Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help and hints for you here.

The answers to today's Strands, game #488, are… I roared through today’s word search at rapid speed. Most likely because I’m hungry and I’d love a BURGER – not one from a BARBECUE, though. In my experience that’s a bad idea. But also because there was little to challenge us here beyond the twisty-turny WATERMELON.

Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Strands #486. The official theme for NYT Strands #486 is... "This is for the birds". And here's an unofficial hint from me: "Avian building stuff."