let’s take a look at some of them.

Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) ©WikiC

“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, And spread its wings toward the south? (Job 39:26 NKJV)

Job 39:26 asks us if we are the ones who gave the Hawks their wisdom? We know that God created these beautiful avian wonders.

Hawk Photos Click on the series of photos.

Here are more articles about Hawks:

What will you do with Jesus?

August’s Bird of the Month – Kingfisher

August 1, 2025 by Lee

White-collared Kingfisher by Dan’s Pix

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.”

August: Kingfisher

If you’re drawn to water, the kingfisher represents you well. The August birth month birds don’t stray far from water of some kind: rivers, lakes, streams or even swamps. You can find them throughout most of the United States, either year-round or during breeding or migration seasons.

“This is one of my favorite birds, the Belted Kingfisher. I was thrilled to catch this one perched on this branch. They are hard to catch up with as they are always on the move, but this one sat there for a while and posed for us. They have such a distinctive call, and watching one dive into the water to catch a fish is quite a sight!” says Pauline Medori.

Don’t forget to add a card to your bird month gift. We found the best bird cards.

Above from Birds and Blooms about the Birth of Month Birds

Micronesian Kingfisher by Dan

“Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
(Mark 1:17 NKJV)

We’ve enjoyed writing about and watching these unique Kingfishers. They have a squatty look to me because of their short neck with that long beak. Luckily, we are able to see them nearby quite often. So, there are quite a few articles here on the blog. Here are some of them.

Check out some of these:

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Collared Kingfisher

Kingfisher Chick Receiving Its First Fish ~ Re-blog

Pied Kingfisher – Concentrated Diver

Kingfisher Chick Receiving Its First Fish ~ Re-blog

The King’s Fisher by William Wise

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 5/6/17

Lee’s One Word Monday – 4/17/17

Lee’s Four Word Thursday – 2/9/17

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 11/5/16

Kingfisher Photos

Kingfisher Videos

Dr. James J. S. Johnson With The Lord

July 28, 2025 by Lee

“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJV)

Dr. Jim and Sherry Johnson

Dr. James J. S. Johnson, “Dr. Jim” as I always refer to has been a regular writer here on the blog. He “joined his Lord in heaven on the night of July 19, 2025. ” We will dearly miss him here on the blog. He has posted many articles about birds which came from his love of birdwatching.

His latest article here Cowbird Mothers: Worse than Infidels? was just published on the 15th.

Feeding White Ibises at Lake Morton, by Lee [Dr. J.S. Johnson, Baron, and Dan]

Here is a link to the article about this on the Institute for Creation Research website:

Dr. James S. Johnson Goes Home to the Lord

Golden Eagle and Dr Jim – Circle B by Lee

We, Dan and I, first met Dr. Jim, in person, when he came to our church and presented one of his presentations about Creation. He was writing articles here on the blog before that visit. He found this blog, Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus, while looking for one of the articles he had written about birds. I had seen it, and with permission had copied and posted it here. That incident started our friendship and him posting many birdwatching articles here. He has been writing articles here at least since 2013.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
(2 Corinthians 5:8-10 NKJV)

Links to many of Dr. James Johnson’s post here:

I have to admit that these pages are not totally up to date. Search under these links to find many of Dr. Jim’s articles:

James J. S. Johnson

JJSJ

Or Search in the sidebar

His first article here:

Bird Brains, Amazing Evidence of God’s Genius ~ James J. S. Johnson

His latest:

Cowbird Mothers: Worse than Infidels?

I am sure Dr. Jim is enjoying the delights of heaven and maybe in time, he will meet up with Dan and they can remanence about birdwatching.

Good News

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks Are Back For The Winter

December 22, 2024 by Lee

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

Lee’s Four Word Thursday – Vulture’s Eye

October 3, 2024 by Lee

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WHICH THE VULTURE’S EYE

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

King Vulture at the Brevard Zoo by Lee

(This is a repost of 8/25/16)

More Daily Devotionals

Who Paints The Leaves?

Lee’s Three Word Wednesday – And They Laughed

September 25, 2024 by Lee

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AND THEY LAUGHED

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“And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.” (Luke 8:53)

Happy Owl From Email

Lee’s Three Word Wednesday – 3/16/16 – Repost

More Daily Devotionals

Birdwatching Thru the Bible – Introduction

September 24, 2024 by Lee

Birdwatching Thru the Bible – Introduction

Mixed Flock Flyiing 122717 Merritt Is NWR by Lee

When this blog began in 2008 its purpose was to introduce the Birds of the Bible. Now, it’s time to look at these verses and birds again. New birdwatchers and Christians may wonder about God’s avian wonders mentioned in scripture. Or we may like to review. I personally have seen and learned more about birds since back then and am still amazed by their behavior and beauty.

So, come along as we look at the Birdwatching Thru the Bible now. This new series will have us looking at the Birds of the Bible again, but from a little different perspective.

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“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

On day one of creation, God created light and darkness which were called Day and Night (Gen 1:5)

On day two the heavens were created and the firmament in the midst of the waters divided. (Gen 1:7)

On day three the waters were gathered together and the dry land appeared. Then the grass, herbs that has seeds, fruit trees were created. (Gen 1:8-13)

On day four the stars, moon, etc. were added for signs, seasons, day and night with the sun and moon. (Gen 1:14-19)

Then on day five:

(20) Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” (21) 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. (22) And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” (23) So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” (Genesis 1:20-23 NKJV)

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

WOW! What a Creator!! Did you notice how God had everything planned out? Each day provided more to make the earth livable for the creatures, and then us on the sixth day.

A few Birds of the Bible post about the beginning:

Sandra’s Challenge Reviewed

September 23, 2024 by Lee

For the last 7 days I have reposted the very first attempts at Sandra Connor’s challenge back in 2016. I trust you enjoyed viewing (or re-viewing them).

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) by Robert Scanlon

Lee’s One-Word Monday – Sing!

Lee’s Two-Word Tuesday – Birds Fly

Baby Chick Peeping Out From Under His Mom’s Wing – CC

Lee’s Three-Word Wednesday – Under His Wings

Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) Â©WikiC Mike5 - edited

Four Word Thursday – His Mouth Was Opened

Lee’s Five-Word Friday – Wonders Which You Have Done

Bald Eagle – San Diego Zoo

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – Mount Up With Wings Like Eagles

Lee’s Seven-Word Sunday – 1/24/16 (Repost)

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Lilac-breasted Roller @Answersafrica

Sandra’s Challenge was for three weeks, and we completed that. If you remember the Looking Back and Looking Ahead post in August, my birdwatcher adventures have slowed down, but the desire to continue the blog is still active. After reviewing these first 7 post, I thought I’d do some more new ones. Quess What? I realized that there have been a whole lot of these posted since that challenge. There went that Idea!! :)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV)

With prayer and review of past posts, there will be a “new/old” set of articles coming out. While I’m working on that, thought you might enjoy seeing more of the previous one word – seven word posts. Stay tuned!

ABC’s of the Gospel

(I used the Lilac-breasted Roller to show there are so many more of the Lord’s Avian Wonders to learn about)

Lee’s Five-Word Friday – Wonders Which You Have Done

September 20, 2024 by Lee

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Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) by Judd Patterson

Wonders Which You Have Done

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Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
(Psalms 40:5 NASB)

Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) by Judd Patterson

Sandra’s New Kooky Challenge

(This is a repost of Lee’s Five-Word Friday – 1/29/16)

New material. Here is another member on the Mango family. I still say “What wonders which You have done.”