My I.O.C. World Bird List – Ver. 2.8 Finally Finished

April 29, 2011 by Lee

Red-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanocephala) by Dario Sanches

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalms 32:11 KJV)

Seems like it has been forever that I have been reworking all the Family pages of the Birds of the World. The 233 pages were given a complete work-over. When they release the major 3.0 Version sometime this year, these pages should only take minor changes. (I trust) All the indexes and pages are also up to date.

It took a lot of persistence and praise to the Lord for helping me to keep “plugging away.” This verse helps describe my happiness of “finishing the job.”

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (Psalms 98:4 KJV)

In the mean time, I have been adding some new photos as the pages were being updated. This morning I just added many pictures to the Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies Family. Recently Dario Sanches gave permission to use his photos. He has some really neat ones of Tanagers, and they have been linked to the lists. Thanks, Dario.

Wedge-tailed Grass Finch (Emberizoides herbicola) by Dario Sanches

Because of all the Subspecies being added to the list of birds, you may find it helpful when viewing a list to use the “Find” on your browser. Some families have only one member, but a few have 300-400 species listed.

Dan asked me recently why I am taking all this effort to even have the Birds of the World pages in the first place, when they are already on the internet. Was I not wasting my time that could be spent on doing other things on this blog. I have to admit, that the thought had crossed my mind. But, as I work on these pages, I am exposed to birds that I would never see or even know of. When I work on finding photos for them, I just sit back in awe of the Lord’s creative hand in each and every one of these feathered friends. Some are pretty, some are dull, some look funny, and all so well designed, from the tip of the tail to the tip of their beaks. Just seeing how He, the Creator, colored them is beyond description.

And, many of my readers first arrive here at the blog while searching for a specific bird of the world. Those pages are the entry point for many to come here. I trust they enjoy what they find and may they find more than they expected and will linger and look at other pages, which many do. Thanks for reading this yourself. Glad you are visiting, no matter which page brought you here.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

I will leave you with one more of Dario’s fantastic photos, this one of the Brazilian Tanager.

Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius) by Dario Sanches

P. S. I am still looking for photographers and videographers who would be willing to let their photos be posted here. See our list of Photographers in the sidebar and visit their sites for fantastic photos of birds plus whatever else interests them.

Interesting Things – The Leaf With An Appetite

April 28, 2011 by Lee

SmileyCentral.com

From – The Hungry Leaf ©Creation Moments, 2011

(Thought you might enjoy reading this interesting fact from the Lord’s Creative Hand. What love He shows to us and to the world of critters and nature. Omnipotence and omniscience is definitely seen all around us, if we but look and give the credit to Whom it is do.)

Leaf Fish (Monocirrhus_polyacanthus) ©WikiC

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

“It’s a warm day on the Amazon River. A small fish swims near the surface, looking among the natural floating river debris for some food. As he looks among the occasional leaf or twig in the water, he sees no danger. At the same time, one of the floating “leaves” is waiting for the little fish to move just a bit closer. Then, without warning, the floating “leaf” comes to life, grabs the fish and eats it!

What the little fish thought was simply another floating leaf was actually another fish. The Amazonian leaf fish is carefully designed not only to look like a leaf, but to act like one as well. It has a flat body, very much like a leaf. A black line runs the length of its body, giving the appearance of the midrib of a leaf. A fleshy growth in its lower jaw looks like a leaf stem.

Beyond looking like a leaf, the leaf fish also acts like a leaf. It lies still in the water, drifting with the current. To hide its identity further, it draws its fins close to its body, removing any last hint that it is indeed a hungry fish looking for lunch.

The leaf fish combines deceptive coloring, appearance and behavior into one design so that it, too, can make its living. In this, the leaf fish shows that the Creator makes nothing without also designing a special purpose for that creature. According to the Bible, the same can be said even more emphatically for each human being He has made. Your Creator has a special purpose for you, too, and it begins with His plan of salvation for you through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, through the instruction of Your Word, help me to better learn how to define who and what I am more completely in the knowledge of Your forgiving love to me in Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Notes:
Hanson, Jeanne K., and Deane Morrison. 1990. “The wonderful weird of flora and fauna.” Star Tribune First Sunday, Dec. 2. p. 17.

Lee’s Addition:

“Leaffishes are small freshwater fishes of the Polycentridae family, from South America.

They usually have large heads, cryptic colors and very large protractile mouths. Those features, along with their peculiar movements help them to catch fairly large prey for the size of their bodies, including small fish, aquatic insects and other invertebrates. Their odd leaf-like appearance make them interesting fishes for aquarium hobbyists. That is likely because of their unique lifestyle, hanging around in the upper story of the tank imitating the leaves that commonly fall in temperate rivers were it typically lives. They are extremely agile hunters, capable of consuming prey within a quarter of a second (0.2 seconds) making them one of the worlds fastest fish.” (Wikipedia)

“Asian leaffishes are small freshwater fishes of the Nandidae family, from Southern Asia. There are only four genera in this group. These fish usually have small heads, coloration that appears to resemble leaves and very large protractile mouths. Those features, along with their peculiar movements (seemingly intended to resemble a leaf innocently moving through the water) help them to catch fairly large prey compared to their body size, including small fish, aquatic insects and other invertebrates. They tend to stay in one place and wait for prey–they are “lie-in-wait-predators.” (Wikipedia with editing)

Here is an interesting video about the leaffish from VinLWJ

See more Interesting Things in the Plus section.

Birdwatching at Circle B – 4/22/11

April 27, 2011 by Lee

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) and young by Dan’s Pix

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 KJV)

We were finally able to find a little bit of time to go birdwatching the other day. Our adventure took us back out to the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL. It was a cloudless morning, around 64 degrees, when we arrived. Dan had his camera along, but I only used my binoculars. One thing nice about the Circle B is its closeness to home. With fuel prices rising, birdwatching nearer to your local areas may become more necessary.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) by Dan’s Pix

We are fortunate, because Circle B is becoming a premier birding spot here in Florida. With 1,267 acres to roam, there is plenty to see. Unfortunately, many of our “winter visiting birds” have packed their bags and gone back North. Fortunately, we still have our “residents” that keep any trip out there interesting.

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) by Dan’s Pix

One of my surprises was the lack of Wood Storks this trip. Usually there are plenty of them hanging out in the trees early in the morning. Never spotted a one, yet two days later in town we spotted one flying over. They are here, but just wanted to make themselves scarce that Friday.

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) by Dans Pix

Another surprise was finding the American Bittern. We knew there were some out there, but kept missing them. This time I spotted one, whipped out my phone, and called Dan to bring his camera to my location while I kept the Bittern in view. He got one shot just as it had caught something.

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) imm by Dan’s Pix

One of my favorite birds was an immature Little Blue Heron. When they are young, they are white instead of blue. As they mature, the become “blotchy” as the blue starts to come in. This one was right along the walk path and we were able to view it very well.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) with young

We also found some Glossy and White Ibises, Tricolored Herons, Great Blue Heron, more Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, a Snowy Egret, Cattle Egrets, the American Bittern, Green Heron, Limpkins, Mourning Doves, Cardinals, Tufted Titmouce, Carolina Wren and maybe a House Wren, Red-bellied, Pileated and Downy Woodpeckers, Common Gallinules, American Coots, Black-bellied Whistlers with young ones, 3 sets of Sandhill Cranes with young, Red-shouldered Hawk (light phase), Anhingas and Double-crested Cormorants, Redwing Blackbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles.

All in all it was a great morning to be out enjoying God’s Creation of birds and other critters. We also observed 4 young alligators about 2-3 feet long and a Black Racer about 4 feet long stretched out along some bushes.

See our other birdwatching trips to Circle B – Click Here

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Turquoise Parrot

April 25, 2011 by Ian

Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) by Ian

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Turquoise Parrot ~ by Ian Montgomery

Maybe I was tempting fate when last week I publicly declared my target species of the Pilliga trip to be the Turquoise Parrot, but fate was kind to me when I did the same thing with the Resplendent Quetzal on the eve of my visit to Costa Rica last year.

In truth I felt I needed a bit of help as I’ve been wanting to get reasonable photographs of these gorgeous birds since taking a very poor one of a female in the Warrumbungles in New South Wales in pre-digital days almost exactly eleven years ago. To that end I’d visited both the Warrumbungles and the Capertee Valley west of Sydney several times over the years, detoured via Warwick in Southern Queensland and camped the night in Chiltern in Northern Victoria, all places where this species has been reported.

Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) by Ian

We went to the Warrumbungles last Wednesday and we were just about to leave the second site – the Woolshed – recommended by a helpful but not optimistic ranger (‘they haven’t been seen for a month or two’) when Ivor, one of my two sharp-eyed companions, spotted a female on exactly the same powerlines as eleven years ago, but this time she flew off towards the creek without waiting to have her photo taken. A careful search of the creek revealed nothing even vaguely turquoise but eventually we found about 20 birds feeding on the grassy track on the far side.

I spent about 20 minutes sidling up to these birds as gradually as possible. The first two photos are of adult male birds, distinguishable by the reddish shouldered patches, which flew up into a shrub as I approached. The second male seems to be eyeing me quizzically as if wondering what I’m up to. The third photo is of a female feeding on the path.

Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) by Ian

Misión completa, as they said in Costa Rica, and thank you, fate.

Best wishes,

Ian

—
Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: 0411 602 737 +61-411 602 737
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:

What a gorgeous parrot. Wow!

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

I know last week when Ian said he was off on an adventure to find that Turquoise Parrot, I prayed and asked that he find one. I was being a little selfish because I had never seen one and was trusting that his group would spot one. Whichever, fate or prayer, it is a choice we all make. I prefer the later.

The parrots are in the Psittacidae – Parrots Family of the Psittaciformes Order.

See all of Ian’s Bird of the Week articles.

Formed By Him – “Stone” Birds

April 24, 2011 by Lee

Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) by Peter Ericsson

Happy Easter to All. He is Risen! He is Alive!

All week we have been posting articles about names of birds that are the same as items that are mentioned in the Scripture that lead up to the Crucifixion and then to today’s bodily Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Christians, these events and the meaning of them are very important. Without the event that is celebrated today, we might as well be any other religion, but Christ is not a religion. Christ was the Son of God, who came to earth, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life because He was sinless, offered Himself to be crucified for the sins of man. He could have called legions of angels to get Him of the cross, but He had come to die for us. He stayed and when He was ready, He died of His own choosing.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30 KJV)

There are four “religions” that had a “person” as their leader. Three of those bodies are still in the grave and their bones are deteriating, but Jesus’ body is not in the tomb. He is risen by His own power because He is God, the great I AM. The stone was rolled back, the disciples went inside, Mary looked in, and they were met will the greatest message of all time.

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
(John 20:9-20 KJV)

I am letting Scripture speak for itself. It is God’s Word. It is men and women’s choice to believe, but as for Dan and I, we like what Joshua stated:

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:14-15 KJV)

They placed a stone in front of the tomb and placed a seal on it to make sure no one entered. I doubt they expected someone to exit. But exit He did! What a Savior!

Satan had tempted him and a stone is mentioned:

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Matthew 4:5-7 KJV)

It was a stone where the angel sat when:

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:1-6 KJV)

“Formed By Him” this week has been remembering the events that led up to the death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on the cross. As we think of this time, maybe seeing birds with names of things that happened will help us not forget the events as we see those birds in the future. All the birds were formed through the Lord Jesus Christ omniscience and omnipotence.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3 KJV)

The “Stone” Birds – Birds with “stone” in their names:

The New World Quail – Odontophoridae Family has the:

Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) ©WikiC

The Stone-curlews, Thick-knees – Burhinidae Family has five Stone-curlews:

Eurasian Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) by Ian
Indian Stone-curlew (Burhinus indicus) ©©
Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) with young by Ian
Great Stone-curlew (Esacus recurvirostris)
Beach Stone-curlew (Esacus magnirostris)

The Sandpipers, Snipes – Scolopacidae Family has two Turnstones:

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala)

The Pachycephalidae – Whistlers and Allies Family only has a:

Sandstone Shrikethrush (Colluricincla woodwardi)

The Phylloscopidae – Leaf warblers and allies Family has a:

Limestone Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis)

Limestone Wren-Babbler (Napothera crispifrons) by Peter Ericsson

The Pellorneidae – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers Family only has one bird:

Limestone Wren-Babbler (Napothera crispifrons) by Peter Ericsson

Whereas the Muscicapidae – Chats, Old World Flycatchers Family has eight Stonechats:

Canary Islands Stonechat (Saxicola dacotiae)
European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) by Peter Ericsson
Stejneger’s Stonechat (Saxicola stejnegeri)
African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) (Common)
Madagascar Stonechat (Saxicola sibilla)
Reunion Stonechat (Saxicola tectes) female
White-tailed Stonechat (Saxicola leucurus) by Nikhil Devasar

And the Fringillidae – Finches Family has a:

Brimstone Canary (Crithagra sulphurata)

Think about the events that we celebrate as “Easter.” Is He your Savior?

Romans 3:10 KJV
(10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 5:8-12 KJV
(8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
(10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
(11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
(12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 10:9-13 KJV
(9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
(12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
(13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

May this be the best Easter you ever had.
________
If you missed the “Easter Bird” mini-series, here are the links to the other articles.

“Palm” Birds
“Whip” Birds
“Thorn” and the
“Sword and Piercer” Birds
“Blood” Birds

See:

Gospel Message

Wordless Birds
___
More Formed By Him Articles

Formed By Him – “Blood” Birds

April 23, 2011 by Lee

Blood-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum sanguinolentum) ©©LipKee

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22 KJV)

As we continue the mini-series of the “Easter Birds”, today we look at the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ on the cross. When we see these “Blood” Birds, may we be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us.

Just before being taken by the soldiers, Christ has been praying:

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44 KJV)

John tells us:

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19:34 KJV)

The Bible teaches all through the Old Testament about the sacrifices that were carried out for the forgiveness of sin. They had to do this time after time because, as Hebrews 9 explains:

Hebrews 9:6-15 KJV
(6) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
(7) But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
(8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
(9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
(10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
(11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
(12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
(13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
(14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
(15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

There are many verses that speak about the need of Christ shedding His blood, dying, and Praise the Lord, for rising from the tomb. (Opps, that is for tomorrow.) Here are few of those verses:

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9 KJV)

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:6-7 KJV)

Blood-colored Woodpecker (Veniliornis sanguineus)

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:13 KJV)

Blood-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoematotis) ©©barloventomagico

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:14-17 KJV)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV)

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) ©Arthur Grosset

The “Cross” birds were considered, but the Crossbills, which are in the Finches – Fringillidae Family, were the only birds with “cross” in their name. Also, “Crown” Birds were considered, but there were too many. If you missed the mini-series, they are the “Palm”, “Whip”, “Thorn” and the “Sword and Piercer” Birds.

See:

Gospel Message

Wordless Birds
___
More Formed By Him Articles
*

On My Father’s Side

April 22, 2011 by Lee

Received this from an e-mail, and thought it would be appropriate for today. This version is by the The Barn Again Gang. It says volumes about our Lord Jesus Christ

The Gospel Message

Wordless Birds
*

Cedar Waxwing – Fruit Passer…

April 22, 2011 by a j mithra

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by J Fenton

Cedar Waxwing – Fruit passer… ~ by a j mithra

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: (Leviticus 14:6)

Historians say that the cross that Jesus carried was made from Cedar wood. Of all the trees why did Jesus choose the cedar? The verse above which says about two birds, the cedar wood, the scarlet and the Hyssop does clearly reflects the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. The two birds reflect Jesus and Barabas. One bird was sacrificed and the other was let free. Jesus was crucified and Barabas freed. The Cedar wood reflects the cross which Jesus carried. The scarlet reflects our sins. The hyssop reflects of how vinegar was soaked in a sponge and stuck in hyssop’s branch and offered to Jesus, when He said that He was thirsty.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. (John 19:29)

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. (Mathew 27:28)

Twigs of Cedar placed with lingerie and kept in cupboards containing fur can keep away moth. The cross has the power to keep away all evil from our lives.

The Cedar is used to build the skeleton of the canoe. The cross has the power to take us through flood, fire and wilderness.

The most valuable constituent of Cedar oil is thujone. Native Americans of the eastern United States and Canada used thujone for generations to treat menstrual problems, headaches, and heart ailments. Loggers drank tea made from white cedar twigs to relieve rheumatism. During the seventeenth century, some people called the eastern white cedar the “tree of life,” because they believed that its sap had healing powers. In the late 1800s, the US Pharmacopoeia (the US compendium of quality control test and information on drugs) listed thujone as a treatment to stimulate the uterus and as a diuretic to increase urine flow. The leaves have the power to heal rheumatic, pulmonary, burns and prevent paralytic movement. It is also used as dye.

This tree is called the “Tree of Life”. Is that the reason Jesus, the life chose to carry a Cedar cross.. It was on the Cedar cross that Jesus, took the stripes to heal us from all disease.

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:2-5)

Cedar Waxwing Eating by Steve Slayton

The Cedar waxwing may have been inspired by the qualities of Cedar from where it has borrowed its name. There is so much to read about this bird in this interesting website. But, one interesting quality of this bird stands apart. These birds are communal feeders. As we all know, the Cedar Waxwing eats berries and sugary fruit year-round, with insects becoming an important part of the diet in the breeding season. Its fondness for the small cones of the Eastern Redcedar (a kind of juniper) gave this bird its common name.

When the end of a twig holds a supply of berries that only one bird at a time can reach, members of a flock may line up along the twig and pass berries beak to beak down the line so that each bird gets a chance to eat. This reminds us of how we need pronounce the love of Jesus to the others so that they too may taste and see that the Lord is good..

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

But, the sad part is we have never thought of doing this, spreading the gospel to the unreached. If only we all had done this, by this time our churches would be overflowing. If only we carry the cross…..?

At least on this Good Friday, the day which denotes the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for you and me, shall we make up our mind to do what we haven’t done for the Lord all these years? Shall we pass the fruit of the Holy spirit, so that those who haven’t tasted the Lord yet, may taste the goodness and mercy of our Lord?

These birds share the fruits, but, we call ourselves as Christians, borrowing the name from Christ, but when are we going to share the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)

Have an awesome day at the feet of Jesus on the cross…

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

please visit us at:
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ajmithra21

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Formed By Him – “Sword and Piercer” Birds

April 21, 2011 by Lee

Two Edges by wrdpico

When Jesus was taken to the temple for His dedication, Simeon met Mary and Joseph and told Mary:

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35 KJV)

When Judas came to betray Christ in the garden, Peter took out his sword and cut of the right ear of one of them, but Jesus touched his ear and healed it.

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people… And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:47, 50-51 KJV)

Most know the facts about the death of Christ on the cross. It was prophesied before the Lord ever came to earth that He would die on the cross. Then:

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. (John 19:30-37 KJV)

Throughout this week, the Scripture has been presented that tells of the events that were unfolding during the week of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. We have come to the “sword” and the fact that Christ’s side was “pierced,” as was Mary’s heart. Any mother’s heart would be pierced to see their son crucified, but Jesus was no ordinary son. She had the privilege of being His earthly mother, by way of the virgin birth, BUT, His Father was God, and He was, as the centurion stated:

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54 KJV)

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) by Robert Scanlon

If you have been following along this week, the “Palm” Birds, “Whip” Birds, and the “Thorn” Birds have been presented along with the events of Christ’s crucifixion. Now it is the “Sword” Birds and the “Piercer” Birds. A connection between the events and the names of the birds is being made to help us remember the Lord Jesus Christ. What love He has shown to us by laying down His life to purchase our salvation.

He created and loves the birds so, that when the little sparrow falls, He knows all about it. How much do you think He cares about me and you?

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:29-33 KJV)

Birds with “Sword” in their name:

There is only one bird in the list used here that has “sword” in its name, the Sword-billed Hummingbird. We have done an article on it already in – Formed By Him – Sword-billed Hummingbird.

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) by Michael Woodruff

Birds with “Piercer” in their name:

Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) by Michael Woodruff

The Tanagers and Allies – Thraupidae has a Genus of Flowerpiercers, called Diglossa. The Lord has created another facinating bird. The Flowerpiercer’s common name refers to their habit of piercing the base of flowers to access nectar that otherwise would be out of reach. This is done with their highly created bills, although this is less obvious in the Bluish Flowerpiercer, which has an almost “normal” bill. Most flowerpiercers are restricted to highlands, especially the Andes, in South America, but two species occur in Central America.

Genus Diglossa
Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa baritula)
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea)
Rusty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa sittoides)
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima)
Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii)
Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis)
Merida Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosa)
Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis)
Black-throated Flowerpiercer (Diglossa brunneiventris)
Grey-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa carbonaria)
Venezuelan Flowerpiercer (Diglossa venezuelensis)
White-sided Flowerpiercer (Diglossa albilatera)
Scaled Flowerpiercer (Diglossa duidae)
Greater Flowerpiercer (Diglossa major)
Indigo Flowerpiercer (Diglossa indigotica)
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca)
Bluish Flowerpiercer (Diglossa caerulescens)
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea)

Black Flowerpiercer by Keith Blomerley of a bird moving around in a bush.

I trust you are enjoying and being blessed by the “Formed by Him” series this week. To see more articles – Click Here

See:

The Gospel Message and the Wordless Birds

Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) ©WikiC

Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima) ©WikiC

Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa baritula) ©WikiC

Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii) by Michael Woodruff

Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii) ©WikiC

Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca) ©WikiC

Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea cyanea) ©WikiC

Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) by Michael Woodruff

Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis) ©WikiC

Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis) ©©

Rusty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa sittoides) Female ©WikiC

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) Female ©WikiC

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) Nest ©WikiC

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Ian

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Kent Nickell

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Michael Woodruff

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) ©WikiC

Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) ©©ornitholoco

Formed By Him – “Thorn” Birds

April 20, 2011 by Lee

Mountain Thornbill (Acanthiza katherina) by Ian

Thorns are mentioned many times throughout the Bible and in the Gospels it is presented in several applications:

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:44-45 KJV)

Again thorns were mentioned in a parable in reference to the receiving of the Word of God:

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 8:7-8 KJV)
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (Luk 8:14 KJV)

The next references to thorns has to do with the “crown of thorns” they plaited or twisted together of thorny branches. If you think they just placed that crown of those thorns gently on His head, you are mistaken. With as much mockery and hatred they were showing to Christ, they would have crammed that crown on his head, thus, driving those spiked thorns as deep as they could.

And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:17-20 KJV)

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
(John 19:4-5 KJV)

Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) by Michael Woodruff

Today it is obvious that “thorns” are the theme of this blog. The last two days, the “Palm” Birds and the “Whip” Birds were written about and shown. When you see the “Thorn” Birds, maybe the “crown of thorns” will come to mind and you will praise the Lord for His death on the cross which paid for our salvation.

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:26-28 KJV)

There are three families that have birds with Thorn in their name. the Hummingbird family has either Thornbills or Thorntails. The Ovenbird family has actual Thornbirds and one Thorn-tailed Rayadito. One whole Genus of birds in the Australian Warbler family are called Thornbills. As you look at the bills of most of these birds observe how the shape resembles thorns. Their Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, not only designed their bill to assist in their eating and habitat, He knew that one day that “thorns” would be driven into His head.

Birds with “Thorn” in their name:

Hummingbird – Trochilidae Family

Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale)
Black-bellied Thorntail (Discosura langsdorffi)
Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – Video by Keith Blomerley
Bronze-tailed Thornbill (Chalcostigma heteropogon)
Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) by Michael Woodruff
Letitia’s Thorntail (Discosura letitiae)
Olivaceous Thornbill (Chalcostigma olivaceum)
Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) – Video

Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani)
Rufous-capped Thornbill (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) – Video by Keith Blomerley

Plain Thornbird (Phacellodomus inornatus) ©©barloventomagico

Ovenbird – Furnariidae Family

Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis) by Ian

Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers

Acanthiza Genus
Inland Thornbill (Acanthiza apicalis)
Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)
Buff-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza reguloides)
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis) by Ian
Mountain Thornbill (Acanthiza katherina) by Ian
New Guinea Thornbill (Acanthiza murina)
Slaty-backed Thornbill (Acanthiza robustirostris)
Slender-billed Thornbill (Acanthiza iredalei)
Striated Thornbill (Acanthiza lineata)
Tasmanian Thornbill (Acanthiza ewingii)
Western Thornbill (Acanthiza inornata)
Yellow Thornbill (Acanthiza nana) by Ian
Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)

Formed By Him – “Whip” Birds

April 19, 2011 by Lee

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) by Judd Paterson

When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. (John 2:15 NKJV)

Whips have been used for many years. According to Wikipedia: The word whip describes two basic types of tools:-

A long stick-like device, usually slightly flexible, with a small bit of leather or cord, called a “popper” or a “cracker,” on the end. Depending on length and flexibility, this type is often called a riding whip, riding crop or “bat”. It is also sometimes called a “horsewhip” or “horse whip”.

The other type of whip is a long tapered flexible length of single-strand or plaited (braided) material (usually leather) with a stiff handle. Some whips of this type include the bullwhip and the stockwhip. Each design has many variations and lengths for different purposes, often with different names.

As well as these traditional whip types designed for use on animals, there are whip designs that had historic uses for inflicting pain on humans, such as the “cat o’ nine tails”, knout and others. These devices are used as flogging instruments, a means of control, corporal punishment or torture.

Yesterday’s Formed By Him – “Palm” Birds was about birds with “Palm” in their name and it was about Palm Sunday. Today’s Formed By Him is about birds with “Whip” in their name and helps us remember when they began to torture or scourge Christ with whips or by flogging Him.

Christ told His disciples, “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Mat 20:18,19 KJV)

The different versions of God’s Word use various words to describe the torture. In verse 19, the word scourge is translated, whip(ped), scourge(d), or flogged. Matthew 27:26 and John 19:1 also use the same three translations of the word.

Then he let Barabbas go free: but after having Jesus whipped, he gave him up to be put to death on the cross. (Matthew 27:26 BBE)

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. (John 19:1 ESV)

Then Pilate had Jesus taken away and whipped. The soldiers twisted some thorny branches into a crown, placed it on his head, and put a purple cape on him. (John 19:1-2 GW)

This week we are remembering the events that led up to the death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on the cross. As we think of this time, maybe seeing birds with names of things that happened will help us not forget the events as we see those birds in the future.

The death of Christ on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice that provides Salvation for our souls.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) by Ian

There are only two families that contain “Whip” Birds.

The Whip-poor-will or Whippoorwill is a medium-sized nightjar from North and Central America. The Whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its superior camouflage. It was recently divided into two species, the Eastern and Mexican. The Whip-poor-wills are in the Caprimulgidae – Nightjars Family.

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) at National Zoo
Mexican Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus arizonae)

The Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) is an insectivorous passerine bird native to the east coast of Australia, its whip-crack call a familiar sound in forests of eastern Australia. Two subspecies are recognized. Heard much more often than seen, it is a dark olive-green and black in color with a distinctive white cheek patch and crest. The male and female are similar in plumage. The Whipbirds are in the Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers, quail-thrushes – Psophodidae Family.

Papuan Whipbird (Androphobus viridis)
Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) ©©
Western Whipbird (Psophodes nigrogularis) See Photo

Photo of a Western whipbird – Animal Pictures – Pictures

See:

The Gospel Message

Wordless Birds

Formed By Him – “Palm” Birds

April 18, 2011 by Lee

Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) by Ia

Yesterday was the traditionally known day of “Palm Sunday.” Many this week celebrate and remember the last week of the Lord Jesus Christ before His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of mankind. Thought it might be interesting to look at the birds that have “Palm” in their names.

In Leviticus the Bible tells of a celebration they had with palm leaves.

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. (Leviticus 23:40 KJV)

From Gill’s Commentary, we learn – “branches of palm trees: which were very common in the land of Judea, and especially about Jericho; see John 12:13; the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem call them “lulabs”, which is the name the Jews give to the whole bundle they carried in their hands on this day:”

Palmchat (Dulus dominicus) ©SevenSeas of Rhye

Palm trees, branches or leaves are mentioned in Exodus 15:17, Leviticus 23:40; Numbers 39:9; Deut. 34:3 – Jericho is called the city of palm trees; Judges 3:13 and 4:5; I Kings 6:29, 32, 35, 7:36; 2 Chronicles 3:5, 28:15, Nehemiah 8:15; Psalm 92:15; Song of Solomon 7:7, 8; Ezekial 40:16-37, 41:18-26; Joel 1:12; and in John 12:13.

The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SITTING ON A DONKEY’S COLT.”
(John 12:12-15 NKJV)

The people were excited and were strawing the road with the palm branches. They were celebrating what they thought was their King who would take them out of the control of their current rulers. By weeks end, they will have changed their “Hosanna!”s into “Crucify Him!”s.

I realize that the birds have been named by various people, beginning with Adam until the current namers. Many of the birds that have Palm in their names do associate with Palm trees in one aspect or another. Maybe the next time you observe the “Palm” birds that were “Formed By Him,” our Creator and Savior, you will remember the day He rode into Jerusalem on a “palm road” Maybe He gave these birds the desire to use the Palm Trees so that when we see them we will not forget the prophecies that were fulfilled that day.

Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) by Ian

Birds with “Palm” in their name:

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)
“feeds mainly on the fruit of the oil-palm”
Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)
“they have been observed eating the seeds of the kanari and black bean trees, and the fruits of the nonda tree and Pandanus palms.”
Palm Lorikeet (Charmosyna palmarum)
“Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montanes, and plantations”
African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
The down and feather nest is glued to the underside of a palm leaf with saliva, which is also used to secure the usually two eggs. This is a fast flying bird of open country, which is strongly associated with Oil Palms. (applies to other palm swifts)”
Antillean Palm Swift (Tachornis phoenicobia)
Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis)
Neotropical Palm Swift (Tachornis squamata)
Pygmy Palm Swift (Tachornis furcata)
“observed them near mature cultivated palms, which represented nesting and roosting substrates”
Point-tailed Palmcreeper (Berlepschia rikeri)
“found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, mostly in palm groves”

Cuban Palm Crow (Corvus minutus)
“Nests are located in stands of tall palms with breeding from April-July or possibly earlier”
Hispaniolan Palm Crow (Corvus palmarum)
“The nest is made of sticks and placed among tree branches or in a palm tree.”
Palmchat (Dulus dominicus)
Collared Palm Thrush (Cichladusa arquata)
“Dry palm savanna and moist palm shrubland.”
Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush (Cichladusa ruficauda)
Spotted Palm Thrush (Cichladusa guttata)
Golden Palm Weaver (Ploceus bojeri)
Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum)
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)
“seems to like habitat with palms on which it feeds”

Information from various internet websites.

See:

The Gospel Message

Wordless Birds

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Monthly Archives: April 2011

My I.O.C. World Bird List – Ver. 2.8 Finally Finished

Interesting Things – The Leaf With An Appetite

Birdwatching at Circle B – 4/22/11

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Turquoise Parrot

Formed By Him – “Stone” Birds

Formed By Him – “Blood” Birds

On My Father’s Side

Cedar Waxwing – Fruit Passer…

Formed By Him – “Sword and Piercer” Birds

Formed By Him – “Thorn” Birds

Formed By Him – “Whip” Birds

Formed By Him – “Palm” Birds

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