Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

I wonder if all the Bird Mother’s have a special Day? Thought I would see what photos from the past have mom’s and youngsters. Let’s See!!

Mom and baby Penquins ©Pinterest

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) Baby by WaltDaily©©

Snowy Egret Baby by Dan at Gatorland

Skimmer Baby Leaning against Parents Beak – ©Thomas C – NatlGeog – Pinterest

Mom and Baby at Lake Hollingsworth by Lee

Baby Geese by Dan

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) with babies ©WikiC

Sandhill Cranes and Babies in yard by Lee

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and Babies by Lee at Circle B

Black-bellied Whistling Duck and Babies by Lee at Circle B

Sandhill Crane "colts"

Sandhill Crane “colts” by Lee

Female Chipping Sparrow bird feeding three baby Chipping Sparrow nestlings, Athens, Clarke County, GA. by William Wise

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) at Nest 1 by Anthony747

Well, I think you get the idea. Mother’s can be very busy at times. Enjoy your day!

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,” which is the first commandment with promise:
(Ephesians 6:2 NKJV)

Previous Posts:

Avian Happy Mother’s Day

Sunday Inspiration – Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day– “Stay Close To Me” © The Hyssongs

Emberizidae Family Allies I ~ “Be Thou My Vision” ~ by Ladies and Girls Choir on Mother’s Day

Good News

What’s His Name? – “Varius”

As we start the new series about the bird’s Scientific/Latin names, a verse came to mind about His name. Of course, that is referring to God, but I like the “What is His name” part. So, for now (unless some suggest a different one) that will be the name of these articles.

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?” (Proverbs 30:4 NKJV)

Varius means

If you go to Birds of the World – Species and the type the Scientific/Latin name, a list of those birds will show. “The specific epithet varius is the Latin word meaning “various”, “diverse” or “variegated” (Wikipedia)”. Here is the list of birds from “Birds of the World – with “varius.

Green Junglefowl – Gallus varius
Common Hawk-Cuckoo – Hierococcyx varius
Painted Buttonquail – Turnix varius
Pied Cormorant – Phalacrocorax varius
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – Sphyrapicus varius
Mulga Parrot – Psephotellus varius
Variegated Flycatcher – Empidonomus varius
Varied Tit – Sittiparus varius
Reunion Starling – Fregilupus varius
Green Junglefowl (Gallus varius) ©WikiC

Green Junglefowl (Gallus varius) ©WikiC

Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) by Nikhil

Painted Buttonquail (Turnix varius) by Ian

Painted Buttonquail (Turnix varius) by Ian

Australian Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) by Ian

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) ©WikiC

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) ©WikiC

Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius) by Ian

Mulga Parrot (Psephotellus varius) by Ian

Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius) from Audubon

Varied Tit (Sittiparus varius) by Shanghai Birding

Reunion Starling – (Fregilupus varius) Planet of Birds

A short clip of a Painted Buttonquail

A few previous articles mentioning some of these birds:

Ian’s Irregular Bird – Painted Birds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – Chief Corner Stone’s Keystone

Siamese Fireback by Dan

Stay tuned as we investigate some more of these Scientic/Latin names.

Good News

Intro to Some Latin Names of Birds

On my last post, Our Loggerhead Shrike Again, I emphasized the Latin name for this bird. “In case you’re curious, the Latin name Lanius is Great Grey Shrike. The ludovicianus means “butcher” and laniare – “to tear to pieces.” They have been referred to at times a “butcher birds” because of what they do to their victims.”

While recently browsing through my many “dusty” bird books, I rediscovered my “Latin for Bird Lovers,” by Roger Lederer Carol Burr.  It actually is quite interesting, even though I have never studied Latin or paid much attention to the scientific names of our beautiful birds we write about. We can all learn some new and interesting facts about these wonderful birds. Dr. Jim, (JJSJ) also agrees and is willing to adds some articles also. Maybe I can encourage some of our other contributors to join in.

As we all know, various birds migrate during parts of the year, and they do not have to carry passports or “flying licenses” to pass through different states or countries. Countries and even states have varying names for birds. Yet, we are all seeing the same avian wonder.

Latin for Bird Lovers by Roger Lederer & Carol Burr

Bird names also change over time, yet the Latin name or scientific name doesn’t (normally). I’ll be using this book, Latin for Bird Lovers by Roger Lederer & Carol Burr as one of the sources for some upcoming articles.

Here are some examples of how bird names have changed over the years. Imagine how hard it is today for the international groups like the I.O.C.’s World Bird List to report on the same bird’s names from various languages if it wasn’t for these Latin names.

Here are some examples of re-named birds (not from Latin) just here in our part of the world:

  • Common Loon — Great Northern Diver
  • Horned Grebe — Hell-diver
  • Double-crested Cormorant — Farallon Cormorant, White-tufted Cormorant, Shag
  • American Bittern — Bog Pumper, Dunk-a-doo, Indian Hen
  • Greater White-fronted Goose — Specklebelly

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) ©USFWS

  • Northern Pintail — Sprigtail
  • American Wigeon — Baldpate
  • Redhead — American Pochard
  • Ring-necked Duck — Blackhead
  • Scaups — Bluebill
  • White-winged Scoter — Velvet Scoter
  • Common Goldeneye — Cobhead, Whistler
  • Goldeneyes — Garrot
  • Bufflehead — Butterball, Spirit duck
  • Hooded Merganser — Cock Robin
  • Common Merganser — Goosander, American Sheldrake
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) at Wings of Asia by Dan

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) at Wings of Asia by Dan

  • Ruddy Duck — Sleepy Duck
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk — Little Blue Darter
  • Cooper’s Hawk — Big Blue Darter
  • Ferruginous Hawk — Rusty Squirrel Hawk
  • Merlin — Pigeon Hawk
  • Sage Grouse — Sage Cock
  • Sora — Ortolan
  • American Coot — Mudhen
  • Black-bellied Plover — Bullhead
  • Black-necked Stilt — Lawyer
  • Greater Yellowlegs — Tell-tale
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) by Robert Scanlon

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) by Robert Scanlon

  • Lesser Yellowlegs — Yellowshanks
  • Marbled Godwit — Marlin
  • Ruddy Turnstone — Calico-back
  • Red Knot — Robin Snipe
  • Least Sandpiper — Oxeye
  • Dunlin — Purre, Black-breast
  • Shortbilled Dowitcher — Brownback
  • Common Nighthawk — Bull-bat
  • Northern Flicker — Golden-winged Woodpecker, Yellowhammer
  • Pileated Woodpecker — Log-cock, Black woodcock
  • Bank Swallow — Sand Martin
  • Black-capped Chickadee — Long-tailed Chickadee, Yukon Chickadee, Western Titmouse
  • Mountain Chickadee — Bailey’s Chickadee
  • Boreal Chickadee — Brown-capped Chickadee
  • American Dipper — Water-ouzel
  • Mountain Bluebird — Arctic Bluebird
  • Townsend’s Solitaire — Townsend’s Ptilogonys
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) by Ian 3

Bohemian Waxwing by Ian

  • Bohemian Waxwing — Bohemian Chatterer
  • Cedar Waxwing — Cherry-bird
  • Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Shrike — Butcher-bird
  • Red-eyed Vireo — Greenlet
  • Orange-crowned Warbler — Lutescent Warbler
  • Yellow Warbler — Golden warbler, Mangrove Warbler
  • Spotted Towhee — Chewink, Ground Robin
  • Chipping Sparrow — Hairbird
  • Vesper Sparrow — Bay-winged Bunting
  • Dark-eyed Junco — Snowbird
  • Snow Bunting — Snowflake
  • Lark Bunting — White-shouldered Blackbird
  • Bobolink — Reedbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird — Bicolored blackbird, Red-and-buff-shouldered blackbird, Swamp Blackbird
  • Common Grackle — Bronzed Crow Blackbird
  • Brown-headed Cowbird — Cow Blackbird, Dwarf Cowbird
  • Common Raven — Holarctic Raven
  • Hoary Redpoll — Mealy Redpoll

Stay-tuned as I, and others present some of our amazing Avian Wonders from their Creator. We’ll group them by their Latin naming. Or, by the current Scientific names. One thing is for sure, when Adam named the birds, he did not use Latin to help him. He most likely had the best assistance from their Creator.

“So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field…” (Genesis 2:20 NKJV)

Good News

State Birds of America – Information

Northern Cardinal M-F (The most chosen state bird) ©BackyardBirdLover

We considered a series on the State Birds, but as I have searched more about this topic, there are already many great sites to visit. So, I’ve decided to share links to those great websites, and then find another bird series to investigate.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have official birds. To become a state bird, it helped to be familiar, colorful, and have a punchy song. The Northern Cardinal perches as state bird in seven eastern states, the Western Meadowlark in six western states. Bluebirds – like this Western Bluebird – and goldfinches are mascots of another seven. The country’s most insistent songster, the Northern Mockingbird, holds down five states. And Washington, DC’s official bird? The shy Wood Thrush! Find out which bird is your state bird.  Learn more about these state birds at Cornell’s All About Birds.

Oh, by the way, we are orginally from Indiana and the Northern Cardinal is their state bird.

“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)

Stay tuned and enjoy these great articles:

List of State Birds – Love to Know

Wikipedia List of U.S. State Birds

Birds by State – Backyard Bird Watchers

To find out more about these birds, go to All About Birds to see great information and photos.

Also check our index for articles about a specific bird. We may have written about it in the past.

For instance, the Cardinal:

Sunday Inspiration – Cardinalidae Family of Cardinals Plus

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Joy in the Sharing

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Why Red?

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Northern Cardinal

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“A Cardinal Sits With Me” ~ by Sandra Conner

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Various Birds From Creation Moments

Good News

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible II – Raven Adventures

Common Raven at Cypress Provincial Park, British Columbia ©WikiC

In the First Bird Species Named post, you found out that it was the Raven that was sent out first from the Ark. He never came back in, but may have landed on it now and then. The Raven family has a very resourceful way of finding and collecting food and objects.

Today there are several species in the Raven family (Covidae). Of course, not all of those species were on the Ark. They spread out and reproduced after their kind. “every raven after its kind,” (Lev 11:15)

Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus)Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Compare the Common Raven and the Chihuahuan Raven

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) by Kent Nickell

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) by Kent Nickell

and compare the Common Raven and the American Crow.

All of these birds belong to the Covid family and Dr. Johnson posted a great article that covers this family.

Crows and Other Corvids are Really Smart Birds!

As was pointed out in that article, how the ravens came and fed Elijah. They brought him bread and flesh. (I Kings 17:6) But where do the Ravens get their food? (Job 38:41)

Much has been written about these interesting birds here over the years. Here are some of the links to help you find out more about the Ravens and their kind:

Birds of the Bible – Ravens

Other articles about the Raven:

Also check out articles by our various writers:

For younger readers:

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All Birds of the Bible section

Gideon

Birds of the Bible II – First Bird Species Named

Raven; Grand Canyon National Park, by William Wise

Raven; Grand Canyon National Park, by William Wise

In the introduction to this new series, Birds of the Bible II – Introduction, several questions were asked. Did you check those questions out?

What were the names of first bird species listed in the Bible? (Genesis 8:7, 8)

If you checked these verses, you know that they were the Raven and the Dove. The Raven was released from the Ark first. It flew back and forth until the waters were abated or dried up. It does not say that Noah brought it back into the Ark. My imagination is that it landed on the ark but stayed outside.

While looking through several of the books I showed you in the first post, some interesting facts come to light:

The Raven’s feeding habits:

  • They are resourceful
  • They like plants and seeds
  • They eat carrion

If you imagine the total destruction that the worldwide flood caused, there would still be some things floating on the surface of the water. As the waters receded, the Raven would eventually not need to return to Noah or the Ark.

From All About Birds:

“Common Ravens will eat almost anything they can get hold of. They eat carrion; small animals from the size of mice and baby tortoises up to adult Rock Pigeons and nestling Great Blue Herons; eggs; grasshoppers, beetles, scorpions, and other arthropods; fish; wolf and sled-dog dung; grains, buds, and berries; pet food; and many types of human food including unattended picnic items and garbage.”

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) ©CreationWikiC

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) ©CreationWikiC

An interesting thought. Since all the fowls or birds were in pairs of seven, when did its mate finally join the first one?

Ravens are in the Corvidae Family and here are some of the articles about them:

Birds of the Bible – Ravens (Main page)

There are many links to the articles, facts, and photos about the Raven from previous post. Also, by typing in the Search,,, box on the right side of the page, you will find many more posts about Ravens.

LIKE:

Raven

April Lorier’s Article about the Ravens

Crows and Other Corvids are Really Smart Birds!

Ravin about Corvid Hybrids: Something to Crow About! by JJSJ

Diet of Jackdaws and Ravens by JJSJ

Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Raven

And many others

What were the names of first bird species listed in the Bible? (Genesis 8:7, 8)

Okay, you now know that the Raven was listed first. What was the second bird listed?

Stay tuned!

What is the Gospel?

Birds Of The Bible II – Introduction

The Birds of the Bible are why Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus was started. Now, 16 years later, do you or I remember what was posted?

When we started this, we may have had one or two birdwatching books. Today, my bookshelves, at least three of them. have these books waiting on me to find new and interesting bird facts. I wonder what amazing information could be gleaned about God’s Creative Handiwork at work on the birds? Huh??

Bird Books in Library

We now have additional writers that would also be willing to contribute more articles. (I will invite them to join in this.)

When was the first bird created? (Genesis 1:20)

What day was that? (Genesis 1:23)

Who named the first birds? (Genesis 2:19)

What were the names of first bird species listed in the Bible? (Genesis 8:7, 8)

Did birds come from dinosaurs?

Do you know? Want to find out more? Leave me a comment. Stay tuned!

Birds of the Bible

Looking Back – Blog Anniversaries, and Why It Began

Good News

Looking Back – Blog Anniversaries, and Why It Began

Kathy Wire, one of our faithful followers of this blog, left some suggestions for this series of Looking Back for reviewing the articles and blessings from these many posts. Here are those suggestions. They are all very appropriate, and hard to choose which one. 
  • Time Flies
  • On the Wings of Time
  • Wings of the Winds of Time
  • Hovering Over the Past
  • A Bird’s-Eye Overview (…of the Glory of God)

Drop a comment and help decide which to use. For today’s article, I stuck with “Looking Back.”

To begin this series, I found all the post that looked back over the Anniversaries of Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus. If you scan through them, you will discover why it was started and how the Lord has been blessing it over the years. As different writers began adding articles, photographers gave permission to use their photos, and linked their websites, the blog has continued to grow.

Beginning Post of Anniversaries of the Blog:

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) by Nikhil

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) by Nikhil

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) by Dan

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) by Dan

White-throated Sparrow by Ray Barlow

American Flamingo by Dan’ at Flamingo Gardens

Ring-necked Duck at Lake Morton by Dan

Ring-necked Duck at Lake Morton by Dan

Hooded Merganser Diving Duck, Georgia by William Wise

When I look back over these, and the many posts about the Lord’s Creation, especially His beautiful Avian Wonders, I am reminded:

“Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?” (Psa 106:2)

Stay Tuned! (I have some ideas for more series)

The Wise Owl

Looking Back Through 2022 and Before

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave’s BirdingPix

As we head into the new year, 2023, many like to look back over the last year. They find many good memories and blessings, plus a few not so pleasant ones. Many of you liked and made remarks about the Christmas Bird Review series (that was just completed).  It seems you do not mind looking back.

That thought started me thinking about a new series that we could begin. “Looking Back – “, “Reviving the Past – “, or some other name to give it. ANY IDEAS?

Hornbill at Brevard Zoo by Dan Aug-2014

Many of you have chosen to follow this blog through many years, and some have just begun following us.

  • How did this all begin? Purpose?
  • When did it begin?
  • What topics have we covered?
  • What Birds have we highlighted?
  • Who have been the writers and photographers over the years?

As many know, I have been dealing with medical issues which have slowed our birding adventures down considerably. I still watch birds, but on a more limited basis. Having just received a new computer, and trying to transfer photos over to it, I have been finding photos that could be used to update or enhance updates.

I especially am thinking about the original purpose, which was to show and thank the Lord for all the Birds of the Bible.

“I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.” (Psalm 35:18)

This is from the main page Menu. As of today (Dec 30, 2022), that number is:

  • 2,371,257 visits

THANKS TO VISITORS

Moved to WordPress
00,000 – July 05, 2008
50,000 – Oct 10, 2009
100,000 – Apr 5, 2010
150,000 – Sep 6, 2010
200,000 – Dec 30, 2010
250,000 – Apr 9, 2011
300,000 – June 29, 2011
350,000 – Sep 19, 2011
400,000 – Nov 18, 2011
450,000 – Jan 21, 2012
500,000 – Mar 1, 2012
600,000 – May 24, 2012
700,000 – Sep 2, 2012
800,000 – Dec 16, 2012
900,000 – Ap 13, 2013
1,000,000 – Oct 20, 2013
2,200,000 – Jun 5, 2021

So, what are your thoughts? Please leave a comment, or at least a like. And even a suggestion for a series title.

Thanks for all your visits, likes, and remarks over the years.

Good News

Christmas Birds – Our Favorites (2022)

Wood Duck by Dan at Lake Hollingsworth

Here is a new Christmas Birds. These are some of my favorite photos of the Lord’s Creatures that we have taken over the years. I would most likely put them in the Ornament or just Favorites category. (This just a sampling)

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2Co 9:15) “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9);

We have the Greatest gift of Christ as the Savior, and as the Creator of all these beautiful birds that we have had the privilege to see, some up very close.
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“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1Jn 4:7-11)

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“Jesus Loves Me” by Bonnie Standifer

This piece was written and played by Bonnie Standifer. Played at our Orchestra Concert in March of 2013 at Faith Baptist Church. You have never heard it played this way before. Bonnie is a very gifted arranger and pianist. (I’ve used her song before, but it is so fantastic.)

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See the original article – Christmas Birds – Ornaments

The Christmas Birds (Revisited 2022)

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Christmas Birds – Ornaments – (Revisited 2022)

Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) babies ©WikiC coracii

Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) babies ©WikiC coracii

Here are the last of the Christmas Birds. The colors and designs would be pretty in ornaments. But most of all, they are superb examples of the Lord’s omniscient creative designs.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:.. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:10-12, 14 KJV)

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Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Peter 3:3-4 KJV)

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Music to listen to while viewing the photos. “Ring The Bells” – Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist 2012

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See the original article – Christmas Birds – Ornaments

The Christmas Birds (Revisited 2018)

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Christmas Birds – Gold and Silver (Revisited 2022)

Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) by Ian

Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) by Ian

This time the Silver and Gold are both found on the birds. When the Lord created all the beautiful and colorful birds, He did not lack using variety.

“Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.” (Proverbs 8:10 KJV)

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (Proverbs 16:16 KJV)

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“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:18-20 NKJV)

Joy To The World played by the Faith Baptist Orchestra 2012

The Christmas Birds 2013 so far:

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Who Paints The Leaves?

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(I know, I kind of took a few liberties with the photos. This was one of the harder challenges.)

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