I am behind the scene kicking up dust again. The new I.O.C. World Bird List Version 4.1 just came out on the 7th. Yesterday, they finally released the Excel spreadsheet to update our sites. As you may know, I use the IOC’s list for my Birds of the World lists. So each page has to be updated, even if it is only changing 3.5 to 4.1. It still has to be done. There are around 350 pages involved.
There now 10,518 extant species and 150 extinct species of birds of the world (Version 4.1), with subspecies (20,976) and annotations. Classification of 40 Orders, 232 Families (plus 5 Incertae sedis), 2274 Genera are included. They added 12 new species and deleted one.
One of the big changes is in the Taxonomic orders of the Parrots and Falcons. They are now placed just before the Passerines and right after the Woodpeckers. I have that much done and am now starting on the Passeriformes Order. (Those are the perching birds and also the largest Order) Another big change is a reshuffling of the Muscicapidae – Chats, Old World Flycatchers family. (It is on my “to do” list :o) )
In the mean time, we had the privilege of seeing 22 Sandhill Cranes feeding across the street from my backyard a few days back. Then today, we spotted that same group feeding about a 1/2 mile down the road. Two more groups were spotted of 7 and 4. That is about the most I have ever seen in one day.
Did you enjoy the Sunday Inspiration – Eagles I posted Sunday? I am thinking about making that a weekly post. Either using photos of different families or some theme like “Rock Birds” in a slideshow and play a song related to the Rock of our salvation, etc. Sundays are busy for us and I don’t always post on that day. It is a day of “rest” you know.
By the way, when Sandhills eat, there is always at least one who is on guard and watches over the others. Brings to mind a couple of verses.
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17 NKJV)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV)
Back to the dust, I have work to do.
*
- Sandhill Cranes with White Ibis by Lee
- Sandhills and White Ibis across road from backyard by Lee
- Sandhill Crane on duty by Lee across street
- On Duty Sandhill Crane by Lee
- American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Lee across street
Looking forward to the “rock birds” — surely the ubiquitous Rock Dove will be included! Years ago, while exploring the inside of a lava tube cave in Idaho (at Craters of the Moon National Monument), I recall seeing a pair of pigeons nesting in a lava crust crag, in the broken ceiling of the cave — thanks to God’s providential programming, those resourceful pigeons can live just about anywhere!
LikeLike
Lee, may God supply the patience for you to bring all your records up to the
standard required……Well done but i cannot bear to think of all the work required.
Peter England
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement and prayers. I just finished the first 237 pages for the Families. Now I have to work on the indexes. Not to worry, I am enjoying seeing the different birds from families around the world again.
The Lord has such beauties for us to enjoy.
LikeLike
I find the continuous redefinition of the taxonomies fascinating (both with birds AND my other passion, gardening – plants also get shuffled around, believe it or not!). Kind of fun watching scientists scramble to get a better hold on the divine plan, isn’t it? :)
LikeLike
I agree totally. It’s work to keep up with them, but I get to see again all the different families and beauties the Lord has created.
LikeLike
Recently I heard about the Falcon/Parrot move and an interesting question was asked… Are falcons still raptors? :)
LikeLike
That is an interesting question, Probably, but I doubt they know. Check out http://10000birds.com/will-parrots-and-falcons-soon-be-moved-around-in-your-field-guide.htm for some interesting comments about the move.
LikeLike