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Birds of the Bible – At the National Aviary

August 27, 2010 by Lee

Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) by Lee at National Aviary

Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) by Lee at National Aviary

Birds of the Bible – at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA seems like a logical topic if you have been reading the blog lately. As you may be aware, Dan and I, visited the Aviary a few weeks ago. What a fantastic place to see birds from all around the world. With over 800 birds, there had to be some of the birds mentioned in the Bible.

The Bible says that all birds were created by the Lord, so technically, they all qualify. For this blog, I will confine it to named types of birds. Birds mentioned below are in the same family of the named bird, at least according to the IOC list of Families and Orders.

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, … (Leviticus 11:13-19 KJV)

Birds of the Bible

Their birds change from time to time and what is seen will change. We saw many more birds, but these are only the Birds mentioned by name in Scripture.

More photos will be added to the slide show as we get more IDs and convert Dan’s to JPG format.

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Ian’s Bird of the Week – Pacific Loon

August 26, 2010 by Ian

Pacific Loon(Gavia pacifica) by Ian

Pacific Loon(Gavia pacifica) by Ian

This week’s choice was based on (a) the fact that I promised an American this week and (b) because I ended up travelling a day late on Air Pacific via Fiji as my V Australia flight was cancelled, and wanted to make a horrible pun along the lines of loons and choice of airline and the ‘meals’ that they provide. I’ve decided to spare you that, as we all know that airline food is terrible and I shouldn’t be surprised when it plumbs new depths.

Anyway, it’s lovely to be back in California and I spent some time this morning trying to photograph the Anna’s Hummingbirds in the backyard. They need to be photographed at exactly the right angle to the light to show the magenta on the head. I haven’t yet done that to my satisfaction, so I’ll keep that for another day.

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) by Ian - from his Website

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) by Ian - from his Website

This Pacific Loon I photographed in Barrow in northern Alaska on my last trip 2 years ago when it was swimming among the ice-floes along the beach where there was some open water in the otherwise frozen sea. ‘Loons’ to Americans and ‘Divers’ to the British form a small northern hemisphere family of 5 species – http://www.birdway.com.au/gaviidae/index.htm – all of which are mostly marine fish-eaters except when breeding when they nest beside freshwater lakes, often far inland. They are brilliantly adapted to an aquatic life and prefer to dive than fly. How sensible.

The Pacific Loon is very closely related and similar in appearance to the Arctic Loon/Diver of Eurasia. The bird in the photo is in breeding plumage (it was mid-summer’s day) and all the loons/divers then have strikingly patterns, while the non-breeding plumage is a rather drab grey and white. They’re big birds, with the Pacific having a length of 64cm/25in.

The enforced leisure of my journey gave me ample opportunities to work on the website, and I have made some additions http://www.birdway.com.au/#updates and finally updated Ian’s Picks:

Black Swan
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
White-throated Dipper
Northern Brown Bandicoot

Australian Wildlife - Ian

Australian Wildlife

Earlier this year, I provided many photos for a new Brandt guide to Australian Wildlife by Stella Martin and received my copy shortly before I left Australia. I think Stella has done a wonderful job in producing a comprehensive but concise introduction across a broad field which is eminently readable. Being a paperback it’s ideal for the visitor to Australia and great value. Amazon now have it in stock: Australian Wildlife and it is becoming available in book stores. I’ve attached a copy of the cover to whet your appetite!

Best wishes,
Ian
–
Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: +61-7 4751 3115
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:

Since Ian is traveling, I went to his website and got the second photo of the Pacific Loon swimming towards the camera. I am sure Ian won’t mind. As Ian said, the Loons are in the Gaviidae Family which is in the Gaviiformes Order. In other words, they are the only family in that Order.

Their sounds are sad and remind me of wailing.

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:7-8 KJV)

See:

Ian’s Gaviidae Family,

Birds of the World – Gaviidae Family and the Gaviiformes Order.

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National Aviary – Penguin Encounter

August 25, 2010 by Lee

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at NA by Lee

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Dome at NA by Lee

The National Aviary’s Penguin Point area is home to Stanley, Elvis, Patrick, Simon, Sidney, Preston, Dotty, Kristen, TJ, and Rainbow. At least that is the names of the ones listed on the African Penguin page. We enjoyed taking pictures of them, but did not figure out who was who. The area has a dome that sticks up and you can make your way to it and look at the penguins up “close and personal.” Of course, I had to go check it out. Even caught Dan taking pictures of the penguins while I was inside looking out.

National Aviary Meet a patient - Jamie-Vet Tech with leg cast

Meet a patient - Jamie-Vet Tech with leg cast

They have several penguin feeding times during the day and a penguin talk – to learn more about the penguins. In the Penguin Point Vestibule they have a “Meet a Patient” talk by one of the “bird medical” staff. There you are told about one of the patients in their hospital. Jamie, the Veterinarian Technician was telling about one of the ducks. He showed a cast used for a broken leg. Unfortunately, we missed most of the talk and only got in on the last part of his presentation.

The African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), which they have at the Aviary, are the only penguins that breed in Africa. They are also known as Black-footed Penguins. Their home is on the “south-western coast of Africa, living in colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with the largest colony on Dyer Island, near Kleinbaai. Because of their donkey-like braying call they were previously named Jackass Penguins. Since several species of South American penguins produce the same sound, the African species has been renamed African Penguin, as it is the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. The presence of the penguin gave name to the Penguin Islands.” (Wikipedia)

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at NA by Lee

African Penguin from inside the dome at NA by Lee

African Penguins are 68-70 cm (26.7-27.5in) tall and weigh 2-5 kg or 4.4-11 lbs. “They have a black stripe and black spots on the chest, the pattern of spots being unique for every penguin, like human fingerprints. They have pink glands above their eyes. The hotter the penguin gets, the more blood is sent to these glands so it may be cooled by the surrounding air, thus making the glands more pink. The males are larger than the females and have larger beaks, but their beaks are more pointed than those of the Humboldt. Their distinctive black and white colouring is a vital form of camouflage–white for underwater predators looking upwards and black for predators looking down onto the dark water.” (Wikipedia) Our Creator has provided a built-in air conditioner and protection for them.

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. (Psalms 50:11 KJV)

At one time the African Penguin population had 1.5 million members, but because of threats such as egg gathering, or egg smashing, taking their burrowing material for fertilizer, oil spills and other threats, the number was only 10% of that by 2000. The natural predators include ”sharks, cape fur seals and, on occasion, orcas. Land-based enemies include mongoose, genet, domestic cats and dogs – and the kelp gulls which steal their eggs and new born chicks. I don’t know for a fact, but their decline to a “vulnerable species” is probably why they are at the National Aviary and also the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida (we saw some there also). They are trying to protect and breed them.

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end. (Jeremiah 12:4 KJV)

African Penguins are in the  Spheniscidae Family of the Sphenisciformes Order. They are the only family in the Order and have 19 species of penguins.

See Also:

Ian’s Bird of the Week – African Penguin

Interesting Things – Why Birds Don’t Wear Socks

Here are the pictures we took of the penguins at the National Aviary.

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Information from Wikipedia and National Aviary website.

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(Spheniscus demersus)

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Birdwatching at the National Aviary – Introduction

August 24, 2010 by Lee

Fountain at National Aviary

Fountain at National Aviary

Dan and I visited the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA two weeks ago. What a fantastic place. Waited until we were back home and could sort through our photos. I took over 600 in the 2 days we visited and not sure how many Dan took. (His are better, of course.)

National Aviary Hospital - Sarah the "Bird Nurse"

National Aviary Hospital - Sarah the "Bird Nurse"

We arrived early the day before and could not check in to the motel, so we had some time to look around. After lunch, we ended up in a bookstore, where we met, Sarah, the “Bird Nurse” at the National Aviary. When she found out we had come up there just to see the Aviary, she offered to show us things behind the scenes when we got there the next day. I was more excited that a child waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. Hardly slept that night. I praise the Lord for letting us meet up with her and know it was not just an “accident.”

By the time we arrived, the Director, Steven, had been informed about our visit and offered to show us around also. Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers there that made our visit so special. The National Aviary is definitely a “Must See” for birdwatchers.

It is hard to know where to begin, so I’ve decided to break our visit up into the different areas and do a blog on each one. This blog is an introduction to the National Aviary itself.

The history of the Aviary tells of its growth from a conservatory at an old Penitentiary site, with an Aviary added later. It was the first zoo to have free-flight rooms. In the 80′s they began focusing on “wildlife conservation through captive breeding of rare and endangered birds.” The 90′s saw the aviary closed, then re-open as a private nonprofit corporation. In 1992, “By declaration of the U.S. Congress, the Pittsburgh Aviary was designated honorary national status and renamed the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

Throughout the day they have various events going on, depending on the day of the week and weather or other conditions. We were able to take in the Wetlands Feeding and Rainstorm, Feed the Lories, FliteZone – Raptors and the Parrots (missed some of the birds due to an activity outside the aviary that was unsettling the birds), Tropical Forest Feeding, Meet a Patient, We missed some things, but got to see things others don’t get to see (more on that later).

Inca Tern (Larosterna inca) at NA by Dan

Inca Tern (Larosterna inca) at NA by Dan

The Aviary has over 600 birds from different parts of the world. See: Our Birds. Since I have worked with the Birds of the World here on this site, it was great to be able to see many of the birds in person that were just names and photos. Many, close-up!

When you arrive at the Aviary, you are welcomed by some sculptures, a fountain, and a Rose Garden. There were also some local birds hanging around like sparrows and pigeons. I am sure at other times of the year there are other avian visitors.

The Laughing Kookaburra was also outside to greet the visitors to the Aviary. One of the workers help me get a short clip of him laughing.

What a joy we had visiting! It was much more than I thought it would be.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (Matthew 7:7 KJV)

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 NKJV)

See:

Dan’s Photos so far on his Website – Dan’sPix

Happy Birthday-  Skippy at National Aviary

These photos are of some of the shows and the outside area.

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Birds in Hymns – Great God, The World Is Full Of Thee

August 22, 2010 by Lee

For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. (Psalms 33:4-5 KJV)

Words: Hen­ry Bate­man, Sun­day Sun­shine: New Hymns and Po­ems for the Young (Lon­don: Nis­bet & Co., 1858).
Music: Home­land (Bate­man), Jo­si­ah Booth (1852-1929)

Great God, the World is Full of Thee

Great God, the world is full of Thee,
Thy kindness, and Thy power;
The bright blue sky, and rolling sea,
Green tree, and summer flower.

House Sparrows watching Parrot show at National Aviary by Lee

House Sparrows at National Aviary by Lee

And every day, and everywhere,
Thou watchest everything;
The tender lamb enjoys Thy care;
The little birds that sing.

And very, very kind indeed
Thou art, O God, to me;
Supplying all my daily need;
And helping patiently.

Teach my young heart to yield its love
Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son;
That I may dwell with Thee above,
When life below is done.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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Ian’s Bird of the Week – Tooth-billed Bowerbird

August 21, 2010 by Ian

Tooth-billed Bowerbird (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) by Ian

Tooth-billed Bowerbird (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) by Ian

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Tooth-billed Bowerbird ~ by Ian Montgomery

Newsletter 8-20-10

I’m squeezing this bird of the week in between the Birds Australia Congress and Campout, which finished this morning, and my departure for California tomorrow. The Congress and Campout was a great success and ran like clockwork thanks to the preparation, dedication and hard work of our secretary and committee. I had a request from a participant to make the Golden Bowerbird – one of the highlights of the Campout – this week’s bird but this species starred in this role earlier this year. So, instead I’ve chosen the Tooth-billed Bowerbird and included a photo of the Golden Bowerbird, both being endemics of the Queensland wet tropics and inhabiting highland rainforest.

Tooth-billed Bowerbird (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) by Ian

Tooth-billed Bowerbird (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) by Ian

It’s not spectacular in appearance like the Golden Bowerbird, but it’s an interesting bird nevertheless. It doesn’t build a bower; instead it has a display platform consisting of an oval cleared space on the ground around a small tree trunk with a suitable branch used as a perch for singing above the platform. It decorates the platform with large, fresh leaves that the bird collects by using its serrated bill to chew through the leaf stem. The second photo shows a bird in full song and you can see the serrations on the bill, from which it gets the name. Like other bowerbirds, it is an accomplished songster and very good a mimicry. It is also fussy. Most bowerbirds are extraordinarily fussy in their choice of objects and colours to decorate the bowers. Tooth-billed Bowerbirds only use leaves, but the leaves are carefully chosen for appearance and laid upside down, with the paler surface uppermost. Apparently, if you turn them up the other way, the bird will put them back the correct way.

Golden Bowerbird (Prionodura newtoniana) by Ian

Golden Bowerbird (Prionodura newtoniana) by Ian

They usually start attending their display areas in September, so we were a bit early and I don’t think anyone actually saw one, though there were reports of hearing them. There was, however, some early activity and a couple of birds had several leaves in place. At the peak of the season, there may be up to 30 or so leaves, and these are replaced regularly with fresh ones. The Golden Bowerbirds had made an early start to and were decorating their bowers with pieces of lichen. The bird in the third photo, taken last Tuesday, has just added a piece to the bigger pile on the left and he is standing on the display perch between the two piles of twigs – ‘maypoles’ – that make up the typical bower of this species. The display perch is very important as it is where all the real action takes place, and you can see that this one is well worn.

You can expect an American as the next Bird of the Week. I’ve gone right off flying in recent years, so I’m getting the train to Brisbane for my flight to San Francisco. Unfortunately, there isn’t a convenient alternative to flying if you wish to cross the Pacific.

Best wishes,
Ian
–
Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: +61-7 4751 3115
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:

The Bowerbirds are in the Ptilonorhynchidae – Bowerbirds Family. The family has 17 Bowerbirds and 3 Catbirds in it and they are part of the Passeriformes Order (Songbirds).

Previous articles on Bowerbirds:

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Spotted Bowerbird and the Golden Bowerbird

a j mithra’s – Golden Bowerbird

Family#126 – Ptilonorhynchidae
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Birds of the Bible – Eye Hath Seen

August 20, 2010 by Lee

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. (Isaiah 64:4-5 KJV)

Wood Duck by Dan at Lake Hollingsworth

Wood Duck by Dan at Lake Hollingsworth

When I think of the verses above and the next verse, I think of the neat birds that the Lord has created. Even though they are under the curse, some of them have fantastic colors and markings. Their sounds are so sweet (well, most of them). I imagine the Lord with the most beautiful paintbrush. What must heaven look like when many of the things we experience here are so awesome? Once the curse is removed, what will things look like then?

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV)

The photos below are just of birds and it was difficult to narrow the selection, but what of all the beautiful flowers, sunsets, sunrises, scenery, and on and on. What must heaven be like? Like many of you, I am looking forward to arriving and seeing things that I can’t even imagine as the verses say.

It is not automatic to go there. A person needs to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Please see either or all of the following:

The Gospel Message, or the Wordless Birds

(A little short this week as we are just arriving home after a two week vacation – blogs about the trip to follow later. )

I will let the Lord’s Creative Hand reveal what we see here and it is fantastic.

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Thanks to all the great photographers who have given permission to use their photos.

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