What is Miss Elsie thinking?
"Here I am....having lunch with my new friend, Carly, the Cattle Egret, and along comes the paparazzi.
When will they give us some privacy? We have to catch up on the latest gossip!"
Photography by Norma Beaird
Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
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.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has become a regular winter visitor at Le Avian Cafe.
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Article by Norma Beaird
As we continue our "Finding Wonder" series, I want to talk about finding wonder in the midst of chaos. In the world we live in today, a world of confusion, chaos and calamity, we sometimes find ourselves waking up each morning with what seems to be a dark cloud over our head. Instead of waking up to hope, faith and a new outlook on life, we find that the messages of hope and faith are replaced with messages of doom and gloom. This is especially true if you get a steady diet of television news and online newspapers. And, it's even more true if you are constantly watching the election coverage.
Wisdom has been replaced with foolishness.
Politicians, scandals, tragedies, shootings, drug trafficking and all manner of crimes cover the airwaves like green pollen covers the front porch. Everywhere you turn is bad news. Consequently, it is not inaccurate to say that there is a spiritual dark cloud over this country and over our towns and communities. Somewhere along the way, something happened, and it wasn't good.
Morality was replaced with hedonism.
One thing lead to another, and here we are....
Neighbors aren't neighbors anymore. Generosity of spirit has been replaced with selfish motives. Crime is running rampant, even in the quiet rural communities. The workplace has become a place of fear and dread. A classroom has become a place where people are forced to defend themselves. Drug trafficking has become the new income stream. Churches have become more concerned with money and power than they are with souls. A country that once took its identity in the comfort and peace of freedom is turning into an overbearing police state.
Moderation was replaced with indulgence; and now,
optimism has been replaced with anger.
.....but thankfully, we have the birds.....
Rocky, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, is looking for Chef Curtis' famous Peanut Butter Tree Spread.
Thank God for the birds. When it seems that chaos and pandemonium is breaking loose around you and that dream of peace and quiet is relegated to days gone by, we can look outside of our circumstances and listen to the melodious sounds of bird song. We can see the woodpeckers pecking away on the old pecan tree and drumming on the barn to attract their mate. Even though chaos reigns supreme, the birds continue to behave as birds - singing, pecking, mating, nesting and feeding their young. If the environment becomes hostile and threatens their sanctuary, they move on to greener pastures and continue doing what God created them to do. Even though conditions change around them, they take cover and continue to behave as birds.
Sometimes, we need to take a lesson from our feathered friends. After all, God's beautiful winged creatures can teach us a lot about life. No matter what, birds continue to build their nest, feed their family; and, most importantly, they continue to spread their wings and fly. If they detect danger or a predator, they instantly respond to the threat and move to a place of safety. They are always singing or chirping or calling, but they are always aware. They don't give up who they are as God's winged wonders, but they live life with both efficiency and awareness. They keep on.....keeping on. In other words, they don't give up.
We can find wonder in the beauty of birds, a wonder that replaces the anxiety of a world in chaos.
No one will ever accuse the mainstream media of providing us with a feeling of peace and safety. However, God has provided us with a way to calm our fears and ease our pain. Life is not easy. Sometimes, it's just overwhelmingly difficult. Still, we can find solace in the words of the Bible and in the fact that no matter what happens, God is still in control. When we walk outside and see the birds in flight and hear the calls of the wild, we are reminded that the Creator of all things bright and beautiful will protect us and give us peace, if we will slow down and allow Him to bring tranquility into a world of chaos.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you,
that in Me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good;
let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
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.
Merry Christmas Everyone......
From Rocky, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Chip, the Chipping Sparrow!
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
The Great Egret catching fish on the Altamaha River
Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area, Jeff Davis County, Georgia
Photography and Article by Norma Beaird
Every once in a while, we write an article about this...
A little over a week ago and on Sunday after church, we decided to ride down to the Altamaha River and the Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area located in Jeff Davis County, Georgia. We wanted to see if migration had brought us a few more birds to the river.
As we were driving by the river, we saw a Great Egret doing some fishing. In the picture above, the egret had caught three small fish in his bill. He was fishing on the island in the middle of the river. It was a blessing to see this magnificent creation of God and escape from this daily grind called life. No matter how stressed we are about life's daily struggles, the birds keep on....keeping on.
We can learn lessons from nature.
We can find peace in natural surroundings. So many times, we become entangled with the cares of this world, the frustrations, the disappointments, the waiting, the frightening decisions and uncertainty of the future. We become entangled in this thing called life; however, it shouldn't be an entanglement, it should be a journey that we live with excitement and hope.
Many times, people are caught in the daily "brass and glass" culture where the only thing we see are the insides of buildings, offices or cubicles. We rush to work, rush to get home, and dread the cycle all over again. No matter if we're going to work, the doctor's office or the mall, we're in a hurry to get things done (that reminds me of that famous song by the group Alabama).
In the midst of this mad rush, we go to the grocery store, pay the bills, cook the dinner and check the mail. At some point, we collapse on the bed or the couch and attempt to free our mind by watching "Dancing With the Stars" or a college football game. We may check out the latest news or selfies on Facebook.
...and then we miss the Canada Geese leaving for their evening roosting location.
A silhouette of Canada Geese
We spend our lives attempting to live the "American Dream", burning the candle at both ends, and then we wonder why we're exhausted and frustrated all of the time. The "American Dream" is exhausting because it requires you to be successful, have a fancy education, make lots of money, buy an expensive home and stay current on all of the latest gadgets. It's exhausting and costly. It's costly because many times we neglect the most important things in life that God has freely given to us.
Even though work and our daily activities are very important, we need to spend time recharging our emotional and spiritual batteries. It's important to walk outside and breathe in the cool morning air. It's important to identify bird song. It's important to look at something besides a contract, a calendar, a computer or a parking lot. We overwhelm ourselves with full schedules,
...and we miss breathing fresh air and spending time among the tall pines trees.
The boardwalk at the Towns Bluff Park & Heritage Center in Bullard Creek WMA
Jeff Davis County, Georgia
Many parents spend unbelievable amounts of money to take their children to Disney World; and yet, they never teach them about a Northern Cardinal or introduce them to the beauty of a state park. The child knows Mickey Mouse, but couldn't recognize a Blue Jay if it landed on the front porch. Sad.
Birdwatching is a science and a spiritual experience. We learn about the taxonomy, behavior and habitat of a bird, but we also learn spiritual lessons of faith and provision. In watching birds, we learn about migration and the times of year that birds travel north to south and vice versa. In watching birds, we also learn about the weather and how the weather controls bird movement in an area.
Birdwatching is free, natural, educational and spiritually uplifting. Disney World is expensive, artificial, culturally insignificant in the greater scope of things and physically exhausting. Nature represents reality while Disney represents a fantasy.
The American culture is teaching our children to work--work--work-- spend--spend--spend, work some more, and spend even more. It becomes second nature to take hard-earned money and go stare at an underpaid employee in a mouse costume. And yes, our family made the pilgrimage to Disney World and waved at Mickey. However, we also drove through the Central Florida orange groves and breathed in that heavenly citrus scent.
It's not a sin to go to Disney World, but it's destructive to the spirit to be unbalanced in our daily life. We need time to rest, reflect, pray and free our minds from the chains of cultural demands. It's a lovely testimony of the blessings of God to be able to work hard and be prosperous, but money becomes an idol when it's not balanced with the most important blessings from Heaven:
God, family, love, faith and an appreciation and respect for God's creation.
We can sum this up by saying this....Life is beautiful.
God Loves You.
Faith is Real.
Family is Important.
Nature is Invigorating.
Don't miss the joy.
Don't become so busy that you miss the Waxing Gibbous Moon.
Our prayer for today:
God, we thank you for your many blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Even when things are not perfect and we must deal with trials and tribulations, we praise you because you're always near. Increase our faith and give us a positive outlook on life so that we may be a Godly example to others.
Help us to be ever mindful of Your many blessings and give us the wisdom to slow down and rest, and develop a deep appreciation for the lovely natural surroundings that you have given to us for free.
Thank you for your love and thank you for your son Jesus Christ, who gave His all so that we might be spiritually free. Help us to implement balance in our lives so that we may lead a more productive life.
Please strengthen with relationship to You so that we may be reminded daily that our spiritual condition is more important than the acquisition of money and a lifestyle of materialism. Guide us and lead us into a path of righteousness so that we may be a light in a world of darkness.
In Jesus' name we pray.....Amen!
Psalm 96
O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.
3 Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.
4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come into His courts.
9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 Before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
If I were a member of the avian world, I would probably be a Northern Flicker, just because the look of leopard print is so exotic and beautiful. This is a female and she was one of the most fashionable guests who flew into town to visit Le Avian Rural Day Spa.
Photography by Norma Beaird
The Northern Flicker will keep you on your toes. When I pushed the button on the camera, she was still sitting on the birdbath. When I looked at the picture, I had caught her in flight. Now that's fast!
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
The light and medium blue on the map are migrating birds.
The yellow and green is precipitation.
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Article by Norma Beaird
For the past few days, and especially since Hurricane Joaquin moved north in the Atlantic Ocean, bird migration has picked up again. We've had new visitors to the backyard, which is actually Le Avian Cafe & Rural Day Spa.
We've seen at least 60 Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Phoebe (Flycatcher), Eastern Wood-Pewee (Flycatcher) and a Palm Warbler (Wood Warblers). Birds are moving South and quite a few have flown down to rural Georgia. There are some birds who are noted to live in Georgia full-time; however, we may only see them during migration or during weather changes. Even though the Eastern Wood-Pewee is a common breeding resident statewide from March to November, we usually see him sporadically in this area of Georgia.
The Eastern Phoebe is a common migrant and winter resident in the Georgia Coastal Plain from August to April, with the highest numbers from October to March. They are a member of the Flycatcher family.
(Source: Birds of Georgia)
NEXRAD Map by Dr. Paul Hurtado, University of Nevada - Reno.
The bird migration is indicated by the blue bursts.
A cold front was coming; and, on October 9th, migrating birds covered the right half of the United States.
The Eastern Wood-Pewee loops out from exposed perches to snatch flying insects in midair.
This technique is often referred to as "flycatching" or "hawking".
(Source: Birds of Georgia)
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
Photography by Norma Beaird
We are happy to announce that our most royal Northern Cardinal, the Duke of Soperton, returned to Montgomery County to dine on the veranda at Le Avian Cafe. He heard about our most popular lunch special served by Avian Chefs Curtis and Norma Beaird (that would be us).
On today's menu:
Le Black Oil de la Sunflower
served with a side of fresh Safflower & finely chopped Unsalted Peanuts
This is topped off with fresh sparkling water
from the Le Hosepipe Springs of rural Georgia
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
The Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived, thanks to migration and cooler weather.
In this picture, there are approximately 42 (mostly male) birds.
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Recipe by Curtis Beaird
Since migration is in full swing and birdwatching is even more exciting right now, we need to keep our energy up with some great recipes. One really tasty recipe is Bird Watcher's Zucchini. Now....why the name Bird Watcher's Zucchini? Because, just like Bird Watcher's Guacamole and the Bird Watcher's Power Breakfast, it is bird watchers who are cooking the dish!
Curtis has come up with a fabulous way to cook zucchini in a cast iron skillet and we want to share the recipe with you, our fellow bird watchers! It's healthy, but best of all, it tastes great!
Bird Watcher’s Zucchini in a Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients:
---Smaller Zucchini cut up in about 1/4 inch rounds or a little thicker
---The smaller Zucchini, the more they can stand the intense heat without breaking down & becoming too soft
---Extra Virgin Olive Oil
---Organic Naturally Refined Coconut Oil (for Medium to High Heat)
---Half a tablespoon of Sesame Seed Oil
---Sea Salt
---Freshly Ground Malabar Pepper
---Old Thompson's Orange & Lemon Pepper
And now.....for the fun part!
Before the zucchini are placed in the cast iron skillet, add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Sesame Seed Oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.
While the skillet is warming up to medium—medium high, add about three twists of the Sea Salt. Carefully place the zucchini in the oil.
Add Old Thompson’s Orange & Lemon Pepper, plus more Sea Salt and freshly ground Malabar Pepper (to your liking).
The zucchini are cooked only on one side. They’ll cook in less than five minutes. The goal is to leave some crunch in the zucchini and not turn it to mush. Check a few of the zucchini to see which ones have turned brown. Once they’re turning brown, they are done.
Then, flip the zucchini and heat and steam the other side. Don’t brown both sides so that you won’t have mushy zucchini.
Here it is....some of the best Bird Watcher's Zucchini in the world!
Now this is some good eatin’!!
Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
© 2006 - 2023 Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
