The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
    they sing among the branches

Psalm 104:12

First, a disclaimer: I deleted a lot of photographs to get this post to a manageable number. But I’m sorry, there’s only so much I can do! These birds are just too adorable, too interesting, too unique, too beautiful (and in some cases “ugly-cute”) not to give you the opportunity to see them.

So, in the interests of telling the story, I will fold some sample images into the text and then share a lot more in the “gallery” at the end. But I would recommend taking a few minutes to look through the entire collection – especially the remarkably expressive closeups like that of my friend here, the Spoonbill.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park on a beautiful cool winter’s day. Wow, just wow. It’s a bird sanctuary over near Scotland Neck, featuring extensive exhibits, aviaries, wetlands, boardwalks, viewing areas and a parklike atmosphere, populated with literally thousands of birds from hundreds of species – many of which are rare and endangered.

The history of the sanctuary is worth sharing another time. But for today I am all about the photographs.

I drove over with a couple of my friends from the men’s Bible study, John and Tom, stopping first to see the Nahalah Presbyterian Church (look for pics later), where Tom’s family worships.

John’s wife, Doris, had kindly packed us a delicious lunch so we were able to enjoy the bird park at a leisurely pace. And in the morning, with the temperatures still in the 40’s, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

To the ornithologists reading, the naturalists, the serious bird-watchers, the biologists, and to my wife Rebekah who reads every single sign in parks and museums, I apologize for not identifying these amazing birds. Yesterday was all about looking in wonder and delight, and I pray that you enjoy a little of both as you take a stroll through these photographs.

But I will be back to the park, ready to take both photographs and notes, especially as the new lens I had ordered did not arrive until after I got home, and it’s exactly the lens I need to up my bird-photography game!

I would like to end this post with a reminder from the New Testament to “think conservation” and to join the Apostle Paul in his desire that we begin to apply the principles of redemption to all God’s good Creation, that “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage and decay….”

In gratitude for this good life and all that I experience – DEREK

For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:18-21