Learning to Speak Chickadee
The Dee-Meter is the number of dees a chickadee assigns to a given threat. In our own worry, why not ask, "How many dees would I give that?"
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the gospel according to birds
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- Jul 2
- 7 min
Preparing a Place for the Prothonotary Warbler
I've been assisting in a warbler nest box study and reflecting on the work of Jesus in preparing a place for us. Also, there's lightning...
535 views
- May 29
- 6 min
Counterfeit Birds: The Disappointments of Birding at the Movies
The geese in Dances with Wolves are cranes. The ducks in D2: Mighty Ducks are geese. How do the directors sleep at night?
773 views
- Apr 23
- 6 min
Breakfast and Kookaburras: Did Jesus Have a Sense of Humor?
God gives us great evidence of the humor and wit of our Savior. For starters, consider the ostrich, the kookaburra, and a fish breakfast.
760 views
- Mar 7
- 4 min
He Will Know Them By Their Feet
Grimy feet are a picture of all the hidden mess of our hearts. It's hard to admit our dirt. But we have a savior who knows us by our feet.
566 views
- Feb 24
- 5 min
Praying with Kingfisher Persistence
What can a luckless kingfisher teach us about the power of persistent prayer, even to the level of "shameless audacity"?
680 views
- Nov 24, 2022
- 6 min
The Cardinal Rule of Christmas
How did the cardinal score such a lucrative Christmas endorsement deal? There are at least three good reasons.
1,294 views
- Oct 1, 2022
- 8 min
Cowbird: Laying Eggs in the Wrong Nest
Birdwatchers have long villainized the squirrel, but there's a darker evil lurking in your backyard. And it wants to pawn off an egg on you.
639 views
- Aug 17, 2022
- 6 min
Pileated Woodpecker: Words That Build or Destroy
A strong beak can build a grand nest. It can also crank up the volume. Do we use our words to build a safe place, or just to overpower?
903 views
- Aug 10, 2022
- 5 min
Acorn Woodpecker: Words That Keep Record
An Acorn Woodpecker never forgets. Staring at a woodpecker granary makes you consider the sorts of words you’re storing up and filing away.
357 views
- Aug 3, 2022
- 4 min
Sapsucker: Words That Wound or Heal
A sapsucker uses its mouth to wound a tree and trap its prey. A simple word from our own human mouths can accomplish the same.
313 views
- Jul 28, 2022
- 4 min
Woodpecker: Taming the Beak
“No human being can tame the tongue.” But what about a woodpecker? The first in a 4-part series on woodpeckers and the power of words.
519 views
- May 29, 2022
- 5 min
An Open Letter to Thoughtlessly-Named Birds
Inexplicably, a naturalist looked at you and thought to himself, "Meh. I’ve seen better." And so you got branded: Common. Lesser. Least.
656 views
- Apr 28, 2022
- 7 min
The Humblest Bird in America
A bird that ranks 200th out of 200 on the bird-obnoxiousness scale might be worth a look for those wrestling with their own pride.
872 views
- Mar 7, 2022
- 9 min
Birdnados and Murmurations: Blessed Be the Tie That Binds
The flock makes the ordinary extraordinary. Swifts and starlings find their beauty in an invisible connectedness, like the Church.
1,118 views
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