Lightkeeper's Journal

Wood Storks and Expectancy

 

 Article and Photography by Norma Beaird

 

At the end of last August, Curtis and I were on our way to the Recycle Center (the dumpster where we take our trash). Usually, we have our cameras with us in case of a new bird sighting or just in case the good Lord provides us with a unique sunset. On this particular day, we were driving slowly down the country road when something caught my eye. There were a line of trees on the right side of the road, but behind those trees was a pond lined with old Cypress Tree stumps.  Standing on those trees was the most magnificent sight.   There were approximately 75 Wood Storks standing on those stumps, all over the pond, and in the woods behind the pond.

This was not a sight that we expected to see. It was as though we were peeking into a fantasy world. Consequently, we had been wanting to photograph Wood Storks for quite a while. We had once again missed going to a National Wildlife Refuge where the storks breed each year in Georgia, and we were disappointed that we had missed this opportunity. However, God knew the desires of our heart and He birthed a blessing on the way to the dumpster.

For many years, storks have been part of a legend involving the birth of babies. The legend of the stork delivering a baby began with the famous 1838 fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen entitled, "The Storks". Even though storks don't deliver babies, the association of the stork and birth actually birthed a thought process and a question in my mind.

What if we actually lived every day with an attitude of hope and expectancy,

as though each day God could birth a new idea,

a new blessing or a new miracle in our lives?

So many times, we go through the day, never expecting anything good to happen. It's the same 'ole routine, the same 'ole job, same 'ole menu, same 'ole.....everything. We never expect anything good to happen or to be "birthed" in us because things like that always happen to other people. However, on this very ordinary day, going to do a very menial task of taking garbage to the dumpster, God blessed us to see something that many people never see. Wood Storks. And not just one Wood Stork, but many Wood Storks.

Since that day, I try to look at life a little differently. Maybe on this ordinary day, after eating my ordinary breakfast and drinking my ordinary cup of coffee, God may have a surprise blessing for me. Maybe the Lord will open up a door that has been closed for a long time. Maybe He will show me a path where He would have me to walk. Maybe He has a job for me to do where I can bless others. Every time I look at these pictures of our Wood Storks, I am reminded to never take any day for granted. You never know when God has a blessing.....just around the corner.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

 

 

 

Copyright 2017, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Eastern Bluebird Adventures at Le Avian Cafe

 

Papa Leonardo and Mama Lola, our Italian Eastern Bluebirds, have been busy this year.  

The family brought their four toddlers to Le Avian Cafe for Family Day, where children under 4 eat free.

Meet the proud parents and their little ones - Gabi, Romeo, Sophia and Marco.

Also at the table on the far right is a very confused female House Finch named Layla.

 

Photography By Norma Beaird

 

Papa Leonardo finally gets a chance to enjoy his unsalted peanuts as Mama Lola tries to feed Marco.

As you can tell, Marco, the immature Eastern Bluebird, is rather impatient during meal time.

 

Mama Lola feeds her daughter Sophia as Papa Leonardo awaits his turn to feed her.

Sophia has quite an appetite and it takes both parents to feed their hungry little bluebird.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Finding Wonder in God's Lessons of Faith

 

Meet Cisco, the male Northern Bobwhite

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

We serve a God who loves us and wants us to talk to Him, no matter how big or how small the request. He's our Father, He created us, and He's interested in our thoughts, requests and desires.  Sometimes, Christians don't think about petitioning Him unless they have big requests that involve health issues, financial burdens, family troubles or problems at work. However, He's interested in every aspect of our lives. Why? Because we're His children and He loves us.

Curtis and I are avid birdwatchers and bird photographers. Since 2013, we have been submitting bird species checklists to eBird, a division of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We recently passed 1,000 checklists for Montgomery County, Georgia. As Citizen Scientists, we contribute to avian research for our region of Georgia.

Last year, we kept hearing the entertaining call of the Northern Bobwhite and we kept hoping that he would find his way into our yard, but he never made a visit. This year, we heard him in the woods again. One morning I prayed in faith and said, "Lord, I wish you would send the Northern Bobwhite into our yard. I would really like to photograph him!"  Well, a few days later, not only did the Lord send Mr. Bobwhite, He sent the Mrs. as well. God answers prayer! Many times, He answers above and beyond what we could ever think or ask. Praise the Lord! 

God is good and He seeks to teach us lessons of faith.  We can find wonder in these small lessons of faith.  These small lessons will increase our faith when we have even bigger prayers that need an answer from the Lord.  At times, we can allow doubt to creep in and tell us that the Northern Bobwhite will never show up.  On the other hand, we can believe.  

Meet Coco, the female Northern Bobwhite

 

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

  

Meet Pepito....Papa Peppy's Toddler!

 

Papa Peppy is getting ready to feed Pepito, the juvenile Downy who eagerly awaits lunch time!  Papa Peppy has the vivid red spot on the back of his head.  The juvenile male Downy Woodpecker develops a faint red spot on the top of his head.

 

Photography and Story by Norma Beaird

 

Our Downy Woodpeckers have fledged a nest, a male and a female.  Meet our adorable avian family - Peppy, Pixie, Pepito and Prissy (not pictured).  They love to visit Le Avian Cafe and enjoy the Peanut Butter Suet Spread.  If Chef Curtis runs out of the suet spread, then they will gladly eat the cut-up unsalted peanuts just as quickly.  They Downy Woodpeckers are very friendly little birds who will visit the feeding station while we are preparing or replenishing the buffet.  Our Downy Woodpecker Family will also perch in the pecan trees and watch us as we bring out the unsalted peanuts on the famous cutting board.    

The Downy Woodpecker is a common permanent breeding resident statewide in Georgia.  

Peppy's mate, Pixie, is mama to Pepito.  She loves Unsalted Peanuts a la Carte.

  The female Downy Woodpecker does not have the red spot on the back of her head.  

 

Papa Peppy is feeding Pepito, the juvenile Downy Woodpecker.  Now that's a big toddler!  

 

 

 

Copyright 2o16, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

We Reached Over 1,000 Bird Checklists in Montgomery County

  

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

Since 2013, we have been turning in bird checklists to eBird, a division of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  We mainly count bird species in Montgomery County, but we have also submitted checklists for other counties in Georgia as well.  It has been a very interesting, informative and entertaining experience; consequently, we would do it all over again.  Learning about birds and counting the various species has allowed us to see life from an entirely different perspective.  We can find hope and learn about faith from observing God's glorious creation.  We just wish that we would have started this journey of nature exploration a lot sooner.  

Birdwatching is a very peaceful experience, especially in a world of chaos and confusion.  Birdwatching forces us to slow down, focus, research and identify.  In a world of fast-paced living, birdwatching is calming to the spirit.  We continue to count birds and never cease to be amazed by their beauty and their behaviors.   We highly encourage everyone to look to the trees and the skies!  

 

You never know what burst of color may fly into your life! 

American Goldfinch (Male)

 

You never know what colorful personality may land in your birdbath! 

Blue Jay

 

You never know who may show up for lunch!

American Crow

 

In other words, 

Birdwatching is a blessing! 

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Finding Wonder in Nature's Gifts

An American Coot at the Southeastern Technical College lake in Vidalia, Georgia

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

This is a typical story with me, especially with certain birds that I've been attempting to photograph for a while.  And, this story happens, especially with birds who won't stay still for five seconds or who dart around the sky and hide in dense shrubs.  It's almost as though they know that you're trying to photograph them, and they decide to give you a challenge.  That's most likely not the case; however, it sometimes seems that way.  

This year, it was a nice surprise to see about twelve American Coots taking up residence on the Southeastern Technical College lake.  The last time that I had seen an American Coot was on a pond in the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge north of Macon, Georgia.  I attempted to photograph him at the refuge, but Mr. Coot had other plans.  Needless to say, I didn't get a very good picture.  

When I saw the twelve coots swimming around the STC lake, I grabbed my camera and thought, "Here's my chance!"  Well again, all twelve coots had another idea.  Almost in unison, they all turned around and began swimming in another direction.  No matter where I went or how hard I tried, they made sure that I wouldn't get a clear picture.  

A few days later, we rode back down to STC; and I thought, "Maybe this time I can get one good photograph of an American Coot!"  Well, the Lord heard my prayer.  We drove into STC and there he was, just sitting quietly by the lake, without the other eleven coots.  We pulled up in the Jeep and I rolled down my window.  I was sure that the Jeep and the noise would drive him away, but it didn't.  He literally stood still as I began to photograph him.  It was almost as though he knew how badly I wanted at least one good photograph.  Then, he got into the water; and again, he sat perfectly still in the water.  

American Coot

The light was just right.  The sun was perfect.  I was very close to the American Coot; but yet, he didn't seem fearful of me.  Sometimes, we truly find wonder in nature's gifts.  Sometimes, all the planets line up and nature gives you that perfect photograph or that perfect experience.  Every once in a while, the hues in the sunset are a perfect blend of salmon, golden yellow and pink coral.  Sometimes at night, you'll walk outside to the sounds of a Barred Owl followed by a gentle breeze.  And then at times, you will see God's spectacular nightlight in a big and glowing full moon on a vivid blue horizon.

Even when everything doesn't always go as planned, we can rest assured that God knows just what we need and on the day that we need it.  These are nature's gifts.  May we always find wonder in the beautiful, ever-changing displays of God's incredible creation.  

 

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Finding Wonder on Ordinary Days

 

A Pied-billed Grebe at the Southeastern Technical College Lake

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

First of all, some information on the Pied-Billed Grebe, according to Birds of Georgia :

A Pied-billed Grebe is the smallest, shyest and least colorful of the grebes.  It is an extremely wary bird, but is easy to find on almost any pond or lake in Georgia.   These grebes build their floating nests among sparse vegetation, so that they can see their numerous predators - including Great Blue Herons, small turtles and water snakes - approaching from far away.  When frightened by an intruder, they cover their eggs and slide under water, leaving a nest that looks like nothing more than a mat of debris.  A Pied-billed Grebe can slowly submerge up to its head, so that only its nostrils and eyes remain above water.  

According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these amazing creatures are expert divers that are common across much of North America.  Cornell refers to them as part bird and part submarine.  These small brown birds have unusually thick bills that turn silver and black in summer.  They are rarely seen in flight and are often hidden among vegetation.  

It was an ordinary day and an ordinary, but dreaded trip to Wal-Mart, home of what seems like endless cash registers with only a few lines open. Since we live in a rural area, we sometimes must go to Wal-Mart to pick up the things that we can't find anywhere else. However, we are blessed because Wal-Mart is right next door to Southeastern Technical College and their beautiful lake.  This means that before we turn into the Wal-Mart Shopping Center, we take a spin through the campus of STC.  

And, on this ordinary day......on an ordinary shopping trip......there he was......Mr. Pied B. Grebe.  

Mr. Pied-billed Grebe was ready to spread his wings......and fly?

As you can imagine, we were very excited when we discovered this adorable grebe in the middle of the STC lake.  Mr. Grebe was just hanging out with 12 American Coots.  These birds usually shy away from a human presence.  On this particular day, I think he saw me standing at the edge of the lake holding my camera, and he floated towards me.  I couldn't believe it.  It was a gift from God.  I began to quickly snap his picture and thank God at the same time.  An ordinary day was blessed with an extraordinary bird....and a picture that, due to the grebe's shyness, was out of the ordinary.  

As if the Pied-billed Grebe wasn't EXTRA-ordinary enough, God blessed me with a picture of an American Coot, another bird that likes to shy away from the camera.  The American Coot is unique because it is the only bird in Georgia with a white bill, and it definitely stands out against the dark body.  Many people mistakenly think that the American Coot is a species of duck, but it is not a duck.  Their taxonomic order places them in the Rails, Gallinules & Coots category.  

The American Coot

So, the next time you think you're having a boring and ordinary day, try to develop an attitude of expectancy. I know that it's not always easy, but it sure helps us to have a more positive outlook on life.  You never, ever know what blessings God may send your way.  Sometimes that plain 'ole vanilla day may turn into a banana split with whip cream and cherries on top!  

God never fails to show us that we can find wonder on an ordinary day! 

 

Psalm 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Finding Wonder in the Colors of Sunshine

A male Pine Warbler stands on the Peanut Butter Tree Spread and declares "This is Mine!" 

 

Article and Photography by Norma Beaird

 

Finding wonder in the colors of sunshine!  Some days may be gray, but if we try hard enough, we can find sunshine on a cloudy day.  It's not always easy, but it's necessary to look for the positive aspects in a negative situation.  As you start out a brand new year, you may find that some days are more difficult than others.  Some days you may get up and feel as though you could walk a mile before your first cup of coffee. You bounce out of bed with a new zest for life; and, on other days, you need a forklift to move you off of the mattress.  It's on those "forklift" days that you need to find wonder in the color of sunshine.  

On this particular day, I found wonder in the beauty of God's sunshine and in the brightness of the male Pine Warbler.  I have learned that if you wake up and don't feel very energetic; or, you just plain feel bad, it really helps to walk outside and breathe in the fresh morning air.  It helps to feed the birds, refresh the birdbath, clean out the feeders and talk to your feathered friends!  Birdsong and sunshine have a way of invigorating a weary spirit, mind and body.   A "blue mood" can be instantly lifted with a call from a Carolina Chickadee or a visit from a Pine Warbler.  

Susie Baltimore (Oriole) is checking out the Orange Buffet while the Pine Warblers are working on the Peanut Butter Tree Spread!  Glorious!! 

 

As we pass 40 and 50 or.....anyway, you get the idea!  As we get older, bouncing out of bed isn't as easy as it was when we were 25 or 30.  Sometimes aches and pains or muscle cramps grab us as our feet hit the floor.  As well, this has an effect on our mind and emotions.  Therefore, as we age (sorry folks, but it's life), we need to find new and inventive ways to overcome the physical impacts of aging.  Now, I know that there are people who are older who have always been energetic and full of life.  They bounce out of bed with the wonder of a child on Christmas morning.  And then, there's the rest of us.  We're the ones who really need to walk outside and feed the birds.....while the coffee is perking!  I've always been a night owl and was told that I get my second wind at 7:00 p.m.  That's the truth.  I tease morning people that they catch the sun coming up and I catch it going down!  I sometimes get my most creative ideas as the clock strikes midnight.  

My grandmother was an inspiration to me.  She lived to be 90 years old and she thanked God for the blessing of life and health.  The last three years of her life, she was in a nursing home and was confined to a wheelchair.  However, before she ever went to a nursing home, she celebrated every year that God gave to her.  When ladies would refuse to tell others their age, she would gladly tell her age and give glory to God for allowing her to live that long.  She would say something like this, "Well, there's an alternative to getting older......"  And, she was right, the alternative was not breathing.  Therefore, she celebrated her age with joy and grace.  

So, the next time that you're feeling "old-er" or "blue" or "achy" or just plain tired, remember that the alternative is.... not breathing.  Every single day, we need to thank God for this glorious life that He has given to us, even if it requires two Advil and a cup of coffee.   Walk outside and hang up a bird feeder, fill up a birdbath with water, gaze at the cornflower blue sky, feel the breeze of the cool morning air and find wonder in the color of sunshine!!  

 

Psalm 136: 1 - 9

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endureth for ever.

4 To Him who alone doeth great wonders: for His mercy endureth for ever.

5 To Him that by wisdom made the heavens: for His mercy endureth for ever.

6 To Him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for His mercy endureth for ever.

7 To Him that made great lights: for His mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for His mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for His mercy endureth for ever.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Finding Wonder in the Baltimore Oriole

An immature female Baltimore Oriole visits Le Avian Cafe

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

My last post was about "Finding Wonder in the New Year".  

I have learned that sometimes "wonder" will find you. 

We had always hoped that a beautiful Baltimore Oriole would one day show up at the feeding station.  We had read in the book, Birds of Georgia, that the Baltimore Oriole is uncommon south of the Fall Line in the winter, whereas they had previously been more common.  The area south of the Fall Line is Georgia's Lower Coastal Plain, where we are located.  We had heard of sightings in Treutlen County, but had not seen any in our particular area.  Therefore, we knew that there was a good chance that one wouldn't show up, even though we continued to hope for a Baltimore Oriole sighting.  

One year, we saw an Orchard Oriole perched in a tree in the backyard, but never the Baltimore Oriole.  On January 2nd, I walked to the kitchen window and there she was.....a beautiful female Baltimore Oriole.  We grabbed the camera and began snapping away.  She seemed to adapt to the feeding station quite well as she began to eat the food on the buffet.  On the buffet, we had black oil sunflower, shelled sunflower and unsalted peanuts.  She would hop from one area to another, looking for food.  

We had read that Baltimore Orioles have two favorites at a feeding station, grape jelly and oranges.  We went to the grocery store and bought both.  It turns out that she really loved the orange.  For a few days, she was averaging a half an orange a day.  Now, she's moved on to our Peanut Butter Tree Spread.  I have to say that she is not a picky eater.  

Chef Curtis has prepared exquisite cuisine for Susie Baltimore...

Le Orange Shish Kabob with a delicate peppering of Le Ants

 

Chef Curtis' dish is a success!  

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone......

From Rocky, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Chip, the Chipping Sparrow!

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.