Birders Are Not Murderers (An Open Letter to Siri)
Dear Siri. Birders are not murderers. I really feel as though I’m enunciating properly. Perhaps you’re taking a theological approach to this? Is that it?
Ornitheology
Ornitheology
Latest posts
My Best Worst Birding Adventure
I usually write with the conviction that faith elevates the practice of birdwatching. But sometimes faith can sabotage it. Thus begins the tragic tale of my best worst birding adventure.
A Birder Reviews Wingspan: Americas Expansion
If you sometimes prefer birding from an easy chair, and you haven’t yet discovered the board game Wingspan, you really should. It’s the perfect board game accompaniment to your binoculars. And the new Wingspan Americas expansion makes it even better.
An Ode to My Nest
An intro to my family, and an explanation of the dedication to my book. If each of my kids were a bird, these are the birds they'd be...
How Not to Build a Swift Tower
Jesus taught, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost…?” That goes ditto for bird towers, and so I offer this cautionary tale.
Hatching a Book: The Story Behind Considering Sparrows
Wherein the author offers a glimpse into the origins of his soon-to-arrive literary debut.
Hedges, Helmets, and the Gila Woodpecker
Why do Christians often pray for a “hedge of protection”? Why are we told to "put on the armor of God"? To better understand, consider the Gila Woodpecker.
Perspectives from (Not Adorable) Puffins
It is impossible to write a post on puffins without using the word “adorable.” But I will try. Also, let's talk about the callouses of community.
Zugunruhe, and the Rite of Sending Your Kid Off to College
Birds know when it's time for the journey, exhibiting a restless anxiety to fly. Maybe they know the seasons better than your average college dad.
Celtic Adventures with Ornitheologists
It's hard to explain what a birdwatching-and-the-Christian-faith retreat looks like. Perhaps you should experience it for yourself.
A Skylark Sabbatical
The skylark’s song keeps going as it hoists itself skyward, until the bird is just a distant speck in the sky. But it's my summer mascot for a different reason.
A Day Without Flamingos
Change is inevitable, and sometimes the things we seek after have these pesky things called wings. How do we savor the wonder and pursue the permanent?
Eagles, Fowl, and a Savior with Wings
The mercy of Jesus is a pair of wings, "as a hen gathers her chicks" (Matthew 23:37). What does this mean? Is it a Malleefowl or a Mombrella?
Seeing the World Like a Great Gray Owl
A Great Gray Owl knows there's life under the barren surface. It can see without seeing. How do we "fix our eyes on what is unseen?"
The Magpie in the Mirror
A riddle for you: My dog barks at it playfully. My cat stares at it dumbly. The cardinals in my yard attack it aggressively. What is "it"?
Playing Roulette with a Snowy Owl
The short-term advantages of a bodyguard become the long-term threat of becoming dinner. What happens when we "make friends with our sin"?
Goldfinch: Late is Right on Time
The goldfinch has been living a carefree summer, taking life a day at a time. But they're not lazy; two months late is right on time.
Getting Started in Birdwatching: Choosing Binoculars
Bad news: hobbies can be expensive. Good news: birdwatching is cheap; all you need is a decent set of binoculars. Here's what to look for.
Getting Started in Birdwatching: Learn to Describe a Bird
Identifying a bird starts with simply knowing what to look for. Here are three helpful tips to help you learn how to better describe a bird.
Getting Started in Birdwatching: Learn Your Top Ten
Getting started in birdwatching? Here's a helpful tip for evolving from "I look at birds" to "I'm a birder." Start by learning your Top Ten.