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 – 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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Christmas Birds – Gold (Revisited 2022)

Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus goodsoni) ©BirdPhotos.com

Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus goodsoni) ©BirdPhotos.com

Hope you have been enjoying the updated Christmas Birds. This is another new one to the series. Gold is in the names of birds and their goldish-yellow colors are plentiful.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11 KJV)

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Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

The Christmas Birds 2022 so far:

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Wordless Birds

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Christmas Birds – Silver – (Revisited 2022)

 

Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus) by Peter Ericsson

Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus) by Peter Ericsson

This year I am adding Silver Birds to our collection of Christmas Birds. Grey and white sometimes look like silver when in certain light. Some of them are also used.

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (Psalms 12:6-7 KJV)

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saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
(Matthew 2:2 NKJV)

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Listen to Silver Star by Horatio R. Palmer (1834-1907) as you view the slideshow. I have inserted the words to this song at the bottom. Never heard it before, but the words are great.

The Christmas Birds 2022 so far:

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Silver Star

On the brow of night there shines a silver star,
On the brow of night there shines a silver star,
And the wise men gaze on its heav’nly rays,
Till they find the King, whose throne they sought afar,
In the Babe of Bethlehem.

Refrain

Silver star, holy light,
Shine afar, o’er the night,
Till the world shall come where the young Child lay,
And enter the gates of the newborn day.

’Tis the lamp of God high hanging in the air,
’Tis the lamp of God high hanging in the air,
And it guides our feet thro’ the royal street;
There is sweet soul-rest for those who seek it there,
From the Babe of Bethlehem.

Refrain

Silver star, holy light,
Shine afar, o’er the night,
Till the world shall come where the young Child lay,
And enter the gates of the newborn day.

Bring your gifts of gold, of frankincense and myrrh,
Bring your gifts of gold, of frankincense and myrrh,
For the King we own is on David’s throne;
Let the holy Child your best affections stir;
’Tis the Babe of Bethlehem.

Refrain

Silver star, holy light,
Shine afar, o’er the night,
Till the world shall come where the young Child lay,
And enter the gates of the newborn day.

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Christmas Birds – Red and Green (Revisited 2022)

 

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus) by Ian

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus) by Ian

Here is the third Christmas Birds slideshow. While searching the photos for the Red Birds and the Green Birds, I kept coming across birds that were Red and Green. Here are some more of the neat birds that the Creator gave us to enjoy. Trust you are enjoying seeing the birds by their colors. It has been enjoyable for me to look through all the great photos the photographers we use here have provided. I have one more Christmas Birds to show you, but you will have to wait until tomorrow.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:13-14 KJV)

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Music to listen to while viewing the photos from Birds In Christmas Hymns – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

See the Original Christmas Birds – Red and Green

The Christmas Birds 2022 so far:

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Gospel Message

Christmas Birds – Red (Revisited in 2022)

Scarlet Myzomela (Myzomela sanguinolenta) by Ian

Scarlet Myzomela (Myzomela sanguinolenta) by Ian

Now that Christmas is just over a week away, it’s time to see some of the birds that have “traditional” Christmas colors. Today’s color will be birds that have some sort of red on them. Other colors will be shown during the week. I have added new photos this year and some new colors later in the week.

When the Lord created the birds (fowls), He used many different colors, most for the protection of the bird (to blend in) or for display to attract a mate (to stand out).

We trust you enjoy the photos and that you are blessed as you consider the bird’s Creator, Who came to earth as a babe in a manger, so that He might redeem us from our sin. “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:7-8 KJV)

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Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18 KJV)

Music to listen to while viewing the photos from Birds In Christmas Hymns – Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

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Christmas Birds – Revisited (2022)

  • Red
  • Green
  • Red and Green
  • Silver
  • Silver and Gold
  • Ornaments

Original Christmas Birds in 2009

Gospel Message

Christmas Birds – Revisited in 2022

I thought it might be enjoyable to bring back a series of Christmas Birds  that were first published in 2010 and reposted in 2013. [Who can remember back then? :) ]  I hope you will enjoy seeing them again, or for the first time.

Christmas White-eye (Zosterops natalis) by Ian

Christmas White-eye (Zosterops natalis) by Ian

Luke 2:15-20 KJV

(15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

(18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

(20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Flag of Christmas Island

Flag of Christmas Island©WikiC

While searching to find birds to write about with a Christmas theme, I came across the Territory of Christmas Island which belongs to Australia. It is in the Indian Ocean and only has a population of 1,403 residents who live in a number of “settlement areas” on the northern tip of the island.

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Abbott's Booby (Papasula abbotti) by Ian

Abbott’s Booby (Papasula abbotti) by Ian

The island’s geographic isolation and history of minimal human disturbance has led to a high level of endemism (or state of being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation or other defined zone, or habitat type, and found only there) among its flora and fauna, which is of significant interest to scientists and naturalists. 63% of its 135 square kilometres (52 sq mi) is an Australian national park. There exist large areas of primary monsoonal forest.

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Christmas Island is a focal point for sea birds of various species. Eight species or subspecies of sea birds nest on the island. The most numerous is the Red-footed Booby that nests in colonies, in trees, on many parts of the shore terrace. The widespread Brown Booby nests on the ground near the edge of the seacliff and inland cliffs. Abbott’s Booby nests on tall emergent trees of the western, northern and southern plateau rainforest. The Christmas Island forest is the only nesting habitat of the Abbott’s Booby left in the world. The endemic Christmas Island Frigatebird (listed as endangered) has nesting areas on the north-eastern shore terraces and the more widespread Great Frigatebirds nest in semi-deciduous trees on the shore terrace with the greatest concentrations being in the North West and South Point areas. The Common Noddy and two species of bosuns or tropicbirds, with their brilliant gold or silver plumage and distinctive streamer tail feathers, also nest on the island.

Christmas Imperial Pigeon (Ducula whartoni) by Ian Montgomery

Christmas Imperial Pigeon (Ducula whartoni) by Ian Montgomery

Of the ten native land birds and shorebirds, seven are endemic species or subspecies. This includes the Christmas Island Thrush, and the Christmas Island Imperial Pigeon. Some 86 migrant bird species have been recorded as visitors to the Island.

Christmas Boobook (Ninox natalis) by Ian

Christmas Boobook (Ninox natalis) by Ian

The list of birds from the I.O.C., which I use, lists five birds starting with Christmas. The Christmas Boobook (or Christmas Island Hawk-Owl), Christmas Frigatebird, Christmas Imperial Pigeon, Christmas Shearwater, and the Christmas White-eye.

Christmas Shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) ©WikiC

Christmas Shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) ©WikiC

Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) by Bob-Nan

Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) by Bob-Nan

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Some information from Wikipedia and other internet sources.

See Also:

Christmas Island – Wikipedia

(This was originally posted at Christmas time 2010 and again 2013)

(Starting the 17th, there is a series of Christmas Birds coming.)

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Ian’s Irregular Bird – Painted Birds

In July I went on an overland bird-watching trip organised by a friend of mine in Melbourne. The main goal was finding arid country birds for two English birders. I tagged along to take some photos. We met up in Melbourne. Then we drove through Western Victoria to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, along the Birdsville Track and through Western Queensland to Mt Isa. I flew home from there, while the others continued to the Gulf of Carpentaria and finally to Cairns, so that the English pair could fly back to London.
Australia has four species of bird called “Painted”, and we saw three of these on the trip, so I thought I’d do a Painted edition of the Irregular Bird. The first that we saw, and perhaps the one best deserving the moniker, is the Painted Buttonquail. It’s quite a work of art, meticulously and delicately decorated with a grey, rufous and black background highlighted with white streaks and spots. The result is both strikingly beautiful and brilliantly camouflaged against the woodland leaf litter where it occurs.
Buttonquails are strange quail-like birds related to waders rather than game birds. They are well represented in Australia with seven of the seventeen global species, the others being distributed throughout Asia, Africa and Southern Europe. They’re cryptic and hard to see, though the feeding habits of the Painted make it easier to find than the others. They search for food by rotating in a tight circle in leaf litter, like the pair in the second photo, leaving circular bare patches called “platelets”. Fresh platelets in an area known for them are a good indication that careful searching for them is justified.
Buttonquails are one of the groups of birds where there is a gender reversal in display, incubating the eggs and rearing the young. So the females are more brightly coloured. Note that the female on the right of this pair has brighter rufous plumage on the shoulders, and she is larger than her male partner.
The next painted species we encountered was this Painted Honeyeater in central Western Queensland. This is an inland species breeding mainly in Victoria and New South Wales. In winter it migrates north and can be found sparsely distributed through southern and Western Queensland and the eastern part of the Northern Territory. It’s paint job isn’t as carefully executed as in some of the other painted birds, though it has bold yellow stripes on the wings. delicate black streaks on the flanks and a pink bill.
Species number three was the Painted Finch, a striking bird of arid country such as spinifex with a wide mainly tropical distribution from Western Queensland through the Northern Territory to Western Australia. Both sexes are red and brown with black heavily daubed with white spots. The male, in front in the first photo, has more red than the female behind him. The bird in the second photo is also a female.
I’ve included the only other painted Australia bird, the Australian Painted-snipe, a bird of grassy wetlands. It’s rare and endangered owing to habitat loss and hard to find, though it turns up unexpectedly in different places.
The one in this photo is a male. Females are larger and more colourful, and you’re right: there’s a swapping of gender roles here too. It seems to be a habit among painted bird species, artistic license I suppose. Painted-snipes form their own family but they are thought to be related to Jacanas, which also swap roles. Maybe I should do an Irregular Bird on Australian Rainbow birds, though the sexes in these are almost identical and their preferences may be gender fluid for all we know.
Greetings
Ian

Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: 0411 602 737 +61-411 602 737
Preferred Email: ianbirdway@gmail.com

Recorder Society http://www.nqrs.org.au

Lee’s Addition:

Thanks, Ian for another irregular birding report. Looks like your birding trips are as irregular as ours are. (We have not been birding in months.)
What beautiful birds with designs and colors from their Creator. It is amazing that these colors also help protect them by blending them in with their surroundings. Thanks again for sharing your latest adventure with us.
“That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.” (Isaiah 41:20 KJV)
See all of Ian’s Articles:

Sunday Inspiration Menu Update

Sandwich Tern Singing (calling) By Mike Bader

Opps! I forgot to add the latest Sunday Inspiration’s to the menu in the last post about that menu. [Now Updated]

Here is the rest of the Menu:

New World Quail ~ “Man of Sorrows” – Faith Baptist Choir

Pheasants and Allies I ~ “While the Ages Roll” ~ Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist

Pheasants and Allies II ~ In the Garden” ~ Flute Solo Lauren D – Orchestra Concert

Pheasants and Allies III ~ “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Pheasants and Allies IV ~ “God’s Still In Control” ~ ©Hyssongs

Pheasants and Allies V ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing” ~ Three + One Quartet (Pastor Smith, Reagan, Jessie, and Caleb)

Loons and Penguins ~ “Day Star” – With Pastor Smith and Reagan Osborne

Austral Storm Petrels and Albatrosses ~ “I Am Determined to Live for the King” ~ Three-Plus-One Quartet – Faith Baptist

Northern Storm Petrels ~ “Bless The Lord Oh My Soul” ~ By Sean Fielder

Procellariidae Family – Petrel, Fulmar and Prion ~ “You Were There” ~ Three Plus One Quartet – Solo Reagan Osborne

Procellariidae – (Pterodroma – Gadfly) Petrels ~ “Jesus What a Mighty Name” ~ Pastor Smith with Choir and Orchestra

Procellariidae – Rest of Family ~ “Big Mighty God” ~ Three plus One Quartet

Grebe Family ~ “He is God” ~ by 3 Plus 1 Quartet, Faith Baptist

Procellariidae Family – Petrel, Fulmar and Prion ~ “You Were There” ~ Three Plus One Quartet – Solo Reagan Osborne

A New Day ~ “A New Day” ~ Ernesto Cortazar

Flamingos and Tropicbirds ~ “You Are the Everlasting God” ~ 3 Plus 1 Quartet – Faith Baptist

Storks ~ “Amazing Grace” and “I Love You” ~ Orchestra and Choir combined”

Ibises and Spoonbills I ~ “Stay Close To Me” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Hamerkop, Shoebill, and Pelicans ~ “I Will Sing The Mighty Power of God” ~ ©Hyssongs

Frigatebirds, Gannets and the Booby ~ “My Faith Still Holds” ~ Faith Baptist Church Orchestra

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:19-20 KJV)

Sunday Inspiration Menu

As you know, there is a menu along the left side which has links to many of the articles categorized to help you find interesting topics. One of those menus is Sunday Inspiration. We enjoyed producing these over the years and trust they were informative and a blessing.

I just finished updating this page and hopefully fixed the broken links and minor problems. Here is that same Sunday Inspiration Menu to help you find some of the ones you missed.

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

Sunday Inspiration is an attempt at showing God’s Creative Hand with a slideshow of different Families of Birds or a theme, such as Stone Birds. Also, music from sources that have provided permission.

Trust you enjoy seeing these birds and hearing Christian music to give you a Sunday Inspiration.

Eagles – “Don’t Give Up”  ©The Hyssongs

Laughingthrush – “My Faith Still Holds” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Hummingbirds – “Come Thou Fount” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Stone Birds – “Jesus Rolled Back The Stone” ©Hyssongs

Turacos – “Redeemed Medley” by Faith Baptist Choir

Woodpeckers – “Jesus Love Me” ©Bonnie Standifer

Owls – “How Great Thou Art” @Sean Fielder

Thrushes – “I Love You Lord” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Great Egrets in Breeding Plumage – “I’ve Got Joy” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Sparrows – “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” – Don Marsh Orchestra

Tanagers – Your Grace is Sufficient” by Courtney Love – Flute

Feet “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” – ©The Hyssongs

Palm Birds – Hosanna (Messiah Has Come) and Messiah – (Solo by Lisa Brock) from the Easter Musical 2013 by Faith Baptist Choir.

Easter – Faith Baptist Orchestra playing at the Easter Service in 2012

Jays and Cousins – “Bless The Lord Oh My Soul” © Sean Fielder

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

Singing Birds – “Singing” by Dr. Richard Gregory

Sunrise Gives A Big Surprise – “Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Old Rugged Cross (Cross and Hill Birds) – “The Old Rugged Cross” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Herons – “Peace Medley”  by Faith Baptist Choir

Rock Birds – “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ © Dr. Richard Gregory

Birds and Peace – “I’d Rather Have Jesus” – © Sean Fielder

Sparrows II – “His Eye Is On The Sparrow ” – by Kathy Lisby

Thirst – “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – ©Sean Fielder

“King” Birds – “The King is Coming” – Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra. Intro by Pastor Osborne and “The King is Coming” – ©Hyssongs

Hornbills – “I Sing The Mighty Power Of God” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Bitterns ~ “Hide Thou Me” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Hawks – “I Will Pilot Thee” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Sunbirds – “Temporary Home” – Flute played by Courtney Love (artist Carrie Underwood)

Smiling – “Smile On Me Gracious Lord” – Special by Amy, Dakota and Christina

Batis and Wattle-eye – “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”. Hymn – from Faith Baptist Church

Passerines – “Sweet Hour of Prayer” – by Sean Fielder (Faith Baptist)

Crown Birds – “All Hail The Power of Jesus Name” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

On The Sea – “Ship Ahoy ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

“Love” Birds – “Oh The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” Special by Christina

Creation ~ “This is My Father’s World” – YouTube Video with Sean Fielder Playing

I’ll Be A Friend – “I’ll Be A Friend To Jesus” ~ by Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist Church

At Calvary – “At Calvary” – (Trio – Margaret H, Sue W, Pastor Jerry) and Faith Baptist Choir

One Day Too Late – “One Day Too Late” – Men’s Quartet + 1 – Faith Baptist Church

Veteran’s Day – “Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Variety ~ ”The Love Of God” – ©The Hyssongs

Worthy of Thanksgiving ~ “Worthy of Worship” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Hide Thou Me ~ “Hide Thou Me” – ©Hyssongs

Resting ~ “God’s Still In Control” – ©Hyssongs

Christmas Birds ~ Christmas Message from Pastor Osborne III

What A Savior ~ excerpt from this year’s Christmas Program at Faith Baptist

Flamingo Gardens ~ “In The Garden” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Let Everything Praise ~ “God Is Great.” ©The Hyssongs

Big Might God ~ “Big Mighty God” – 3+1 – Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett

Star Birds ~ “Day Star” ~ Pastor Jerry Smith and Reagan Osborne at Faith Baptist Church

Beginning of Passeriformes Order (Songbirds) For The Sunday Inspiration

More Amazing Birds ~ “Jesus What A Might Name” – Pastor Jerry w/Choir and Orchestra

Ant Birds ~ “He Looked Beyond My Fault” ~ ©The Hyssongs

Everlasting God ~”Everlasting God” – Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett

Flycatchers ~ “Amazing Grace” – Orchestra and “I Love You, Written in Red” – Choir (Faith Baptist Church)

Give Thanks ~ “Give Thanks” ~ sung by Mark Quijano, his YouTube Channel

There is a Redeemer ~ “There is a Redeemer,” played by Nell Reese at Faith Baptist Church

Australian Birds ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing” – Pastor Jerry Smith, Jessie and Caleb Padgett and Reagan Osborne

Honeyeaters ~ “Blood of Jesus Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Church Choir

Worthy ~ “Worthy” ~ Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra

Variety II ~ “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” – Vegter Six

Whipbirds, Wattle-eyes and Allies – ” Be Thou My Vision and Battle Hymn of the Republic” ~ played by Sean Fielder

Woodshrikes and Helmetshrikes ~ ” I’ve Got Joy” ~ by the Faith Baptist Orchestra

Bushshrikes and Boatbills ~ “We Shall See Jesus” ~ Margaret Hiebert, Pastor and Jill Osborne and Pastor Jerry Smith

Vangas and Friends ~ “I Still Believe” – ©The Hyssongs

Cuckooshrikes ~ “There’s Something About That Name” ©The Hyssongs

Whistlers and Avian Friends ~ “”The Love of God” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Shrikes and Vireos ~ “El Shaddai” – by Nell Reese

Figbirds, Orioles and Drongos ~ “He Touched Me” -~ ©The Hyssongs

Fantails ~ “So Send I You” – Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist

Monarchs ~ “He’s Looking on You” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Crows and Jays ~ “Peace Medley” ~ by Faith Baptist Choir

Independence Day ~ “Military Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

From Mud to Beauty ~ “I Heard The Voice of Jesus” ~ By Sean Fielder

Australian Robin and Friends ~ “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ © Dr. Richard Gregory

Deep Love of Jesus ~ “Oh The Deep, Deep, Love of Jesus” ~ Megan Fee and Jill Foster

Tits, Chickadees and Penduline Tits ~ “Just a Little Talk With Jesus Makes It Right” ~ Vegter Quartet (together for Vi’s 90th Birthday)

Larks ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow ” – by Kathy Lisby, Faith Baptist Church

Bulbuls ~ “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” ~ played by Megan Fee and Jill Foster

Swallows and Martins ~ “If I Don’t Have Love” ~ by Jessie Padgett – Special at Faith Baptist

Wren-babblers – Crombecs and Bush Warblers – “Bow The Knee” ~ Sheila Vegter and Jacob (her son who is playing the piano and singing)

Little Beauties From The Lord ~ “Beautiful Saviour (Fairest Lord Jesus)”) ~ by Kid’s Choir at Faith Baptist

Reed Warblers ~ “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” ~ by Miss Anna Pletcher (12 years old) on piano

Grassbirds and Allies ~ “The Church’s One Foundation” – Megan Fee, Cody Hancock & Dakota Hancock ~ at Faith Baptist

Worth The Lamb ~ “Worthy The Lamb” ~ Choir at Faith Baptist Church

Cisticolas and Singing ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing?” ~  by the Trio + 1 (Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett) Faith Baptist

Fulvettas, Ground Babblers ~ “Everything’s Fine” ~ ©Hyssongs

Laughingthrush – Leiothrichidae Family ~ “Ten Thousand Joys” ~ Choir – Lisa Brock – Jessie Padgett (Faith Baptist)

Sylviid Babblers ~ “I Stand Amazed” ~ Faith Baptist Choir

White Eyes ~ “Come, Look To Jesus” ~ Played by Jill Foster at Faith Baptist (during Communion)

Seven Small Families ~ “All Hail The Power” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Wrens ~ “He is Everything To Me” – Men’s Ensemble – Faith Baptist

Nuthatches and Creepers ~ “How Deep Is Your Love?” – Played by Jill Foster (Faith Baptist)

Mockingbirds and Thrashers ~ “I Am Loved” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Starlings, Mynas and Rhabdornis ~ “Once Upon A Tree” ~ Choir – and – “Sing To Jesus” ~ Angel Long & Jessie Padgett

Oxpeckers and Thrushes ~ “I Heard The Bells With Peace On Earth” – with Jessie Padgett, Angel Long and the FX Girls

Chats and Old World Flycatchers I ~ “Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Trio and Choir

Chats and Old World Flycatchers II ~ “The Birthday of a King” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory, now in Glory

Chats and Old World Flycatchers III ~ O Come, O Come Emmanuel”  by Meagan Fee on Violin and Jill Foster accompanying

Dippers, Leafbirds and Flowerpeckers ~ Faith Medley” – Faith Baptist Choir

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters ~ “The Fountain” Harp — 9-year-old Alisa Sadikova – Video

Old World Sparrows ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” – Don Marsh Orchestra

Weavers and Allies ~ “Jesus What A Might Name” – Pastor Jerry w/Choir and Orchestra

Waxwings and Allies I ~ “My Jesus I Love Thee” – by Meagan Fee (didn’t work 1st time-fixed)

Waxwings and Allies II ~ “My Jesus I Love Thee” – by Meagan Fee at Faith Baptist

Some Small Families ~ “Little Prayers” – by the ©The Hyssongs

Wagtails and Pipits ~ “Glorious Love” – Choir, Orchestra, Solo by Pastor Jerry

Finches I ~ “Mercies Anew” ~ by Lisa Brock, accompanied by Jill Foster

Finches II ~ “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place” ~ ©Artisans in Brass (Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs-Album) Used with permission

Finches III ~ “Shout To The North and the South” ~ by Faith Baptist Church Choir

Finches IV ~ “Once Upon A Tree” ~ by Faith Baptist Church Choir

New World Warblers – I ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing?” ~ Pastor Jerry Smith, Reagan, Caleb and Jessie

New World Warblers – II ~ “Heavenly Sunlight” ~ by Artisans in Brass

Three Small Families ~ “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus” ~ Faith Baptist Quartet

Icteridae Family I ~ I’ll Stand Up and Say So” – by the ©The Hyssongs

Icteridae Family II ~ “It Is Well With My Soul” ~ by Sean Fielder

Icteridae Family III ~ “Stay Close To Me” ~ ©Hyssongs

Emberizidae’s – Buntings ~ “Triumphantly The Church Will Rise” ~ Faith Baptist Men’s Quintet

Emberizidae – Part II ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” ~ by Kathy Lisby at Faith Baptist

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

Emberizidae Family Allies II ~ “Worthy The Lamb” – Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies I – “My Jesus I Love Thee” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies II – “My Faith Still Holds” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies III – “Jesus Paid It All” – Men’s Father’s Day Choir and “While The Ages Roll” –  Men’s Quartet

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies IV – “El Shaddai” ~ by Nell Reese

Thraupidae – Dacnis, Honeycreepers, Conebills ~ “Amazing Grace” and “I Love You, Written in Red” – – Orchestra & Choir (Faith Baptist Church)

Thraupidae – Flowerpiercers, Sierra Finches, Plus ~ “Your Grace is Sufficient” ~ Special by Courtney Love – Flute

Inca, Warbling and Various Finches ~ “Quiet Rest” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” ~  by Kathy Lisby – Nell Reese acc. on piano.

Thraupidae Tanagers and Allies  VIII ~ “And Can It Be” – Sung by Angel Long and acc. Sean Fielder*

Thraupidae Tanagers and Allies Finale ~ “Hallelujah For The Cross” ~ by Jessie Padgett

Calcariidae – Longspurs and Snow Buntings ~ “House on A Rock” ~ by the Summer Kid’s Choir

Cardinalidae Family of Cardinals Plus ~ “Written in Red” – Orchestra & Choir

Cardinalidae Wrap-up ~ “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” ~ Choir and Orchestra

Passeriformes Review I ~ “To Win My Soul” – Sung by Jessie Padgett”

Passeriformes Review II ~ “Were You There, When They Crucified My Lord” – Communion Music – Organ & Piano

Passeriformes Review III ~ “Ship Ahoy ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Beginning of the Bird Orders – Tinamiformes ~ “Praise Medley” by ©The Hyssongs

Ostrich, Rhea, Cassowary, Emu & Kiwi ~ “Hosanna, Messiah Has Come” ~ Choir and Solo by Lisa Brock

Anseriformes I ~ Screamer and Magpie Goose ~ “Jesus Wrought A Miracle of Love” ~ Solo by Paul Ebright

Whistling, White-backed Ducks and Geese ~ “I’d Rather Have Jesus” ~ by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Geese and Swans ~ “Moment By Moment” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Ducks and Geese ~ “I Will Rise” ~ Margaret and Sue, accompanied by Amy – cello and Jill – Keyboard

More Anatidae Swimmers ~ “God’s Greatness Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Anas Genus ~ “Ship Ahoy”~ from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Dr. Richard Gregory

Diving Ducks and Allies ~ “How Can I Keep Singing” ~ The 3+1 Trio (Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb and Jessie Padgett)”

The Last of the Anatidae Family ~ “Birthday of the King” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Christmas At Faith 2016 ~

Galliformes Order Overview ~ “You are Worthy” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Megapodiidae Family ~ “El Shadaih” ~ Played by Nell Reese

Chachalacas ~ “Quiet Rest* and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” ~ by Kathy Lisby – Nell Reese acc”

Guans ~ “Hide Thou Me” ~ ©The Hyssongs (with permission)

Curassows ~ “Its About The Cross” ~ Quartet FBC

Guineafowl ~ “Don’t Give Up” ~ ©The Hyssongs (Used With Permission of the Hyssongs)

Time To Rest

Limpkin and Dan at South Lake Howard Reserve – 2017

We believe it is time to rest from our labors at Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus. This blog has attempted over the years to present the Lord’s Avian Wonders from many different perspectives. It has been a delight to present these fantastic birds in such different views, thanks to some very talented photographers. Also, to have different writers adding such information from so many places and ways of thinking about the birds of the world.

Is the blog shutting down? NO! NO! NO!

We have so many informative and useful posts to be explored that are great reading and references. (This is from remarks of our readers over the years.) I, Lee, am working behind the scenes trying to improve the Menu structures that was developed along the way. I’m trying to clean up broken links to sites that are no longer active, and make it easier to find information, photos, videos, and stories about our wonderfully created birds.

Snowy Egret and Lee Gatorland by Dan -2015

Also, Dan and I are getting older, 82 and 78, so we are starting to feel it. Our birdwatching adventures have just about slowed to a crawl. We do move a bit faster than that though. :)  It’s time! We have tried to do our best in honoring our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Great Creator.

“I (we) have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)

Thought you might like a look at a bit of the history of Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures. The blog was moved over here to WordPress on July 5. 2008 (almost 14 years ago). It had started a few months earlier on another platform.

Boat-billed Heron over Dan’s Shoulder by Lee at LPZ

As of today, we have had almost 2,292,000 visitors. We have had 8-10 writers, besides myself, writing articles. I am so thankful for all of them, especially the regulars whom you can find in the side menu. Plus, all the photographers who have contributed so many fantastic photos to be used here.

Feeding White Ibises at Lake Morton [Dr. JJS Johnson, Baron (Golden Eagle), and Dan], by Lee – 2016

Here are some more statistics, if you are interested:

  • Comments – 8,201
  • Posts – 3945
  • Pages – 1207 (more to come as I work on the structure to help find information)
  • 10.8 gigabytes of Media (photos, videos, music, etc.)
  • Branched out to make a Birds of the Bible for Kids blog and have now brought those articles back under this umbrella. (These are helpful for younger readers.)

Lee at Lake Morton by Dan – 2013

As I work through setting our blog up for the future, I trust you will continue to stop by and enjoy these posts, photos, and other blessings. [I used my most favorite picture of Dan for the featured image.]

This is not the last article coming out, but they will be less frequent than previously posted.

STAY TUNED!