Trumpeter Blues

                            Trumpeter Swan

                            Bald Eagle (juv)

                            Hooded Merganser

Carolina Wren

Today was my first birding adventure of 2014. I wasn't disappointed to say the least. There were thousands of Snow Geese. Bald Eagles ruled the skies. Hooded Mergansers, Canvasbacks, and Trumpeter Swans brought much needed HD color to the landscape. God is good and the birds are an ever constant reminder.

Red-winged Blackbirds

American White Pelican

Now that the hunting season is somewhat over at Eagle Bluffs, I thought it was high-time to make a day of birding there once again. Numerous Snow Geese, Mallards, Northern Shovelers, and Gadwall. My highlights were viewing thousands of Red-winged Blackbirds and over 200+ American White Pelicans. I felt so microscopic in that vast conservation area with so much to see. I didn't mind; I was there walking around in the light of the Lord.....and at peace.

As life's lived in 2013, may we acknowledge The Lord and return worship that's due to Him alone. He blesses in such ways that, at first glance, we may not understand. Our finite understanding does not limit or change who He is. He is "I AM".

Pine Siskin

Harris's Sparrow

Lots of variety in regards to sparrows at Bradford farms recently. I headed out to the 'North Brush Pile' to locate and id both Harris's Sparrow and (Gambels) White crowned Sparrow. Both are lifers for me. Enjoy.

Harris's Sparrow (female)

                                    Belted Kingfisher

                                     Belted Kingfisher

Red-winged Blackbird (f)

Today {July 13, 2012} was a memorial outing at Eagle Bluffs CA. It was a year ago that my "papa" passed away due to colon cancer. Although it was rather hot, I didn't mind the heat because numerous Red-winged blackbirds; egrets; herons; and Belted Kingfishers kept me company.

Caspian and Wilson's Phalarope fanfare

                                      Caspian Tern

                                           Great Egret

Lesser Yellowlegs

After the quite lengthy rain in the morning, I took a chance on what looked like a 3-5 hour dry spell to Eagle Bluffs CA in Missouri. What an array of birds. I saw good numbers of American Avocet; Great Egret; Wilson's Phalarope; Northern Rough-winged swallow and Yellow warblers....[many lifers for me today; THANK YOU LORD!]

Pectoral Delights

                              American White Pelican

                                 Pectoral Sandpiper

Pectoral Sandpipers

Greater Yellow-legs

Pectoral Sandpipers were so much fun and quite amazement to me. Very tight flying in their small group, like a ball suspended from the ground-traveling with supersonic speed. They did manage to put up with my camera intrusions...Other highlights were 3-Bonaparte Gulls and approx 15 Spotted Sandpipers with Northern Shovelers in the possibly thousands.

Pelicans dropping from the sky

It was a rather boisterous day at Eagle Bluffs. Thank the Lord for the marble blue skies and warm sunshine. The raptors sure had a field day in  the sky riding the thermals. One of the biggest thrills was seeing about 150+ pelicans soaring with no care in the world.  I had so hoped to see the 3-6 Sandhill cranes BUT TO NO AVAIL. I guess my timing was a little off. Still, it was a good day to get out and praise the Lord.

                             American White Pelican                                      

                                 Green winged Teal

Red Tailed Hawk (juv)

American Coot

Canvasback

Northern Goshawk (juv)

Northern Shoveler

Bald Eagle

It was such a fantastic wintery sunshiny day with my wife at Eagle Bluffs CA. I love this place with all its diversity in watery habitats. Avain life beckoned at every turn (either on foot or car). Jesus certainly spoke to our hearts about the wonders of His Creatorship through the calls, songs, colors and personalities of the birds.

Bald Eagle time

I've seen the Bald eagles flying around all over Callaway and Boone County in recent months. This is as closest that I could get to one. I got the shot and that is all that matters, despite the grayish cloudy day (not the greatest to take birding pics in). The Lord makes the promise that those who faithfully follow Him will not grow weary in life but mount up wings like eagles and fly high.

Barred Owl Surprise

The day after Christmas turned out to be rather great and surprising despite the sleet rain and dreary gray clouds. Near Bradford Farms, MO, I literally ran into a very welcoming Barred Owl. It's nice to see the fingerprints of God.

Ruddy Splash

It turned out to be a pleasant afternoon at Dixie Lake CA. The sun came out just in time to enjoy a male Ruddy Duck and "his harem". I recently checked the lake to see if they were still there. All accounted for except for the male.

Goodbye Fall 11'

Fall is just about to end. The leaves--vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, once reminders of the fingerprints of God are now fallen. My backyard friends seemingly pay no attention BUT some have taken flight for warmer weather.

"Hummy"

My wife decided to put up a hummingbird feeder or two in the backyard. She takes great delight in seeing them. This Ruby throated hummingbird guards the feeder like crazy mad. Others make valiant attempts to drink also...at their risk of being dive bombed.

House Wren Surprise

I believe that we are so blessed with a great variety of birds around our house. Never a day goes by without the morning greetings of our resident house wren. God is good to us in very simple yet powerful ways.

Bradford farm: April Spring

~Savannah Sparrow~
~ Red-winged Blackbird (m)~
~ Red-winged Blackbird (f)~
~ Lesser Yellowlegs~

It was a short but quite eventful time at Bradford Farms, MO. I managed to run across a Wilson's snipe; Eastern Osprey; Horned lark; American Golden Plover; Lesser Yellowlegs and loads of Red-winged Blackbirds. Praise goes to the Risen Lord Jesus!!

Spring Eastern Phoebe

My wife & I were greeted one sunny Saturday in April. His 'peculiar' call seemed to captivate our attention quite easily.

Winter surprises

Wild Turkey (Little Dixie CA)

Eastern Bluebird

I literally ran across these characters: Wild Turkey, nearby Little Dixie CA and the Bluebird family near one of several stone walk on-bridges saddling Stinson Creek.