Continuing on in our unit on birds, we made this very simple recycled bird feeder out of a soda bottle. It has only been up for a week or so now and we’ve had to fill it numerous times and it seems to attract even more birds than the large, expensive gazebo one we purchased a few years back. I like this as it attracts the smallest of the birds and I can see it from my chair.
For as long as I can recall, I have had a fascination with birds. They are such a joy to watch and to listen to in the thicket while I take my late afternoon walks. Birds also are a tangible reminder to me that God cares for them and will certainly take care of me. I’ve had that strong thought come to me at various times in life–when I was laid off my first good teaching position, when I first was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and when that weird stomach virus just would not go away and turned out to be a pregnancy...you get the point. I find them comforting and reassuring when my emotions are ready to take flight. They are chirping little characters that remind me of God’s presence and provision.
This February 12-15 marks the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count in North America. It is organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and invites anyone who has interest in birds, old and young, to celebrate and collect data in their particular area. They have great lesson plans, print outs and information on their site to assist in this and only ask in return that you input your data on types of birds and vital numbers counted in the location you live in. It will be our 7th year of participating and is a good way to brush up on bird identification skills. I feel we were much more accurate when my son participated with us, but us girls are preparing with anticipation. It becomes a bright spot during these bleaker days of winter.
"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
Luke 12:24 NIV
4 comments:
Thank you for this post, especially the backyard bird count.
To be honest, a lot of the time, birds are a total exercise in faith. Except for the largest city fowl such as pigeons and crows, my ability even to see birds has waxed and waned numerous times over my life depending on eyeglasses match, eye conditions, and whatever is happenng in nature.
For my trouble I am blessed with many friends who are birdwatchers and are too happy to watch birds and tell me about their lifetime bird lists and other such milestones.
We have gazillions of birds most of the time but especially now when there is so much gum blossom around for the nectar eaters. I too love to watch our small friends & we have done the id & numbers thing for research. It was fun & I know I was much more aware of how many different species were round when I was doing that.
The constant sound of bird song makes me happy. It is such a comforting sound.
This post really touched me tonight and so did the verse at the end. Circumstances have Joel and I struggling and a bit beaten up ~ this verse is one we can claim at this time of difficulty.
We usually have cardinals spend the year here in our back yards, but they are gone this year...I miss their bright color on our drab landscape....
What a fun project for you all....
RantWomen, I love your honesty and thank you for visiting me here.
Ganeida how I'd love to get a glimpse at the birds and the world you live in!
Glad I'm not the only one that finds them comforting. So sorry to hear about you and Joel struggling Renee. I will keep you both in prayer. The verse has proven to be truth for me...am glad to hear that you claim it too.
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