Tag Archives: Slideshow

Sunday Inspiration – Humbleness of The Creator

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Birth of Christ (from an e-mail-source unknown)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 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. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:5-11 KJV)

The Creator, of all the birds we like to feature here, humbled Himself to come in sinless flesh, to die for us. resurrect Himself, and provide Salvation for us. Don’t let that important point be lost in all the activities of Christmas.

We here, at the blog, trust you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy seeing some of His Created birds as you listen to the music.

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“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him”. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” (Psalms 111:10 KJV)

“Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Pastor Jerry, Jessie, Caleb and Choir – FBC

(From our Christmas Program last Sunday night)

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Falcated Duck at Zoo Miami

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Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) by Dan at ZM

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) by Dan at ZM

While we were on our latest visit to the Wings of Asia Aviary at Zoo Miami, the Falcated Duck caught my attention. We have seen it before, because there are photos of them, but for some reason, it was just another duck then. The sun caught its iridescent head and I started looking closer this time. Wings of Asia has one male and one female at this time.

These Falcated Duck (Teal) are just one more example of the variety and beauty the Lord gave His creatures when they were created.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3 KJV)

Apparently when the male wears his breeding plumage, that green really shines.

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) ©WikiC

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) ©WikiC

I tried to get photos of his beautiful feathers at the back, but my photos aren’t the best, but maybe you can catch some of the great beauty that the Lord gave these Falcated Ducks.

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) at Wings of Asia by Lee

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) at Wings of Asia by Lee

Falcated Ducks are mainly from Asia and belong to the Anatidae – Ducks, Geese and Swans Family. By the way, “falcate” means “curved or hooked like a sickle.” (Wordsmith)

Males and females have similar lengths at 19-21.5 in (46 to 53 cm.) Their weight can range from 422 to 770 grams, with males weighing more than their female counterparts. Wingspans range from 31-36 in (79 to 91 cm). The breeding male is unmistakable. Most of the body plumage is finely vermiculated grey, with the long sickle-shaped tertials, which give this species its name, hanging off its back. The large head is dark green with a white throat, and a dark green collar and bronzed crown. The vent region is patterned in yellow, black and white.

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) Female ©WikiC

Falcated Duck (Anas falcata) Female ©WikiC

The female falcated duck is dark brown, with plumage much like a female wigeon. Its long grey bill is an aid to identification. The eclipse male is like the female, but darker on the back and head. In flight both sexes show a pale grey underwing. The blackish speculum is bordered with a white bar on its inner edge. Young birds are buffer than the female and have short tertials. Juveniles have plumage similar to females of the species.

The Anas falcata are known to have very striking and beautiful sickle feathers. This is in comparison with many other birds like swams and geese.

Medium dabbling duck with long black and white tertial feathers extending over black rump. Body white, black, gray in finely-scaled pattern. The crested iridescent head is green and purple-brown. White throat has black ring; black tail and black-green speculum are edged in white.

Breeds and winters in southeastern Asia but strongly migratory. Birds seen in North America beyond Alaska may be escaped captives from private collections or wild birds. Favors wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, and marshes. Near-threatened in the wild. Most U.S. sightings occur between Pacific and Californian coasts, Baja peninsula, Mexico, India, and Canada. (From internet sources including WhatBird and Wikipedia)

Here’s a short clip I took of him washing his feathers at Zoo Miami.

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In 2011 a Falcated Duck family showed up at the Colusa Natiional Wildlife Refuge. Rare visitors from their normal range. It brought the photographers to catch the rare glimpse of these beautiful birds. Watch this video to see them in action,

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Falcated Duck – Audubon

Falcated Duck – WhatBird

Falcated Duck – Wikipedia

Birds of the World – Anatidae – Ducks, Geese and Swans

Wordless Birds

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Sunday Inspiration – Resting

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Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis) ©WikiC

Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis) ©WikiC

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. (Genesis 8:9 KJV)

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; (Isaiah 32:17-18 KJV)

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (Psalms 16:9 KJV)

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by J Fenton

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by J Fenton

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)

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. (Psalms 116:7 KJV)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

Are we resting like we should, knowing that God Is In Control?

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“God’s Still In Control” ~ ©Hyssongs

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More Sunday Inspirations

Hope for Hard Times

Is There a God?

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Sunday Inspiration – Worthy of Thanksgiving

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Dr Jim, Golden Eagle and Dan at Lake Morton

Dr Jim, Golden Eagle and Dan at Lake Morton

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. (1 Chronicles 16:8-9 KJV)

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV)

As we enter into the Thanksgiving Holiday week, with visits with family and friends, meals to prepare and eat, parades and games to watch, don’t forget to be thankful for our Creator of all this. He is Worthy of our Thanksgiving and Worship.

I am thankful for all the fantastic friends we have met through this blog (you, the readers). I am also thankful for those that contribute to the blog, like James J. S. Johnson (Dr. Jim) and Golden Eagle (Baron Brown) with which we recently went on a birdwatching adventure. Thankful for our other contributors as well.

Finally cleaned up the photos from that adventure and many are in the slideshow. Definitely thankful for all the birds the Lord gave us. He is “Worthy of Worship”

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“Worthy of Worship” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

WORTHY OF WORSHIP
(York/Blankenship)

Worthy of Worship, worthy of praise,
Worthy of honor and glory,
Worthy of all the glad songs we can sing,
Worthy of all of the offerings we bring.

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Worthy of reverence, worthy of fear,
Worthy of love and devotion;
Worthy of bowing and bending of knees,
Worthy of all this, and added to these…

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Almighty Father, Master, and Lord,
King of all kings and Redeemer,
Wonderful Counselor, Comforter, Friend,
Savior and Source of our life without end.

You are worthy, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.

Trust you have a great Thanksgiving week.

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Sunday Inspirations

Family: Building a Home God’s Way

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Sunday Inspiration – Veteran’s Day

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Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave’s BirdingPix

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. (Deuteronomy 32:7 KJV)

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4 KJV)

Lord Bless all of you as we remember our the military this Veteran’s Day. Many have served and given their all, others are now serving or have served faithfully. We Honor you and Thank You for your service for our country. Other have served their country’s military also. We should remember them also and I am sure they have a similar day. Our’s just happens to be November 11.

The birds chosen this week have either a military item as part of their name or there has been an airplane named after that type of bird.

Happy Veteran Day! Lord Bless You.

 

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“Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra 7-3-11

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Sunday Inspiration

Military Aircraft of the United States with Bird or Bird-Like Names

Sharing The Gospel

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Sunday Inspiration – “One Day Too Late”

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Our Men’s Quartet added an extra voice last Sunday night and sung a very powerful song.

Before I say more about that, an interesting application can be made. The voices of a quartet, any singing group or a choir are made up of a variety of voices. Some sing base, tenor, alto, baritone, soprano, but those like me, “off-key”, don’t join them. But notice how they blend to make such beautiful music.

Likewise our birds the Creator gave us come in much variety, each with different looks, heights, purposes, habitat they dwell in, and voices. Yet, when you walk through a park, woods, or other place you go birdwatching, they seem to blend together to make music. Most times it is very pleasing, but there are times, some of those “off-key” birds sound off.

We all come in a variety of talents, voices, gifts, personalities, yet when we use them for the Lord’s service, they come together to make great “music” That all is true as long as we know the Lord as our Savior. Please listen to the words of the song, and I pray that you will not be “One Day Too Late.”

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“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7 KJV)

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

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:16-21 KJV)

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9 KJV)

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Sunday Inspirations

Gospel Presentation

ABCs of the Gospel

Good News

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Lake Morton Birdwatching after Round-up

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Green Heron at Lake Morton by Lee

Green Heron at Lake Morton by Lee

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)

We finally took some time to go see what birds were at Lake Howard. I was a little disappointed that the winter birds haven’t started arriving yet. It is either that, or the fact that they have been re-working the shoreline at the park. They are making it more “people-friendly,” but seem to be making it less “bird-friendly.” Trust that is not going to keep our Wood Ducks, Ring-neck Ducks and Ruddies away. None of them were present.

I really didn’t check the whole lake though. I have been having some leg issues and haven’t been birdwatching lately. In fact, I only crossed the street and birded right there by the shore. You might keep me in your prayers. Had a Doctor appointment today with encouraging word, especially that surgery most like can be avoided on my feet. Friday, another appointment to start some physical therapy for my left leg. It has been weak and causing me to “waddle” like the ducks. Never heard of a “Lee Duck” have you? Hope not.

Here are some of the photos taken Saturday by the shore of Lake Morton. There are still some swans in the pens after the recent yearly round-up of the swans. They gave them all vaccinations. Rounded up well over a hundred of them.

Mute Swan in pen at Lake Morton by Lee

Mute Swan in pen at Lake Morton by Lee

And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, (Leviticus 11:18 KJV)

I found this very interesting video from YouTube when they did the round-up in 2010.

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This link is to this year’s story about the Swan Round-up. (It has some neat photos)

http://www.theledger.com/article/20141001/NEWS/141009972/0/

Enjoy a slide show of some of what we saw.

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Wordless Birds

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Sandhill Crane Greeting

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Sandhill Cranes in side yard

Sandhill Cranes in side yard

Today, when we looked out in our side yard, we were greeted by two Sandhill Cranes walking around. Grabbed the camera and here are some of the photos that I took. I have been so busy working on the blog, that we haven’t taken the time to go birdwatching. So, our great Lord just sent me some of His beauties.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalms 34:8 KJV)

Sandhill Standing Guard Crop

Sandhill Standing Guard Crop

They stroll through here from time to time, but haven’t seen them for a while. As usual, one stands guard, while one eats. Some how our flat feeder came off the hook and they found it. :))

Sandhill Cranes in side yard

Sandhill Cranes in side yard

He, the guard came over and was trying to encourage her to finish up.

Sandhill Cranes in side yard

Sandhill Cranes in side yard

Zoomed in on his beak and was surprised to find so much dirt in it. They do a lot of probing in people’s yards and are considered pests by some. Not me, I love them coming to visit. They can probe all they want, just as long as they let me take their photo.

Sandhill Crane Beak Crop

Sandhill Crane Beak Crop

 

Here are the photos that were taken this morning.

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Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. (Isaiah 38:14 KJV)

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 KJV)

Birds of the Bible – Cranes

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Sunday Inspiration – Singing Birds

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Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray

Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray

By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. (Psalms 104:12 NKJV)

The Lord created the birds with the ability to sing such beautiful songs. They have various reasons for singing and shouldn’t we also be willing to sing in our different activities?

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. (Psalms 28:7 NKJV)

“O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” (Psalms 108:1 KJV)

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) singing ©nebirdsplus

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) singing ©nebirdsplus

And some more great “singing” verses:

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19 KJV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 KJV)

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“Singing” – by Dr. Richard Gregory (permission given by Mrs. Gregory)

Dr. Gregory, who was a member of our church, is now in the presence of the Lord. He is seeing His Saviour “Face to face.”

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Sunday Inspiration

Birds of the Bible

Birds of the Bible – Singing Birds

Birds in Hymns

Sharing The Gospel

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Birdwatching at Circle B Bar Reserve – 10/26/13

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Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) by Lee at Circle B

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. (Psalms 21:13 KJV)

Had a very productive hour and 40 minute trip to Circle B Bar Reserve Saturday afternoon enjoying the Lord’s creation. The birds are definitely heading back down. After a sparse summer, things are starting to get interesting once more.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Lee at Circle B

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Lee at Circle B

We haven’t been out there for a while and was a little disappointed in the viewing. It rained considerably this summer and the plants have really grown up making it hard to see the water birds. Even with that, to see 34 species in just under 2 hours is not bad.

Alligator about 8 ft by Lee at Circle B

Alligator about 8 ft by Lee at Circle B

We were greeted with the sounds of the Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens and an Eastern Phoebe. Also, an Armadillo was walking right along the path to the marsh. Later, I spotted about an 8 foot alligator. Those and the normal squirrels were the only, non-birds I saw.

One of the highlights was seeing five Bald Eagles flying over. Two in one group and three in the other. We had just seen an Eagle on Friday down in Lake Wales. I love seeing Eagles.

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Lee at Circle B

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Lee at Circle B

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. (Psalms 44:8 KJV)

Two White Ibises landed in one of the trees when we first arrived. With the sun behind them, they remind you of Angel’s Wings. As you can see by the second photo the tree was being loaded up for the night when we passed it on the way out. That is one of the favorite “roosting” places at Circle B.

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Lee at Circle B

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) and friends

I am including a slideshow to give you an idea of how it was out there. The photography is not the best, but you can tell what the birds are at least. Dan doesn’t have his photos ready.

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Here is a list of what I reported to e-Bird:

Circle B Bar Reserve, Polk, US-FL
Oct 26, 2013 3:45 PM – 5:25 PM
Traveling – 2.5 mile(s)
Clear 79 degrees
34 species
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck  15
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Wood Stork  17
Anhinga  5
Great Blue Heron  7
Great Egret  6
Snowy Egret  2
Little Blue Heron  1
Tricolored Heron  1
Cattle Egret  5
White Ibis  88
Glossy Ibis  2
Black Vulture  40
Turkey Vulture  37
Osprey  2
Bald Eagle  5
Purple Gallinule  4
Common Gallinule  6
Limpkin  4
Sandhill Crane  1
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  2
Fish Crow  5
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Gray Catbird  1
Palm Warbler  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Boat-tailed Grackle  10
See:
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Seeing Pink at Circle B Bar Reserve

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Pileated Woodpecker by Lee at Circle B

Pileated Woodpecker by Lee at Circle B 4-9-2013

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.” 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. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” (Genesis 1:20-22 NKJV)

We spent  a short time at Circle B Bar Reserve today and thought it would be the same old-same old. Well, it wasn’t. A lady we ran into said the same thing I was thinking, “I wasn’t expecting much today.”

When we got out of the car, I spotted a bird landing in the tree nearby which turned out to be a Pileated Woodpecker. That got me excited  right away.

As soon as we turned the corner to head to the marsh, which is extremely dry because there has not had much rain all winter, I saw “Pink.”

Roseate Spoonbill Tree

Roseate Spoonbill Tree

I am putting a Slideshow here so you can see why I got so excited. It turned out to be a fantastic birdwatching adventure today. Ignore some of the blurred photos, but were inserted to help tell the story of this adventure. The Roseate Spoonbills are spotted out there, but I have never seen so many and so close as today. They kept landing on that tree as you will see and it built up until there were 15 of them in that tree.

Not only did we see the Pileated Woodpecker and the Roseate Spoonbills, but we saw quite a few others also. They are included in the slideshow also. Enjoy!

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To See these photos in a Gallery – Click Here

Other Birdwatching Trips

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Updating the Slideshows – Report # 3

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As previously reported, the Slide.Com is closing down as of March 6th. Unfortunately I have used a lot of the Slideshows from them on this site. I am busy kicking up dust behind the scenes and decided to share links to the articles as I get some of them finished. At least you will know I have not been “goofing off.” Besides that, many of these were produced sometime back and deserve a reminder of our many birds the Lord has created for His Glory and pleasure. Trust you like the new Slideshows that are being installed. They are taking a great effort on my part to learn the new procedure, but after quite a few mistakes, maybe I can get them out quicker now.

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.(Psalms 111:2 KJV) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:9 KJV) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 KJV) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalms 16:11 KJV)

Thanks for your patience and your visits to this website. While I am working away, I am enjoying seeing articles that I had forgotten about. Completed:

Baby Common Moorhen

Birdwatching Trip – Lake Hollingsworth 7-29-08

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) by Dan

Birdwatching Trip – Lake Hollingsworth 5/1/08

Roseate Spoonbills at Ding Darling

Birdwatching Trip – J. N. “Ding” Darling NWR – July 15, 2008

Black-necked Stilt - Skippy

"Skippy" - Black-necked Stilt

Happy Birthday – Skippy at National Aviary

Birdwatching at the National Aviary – Introduction

National Aviary – Hospital, Breeding, and Kitchen Areas

National Aviary – Penguin Encounter

Birds of the Bible – At the National Aviary

Birdwatching the National Aviary – Grasslands

Birdwatching the National Aviary – Tropical Forest

Also:

Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) by Ian

Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) by Ian

Birds of the Bible – Eye Hath Seen

Birdwatching at Lake Hollingsworth-June 1st

Birds of the Bible – Spain

Formed By Him – Birds of Peru and Chile – II

Also See:

Updating the Slideshows – Report # 1

Updating the Slideshows – Report # 2

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