Posted at 03:10 AM in Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Nature | Permalink | Comments (0)
Great Egret
The Light Through the Trees
Photography and Poem by Norma Beaird
Sometimes, in the midst of the trees and the brush,
over the cloudy and dark murky water,
there appears a beautiful and bright, white light.
It's in the distance, just waiting for you to finally see it,
this beautiful white light shines brightly to guide you
as you migrate through life's troubled journeys.
Though your wings may feel heavy, and the flight is so long,
you will soar through the sky and know that God's love
will strengthen you through the wind and the rain.
You may arrive to your destination quite exhausted and soaked,
but spread your wings and shake off the water.
You've made it. The Lord never leaves us in the storm alone.
Copyright 2022, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Posted at 10:44 PM in Bird Watchers, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Encouragement, God, Storms | Permalink | Comments (2)
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.
Posted at 10:01 PM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching, Blessings, God, Hope | Permalink | Comments (0)
Photography by Curtis Beaird
Poem by Norma Beaird
"Birds of the Bible Series"
He waits on the fence post,
this pensive Black Vulture,
he knows it is dying,
the modern day culture.
When lust has destroyed,
those ruled by their greed
he'll wait by the roadside,
as they will soon bleed.
The traitors and sinners,
and keepers of gold,
have looted and stolen,
and traded their souls.
For treasures and mansions,
and white invitations,
for grandeur and power,
and sinful persuasions.
The land they have stolen,
from great tribal neighbors,
the slaves they've mistreated,
who gave them their labor.
The vulture is waiting,
as rich men buy castles,
while poor men are struggling,
with every day hassles.
The vain heathen pleasures,
reap comforts a while,
and sleep-walking mortals,
applaud wealth and style.
But dark clouds are rising,
all over this culture,
The sins of the spirit,
unleashing the vultures.
But blessed are those,
who work for the Lord,
and honor their Savior,
Who gives the rewards.
For those who continue,
to hurt those in need
will soon reap a harvest,
of sorrow and grief.
So turn to the Savior,
oh sad, sinful culture,
escape the invasion,
of waiting black vultures.
Revelation 19: 17 - 21
King James Version
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
***Psalm 37 also details the plight of the wicked. God does not appreciate evil men who mistreat people. He will deal with them, as shown in this Psalm of King David.
Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Posted at 07:30 PM in Bird Watchers, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birds of the Bible, Birdwatching, Poem, Poetry | Permalink | Comments (0)
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.
Posted at 11:12 PM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching | Permalink | Comments (0)
Jet the Red-bellied Woodpecker and his daughter, Jetta, the juvenile, visit Le Avian Cafe.
Photography by Norma Beaird
Jet is feeding Jetta the unsalted peanuts prepared by Chef Curtis at Le Avian Cafe.
"Papa, I'm not finished eating! May I have some more peanuts?"
Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Posted at 03:27 PM in Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching | Permalink | Comments (0)
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.
Posted at 12:45 AM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching, Blessings, Faith, Nature | Permalink | Comments (0)
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.
Posted at 01:16 AM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching, Nature | Permalink | Comments (0)
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.
Posted at 02:08 AM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching | Permalink | Comments (0)
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.
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.
Posted at 11:58 PM in Bird Species, Bird Watchers, Birder, Birding, Birds, Birds of Georgia, Birdwatching, Nature | Permalink | Comments (0)
© 2006 - 2023 Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.