A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....1-24-06....A Birders' Eye View

GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, Dolly Cali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

One beautiful spring morning shortly after we moved in to our home, my 3-year-old daughter pointed at a bird and said, "Look Mommy." There on the tree was one of the most beautiful birds I'd ever seen--one I had never noticed before. I now know that it was a Redbelly Woodpecker. We were so thrilled to see such a beautiful bird in our yard, we jumped in the car to the store and we bought feeders and food for the birds.

Since that day, backyard birdwatching has been a passion of mine which I have a combined with my passion for gardening. Now my daugher and I garden for the birds, and my yard has become a place for everything from the common, but still beautiful, Robin to rare Warblers, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, and flocks of Chickadees.

I’m not an expert on birds or gardening. I’m always learning. I’d like to share the wonderful facts and stories I have learned in future threads. So many of us love spending time with nature, please share your stories of anything you do that gives you peace and enjoyment. Here are a few pictures from my backyard.

       Redbelly Woodpecker                 Blue Jay

Flicker Woodpecker     CatBird       GoldFinches

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck". Emma Goldman

Recently, my kids and I took a trip to a bird preserve. This is a tranquil place with easy-to-follow trails. Once out of the wooded paths, there's a trail to follow and you reach the beach and have magnificent views.

The truly unique part of this preserve is, the birds will land on the palm of your hand and take seed. You will know when the birds are there because the birds will call to you. Holding a few sunflower seeds and nuts, they love the peanuts in winter, out in your palm and wait for the chickadees to land on your hand and grab the seeds. It's incredible to experience a small delicate Chickadee, Nuthatch or Titmouse picking through seed in your hand. This is a very special place for my kids and me.

Woods Path to Beach                   A View From Beach

Chickadee                                     Downy Woodpecker

Chickadees on my daughter's and son's hand.

Mallard Ducks

A Rabbit and Robin, they think we can't see them. :)

Nuthatch                                     Tufted Titmouse

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."    Henry David Thoreau

12-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #14

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Diver Dave]

I think it's funny that I pinged myself.

It's a good thing you did. You may have missed a spectacular menagerie.

Beautiful Presentation!

[MEG33]

*Carolina Wren*

I love these little ones...So busy!

[Diver Dave]

KEWL, Billie.
For three years in a row, out neighbor has had a nest in her front door wreath. Spring's around the corner - we'll see if they make it four in a row.

[Mama_Bear]

Oh, GeeBee, Billie was right!!! Your post is wonderful! She did not exaggerate. You did a lovely job of presenting your birds.

Birds are a passion of mine too! Tomorrow I will find some photos of the baby Scrub Jays that were born in our lemon tree a couple years ago and became peanut dependent on us. We turned them into terrible little beggars. LOL. It was so much fun to watch their individual personalities emerge. They looked identical, but we could tell them apart by their behavior. One was very brave and demanding, we called him "Precocious", his siblings would always hang back. They never did become quite as tame as Precocious.

Right now, our migrating Goldfinches have arrived for their brief winter visit before moving on to wherever they go. They love our fountain and a flock of them can be seen most mornings frolicking in the icy water. They are such playful little things.

My husband has some photographs of our hummingbirds too - I will try to locate some of them. I keep four feeders out all year for them. Even now, in the middle of winter, we have an occasional hummingbird come to the feeder by the kitchen window.

I'll be back tomorrow with a few photos of my feathered friends.

[MEG33]

#27 was to you..I just noticed I hit the wrong post!

[Kate of Spice Island]

Hello and thanks for the ping...

[Majie Purple]

That Owl Ping is t...hoo...cute!

[Majie Purple]

Sweet! Thanks...

[The Mayor]

January 24, 2006

A Bad Day?

Read:
Psalm 118:15-24

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. —Psalm 118:24

Bible In One Year: Exodus 9-11; Matthew 15:21-39

Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, has developed a formula to determine the worst day of the year. One factor is the time elapsed since Christmas, when the holiday glow has given way to the reality of credit-card bills. Gloomy winter weather, short days, and the failure to keep New Year's resolutions are also a part of Dr. Arnall's calculations. Last year, January 24 received the dubious distinction of being "the most depressing day of the year."

Christians are not immune to the effects of weather and post-holiday letdown, but we do have a resource that can change our approach to any day. Psalm 118 recounts a list of difficulties including personal distress (v.5), national insecurity (v.10), and spiritual discipline (v.18), yet it goes on to declare, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v.24).

The psalm is filled with a celebration of God's goodness and mercy in the midst of trouble and pain. Verse 14 comes as a shout of triumph: "The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."

Even when circumstances hang a sign on our calendar saying "Bad Day!" the Creator enables us to thank Him for the gift of life and to receive each day with joy. —David McCasland

"What a day to be alive!"
A friend has often said to me;
And I respond with head held high:
"Alive in Christ, yes, that's the key." —Hess

Welcome each day as a gift from God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Has God Loved Us?

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Diver Dave
LOL, Thanks! :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Beautiful Meg!
Carolina Wren's are always busy. LOL :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Mama_Bear Thank you so much. I was nervous. :) I have so much to learn but it's amazing how much Billie has already taught me. :) The kind words have put such a big smile on my face.

My sister had given me a bird behavior book as a gift. It's incredible to read that each Blue Jay does have one distinctive mark and they can tell each other apart.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Kate of Spice Island :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Purple Mountains Maj
How are you? Thanks :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning The Mayor
I always get some post holiday let down. When all the decorations are put away, the times with family and loved ones, comes and goes so fast. An excellent teaching to remember. - Welcome each day as a gift from God
Thank you.

[GodBlessUSA]

I also wanted to say, I look so forward to you picture of our feathered friends. :)

[The Mayor]

It seems to hit everybody.. I suppose looking at all the Bills that are now due has something to do with it..

Beautiful job, I love all the birdie pics.. : )

[GodBlessUSA]

Yes, the bills sure don't help. :) We received our electric bill and I was shocked. Did we really need all those Christmas lights outside?

Thank You :)

[sweetliberty]

Good morning! You did a beautiful job on the thread. Can't stick around, but will ping the bird list.

.

[MEG33]

That cardinal picture is gorgeous!