I have always had an interest in nature and God’s creations. The beauty of a sunset, a Milky Way, a beautiful landscape or an animal or large bird of interest. Since buying a stronger zoom lens with the combination of a crop sensor camera, I have been able to open up a new-to-me world of photography. The subjects lately have been smaller birds. In the past, I was not able to get a very good picture of any small bird that was a long distance away. My new lens and camera have made it possible to get some nice shots of birds I never knew existed.

On a recent trip to the Texas Hill Country, I visited South Llano River State Park. I sat in four different bird blinds for about forty-five minutes each. It was the middle of the spring migration period. I was amazed at the colors and variety of the birds I saw and photographed at each blind. I had no idea what the names of the birds were. I just listened to the experienced birders name them as they landed near the water features of each blind. I later used an app on my phone to identify from the back screen on my camera.

When I arrived back home on the Texas Gulf Coast, I started to look for birding sites near me. I decided to try my luck at the Anahuac Wildlife Refuge. I had heard there were some barn owls discovered in a nest there. I found the owls and also found two blinds with water features. On both trips I made to the refuge, I found numerous birds and had no idea what they were. I just knew they had more color and pattern than I had ever seen.

While on my photography outings, I met a lot of very nice birders who were more than willing to converse and share their knowledge of the species we saw. With the new app on our phones, my wife and I are enjoying watching the birds and listening to their sounds as the app identifies each bird’s specific chirp or call. We have even noticed certain behavior patterns according to the noises they make.

Is it that I am getting older and appreciate the creations God has placed around me, or is it the fact that I am retired and have more time on my hands? lol For what ever reason, I have enjoyed the spring migration and the many fascinating birds I have been able to photograph with my new lens. Who knew?

Take time from your busy schedule, be still and look around. You might be surprised at what you see and hear. I have included some of my favorite pictures I have taken this spring. I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for reading my blog! God bless you.

Tim Lumpkin

Isaiah 40:28