Author Archives: a j mithra

Long-wattled Umbrellabird – The Dawn Dancer..

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Long-wattled Umbrellabird – The Dawn Dancer..  – by a j mithra

The Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) is large bird that got its name because of its head feathers, which resemble an Elvis Presley hair-do that can be opened like an umbrella surrounding the bird’s head in all directions.

The first half of the name comes from another strange characteristic, the long wattle that hangs from the neck of the bird. This is a fleshy appendage covered in feathers that looks like a long, black tie and it is used for males during their exotic sexual courtship.

Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) by Wikipedia

Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) by Wikipedia

It is a large, charismatic, midnight-black bird, with a maximum wingspan of about two feet. Males have long crest feathers that, depending on their mood, they can retract like slicked-back pompadours (cool, relaxed) or expand to completely cover their heads (amorous, aroused). With his crest retracted, a male looks like Elvis on a bad hair day; with it expanded, he looks like Liberace on steroids…

During the August-to-February mating season, groups of between five and fifteen males gather every morning and afternoon at special sites called leks, each of which typically covers about 4.5 acres were most males stake out their own territories within a lek.

Beginning in the predawn darkness, the males sit on their favored perches and bellow their moo calls out into the forest around them. Ecuadorians call the bird the pajaro toro, meaning bull-bird, because the male’s song resembles nothing so much as a lost bovine mooing in the forest. The calls travel more than half a mile, to attract females. These males begin their calls at predawn darkness..

Have we ever realized that Jesus loves to talk to us in the predawn darkness?

The Manna would melt and that is the reason Manna collecting became a predawn exercise for the Israelites…
JESUS, the Word is our heavenly Manna…

How many of us have the habit of reading the Word of God as our predawn exercise? Just imagine, if our Bible had melted just like Manna after daybreak, most of us by now, would’ve starved to death isn’t it?

And they gathered it (Manna) every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. (Exodus 16:21)

As the day breaks, they begin to extend and retract their crests. They ruffle the feathers on their wattles and bob them up and down. They spread their wings out in a vulture-like pose and make a strange gurgling sound. They briskly beat their wings against their bodies. Sometimes they pull small branches off their perching trees and beat them against the limbs or trunk.

They spend hours each morning and afternoon in such elaborate displays, often nearly falling off their branches from the exertion. After they mate, the female is all by herself as she flies back to her home area in the forest, sometimes a few miles away and proceeds with the business of nesting.

These birds practice their mating ritual so hard for hours, that they even fall off their branches due to exertion..

JESUS is the copyright owner of the greatest and the most awesome mating ritual ever found on the face of the earth displayed at the Cross of Calvary..

It was not the nails which held Him to the cross but, it was the love that HE had for you and me that held HIM…

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

These birds are endangered due to habitat loss, and their extinction would not only mean the loss of a very interesting-looking animal, but also a disruption for the forest dynamics. This is because Umbrellabirds are one of the few birds large enough to disperse big seeds that are typical of mature forests.

The long-wattled umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) lays claim to the title of best-dressed dinner guest at fruit-bearing Chapil palm trees..

The mating behavior of umbrellabirds might have important consequences for chapils and other plants whose fruits they disperse…

It takes an hour for these birds to digest the Chapil Palm fruits. So, the males, bring a high proportion of the seeds they eat back to their lek sites. That is where they spend most of their time. But, the females disperse the seeds after they fly back to their home areas, which maybe miles away from the lek…

JESUS, the bride sows HIS seed in the Church…
But, like these birds, it is the duty of the Church-the bride to spread the seeds among their home areas, their family and friends…
We call ourselves as the bride, but, do we carry the seed home to spread it in our home area? Or just leave back the seed in church every Sunday before we get back home?

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

The Umbrellabird is part of the Cotingidae – Cotingas Family of the Passeriformes Order

Birds, It’s Coffee-time

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Birds, It’s Coffee-time – by a j mithra

Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota) by Ian

Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota) by Ian

You know?

Birds just love coffee..

Shade trees protect the understory coffee plants from rain and sun, help maintain soil quality, reduce the need for weeding, and aid in pest control. Organic matter from the shade trees also provides a natural mulch,which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, reduces erosion, contributes important nutrients to the soil, and prevents metal toxicities…

That is the reason most birds to migrate to shaded coffee plantations..

Birds know that there is Life under the shadow of trees?

When life turns cruel and we face heat and storm we tend to forget that, we have an everlasting shade..
We forget to remember this verse,

And there shall be a pavilion for a shade in the day-time from the heat, and for a refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isaiah 4:6)

Why should you run away from your problems?
Don’t you remember that JESUS is your providence?

Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand. (Psalm 121:5)

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) by S Slayton

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) by S Slayton

When you feel that tough seasons are approaching you, think of these birds and fly over to the everlasting shadow of JESUS, that is where you have perfect providence and protection…

Well, next time when you have coffee, just remember these birds and thank GOD for what HE has taught us through them..

Will you?

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: (Job 12:7)

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Here are some interesting articles:
Shade Grown Coffee

The Wompoo Fruit Dove – The Seed distributor

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The Wompoo Fruit Dove – The Seed distributor – by a j mithra

Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

Wompoo Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

The Wompoo Fruit Dove is a big rainforest pigeon. A large and dramatically beautiful rainforest pigeon, almost twice the size of other colored fruit-doves, the Wompoo Fruit Dove is identified by its large size, rich purple throat, chest and upper belly,and yellow lower belly.

The most favored habitat of the Wompoo Fruit Dove is rainforest, and birds are rarely seen in other areas. Occurs in, or near rainforest, low elevation moist eucalypt forest and brush box forests.

It is perhaps the most beautiful of all the doves found in Australia….
Did these birds inherit their beauty from dwelling in the rain forest?
The beauty of a believer lies in his heart…
The more we dwell under the Pillar of Clouds, the more we get soaked in the rain of the Holy Spirit…

The more we get wet in the rain of the Holy spirit, the more beautiful we turn..

In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. (Proverbs 16:13)

Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

Wompoo Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

Wompoo Fruit Doves feed on a variety of rainforest fruits. The fruits are eaten whole and may be quite large in size. They may form large feeding flocks where food is plentiful, and the birds acrobatically pluck the fruit from trees and vines high up in the canopy area. Despite their small size, they are able to swallow fruits of 5 cm³ volume, which would translate into a diameter of about 2 cm in spherical fruit. The birds are hard to see when feeding, and are best located by their calls or the sound of falling fruit.

This world may not be able to see you or locate you, but, no matter where you are, the fragrance of your fruit filled life will attract the world towards you…

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Mathew 7:20)

Feeds on a diverse range of tree and vine fruits and is locally nomadic following ripening fruit; some of its feed trees rely on species such as this to distribute their seeds…

Figs are preferred in the late dry and wet season (October – March) Fruit of cinnamon trees are preferred whenever available, Arecaceae (palm) fruit in mid-late dry season (August – October) and Annonaceae fruit, such as Ylang-ylanga re preferred whenever available..

The birds do not travel large distances, but move around in small, localized areas in search of fruit-bearing trees. The seeds in the fruit eaten by the Wompoo Fruit Dove are spread a long way in the dove’s droppings so more fruit trees can grow.

We may not be able to travel a long distance to sow the seed of God, but, we can always keep sowing around the place where we dwell..
There is a saying which goes like this,

A missionary’s longest journey is the distance traveled to the next door, to proclaim the good news of Jesus…

Well, ministry starts at home..
Before we reach the others, let us reach the lost in our family….

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:32)

Have a fruit filled day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Wompoo Fruit Dove is part of the Columbidae Family of the Columbiformes Order.

Here are a couple of videos of the Wompoo by two of our videographers.

Kagu – The High Profile Endemic Emblem

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The Kagu – The High Profile Endemic Emblem – by a j mithra

Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) Wikipedia

Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) Wikipedia

Kagus (Rhynochetos jubatus) are rather oddballs among birds because they are a mixed bag of physical characteristics, some of which are unique to Rhynochetidae, but most of which are shared with other bird families.

The name “Rhynochetos” refers to the unique rolled corns or nasal flaps that cover its nostrils.

Kagus look like rails (Rallidae) and occupy a niche similar to Rallidae; however, Kagus also exhibit light coloration and abundant, widely distributed powder-downs, much like herons (Ardeidae).

Kagus have a unique blood composition compared to other bird species, consisting of one-third the number of red blood cells and three times the hemoglobin content…

Our life is unique compared to the others, for we are not only brought by the blood of Jesus, but also protected by His precious blood..

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)

Although flightless, Kagus have large wings. They are medium-sized quite compact and agile birds that move surprisingly fast. Their dark-red eyes and orange-red, long legs and large bill contrast with their ash-gray and white plumage. A striking feature of the Kagu’s appearance, and usually concealed, is the patterning on the wings, which somewhat resembles that on the Sunbittern‘s wings. The patterning consists of a dominant design of black-and-white cross-bands with a smaller area of brown “overlay” also running across the primaries. Their long crest feathers extend to the lower back and are difficult to spot unless raised. The pattern on the wings of these birds resembles that of the Sunbittern’s wings…

Do we have the life pattern of The Sun of Righteousness in our lives? God has created us in His image; do we carry His image wherever we go?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; (Genesis 1:27)

The Kagu is exclusively carnivorous, feeding on a variety of animals with annelid worms, snails and lizards being amongst the most important prey items…

Also taken are larvae, spiders, centipedes and insects such as grasshoppers, bugs, and beetles. The majority of the diet is obtained from the leaf litter or soil, with other prey items found in vegetation, old logs and rocks.

It possesses bright red legs and a similarly coloured bill, and has large eyes, positioned so that they give good binocular which is helpful in finding prey in the leaf litter and seeing in the gloom of the forest.

Their hunting technique is to stand still on the ground or from an elevated perch, and silently watch for moving prey. they must also use other means, like vibration and/or sound, to pinpoint out-of-sight prey in soil that they capture.

Sometimes Kagus will hunt small animals in shallow water. They may stand on one foot and move the leaf litter with the other foot in order to flush prey. Victory is not a guarantee, no matter how technically qualified we are.

Like the Kagu, our battle technique ought to stand still and watch God win the battle for us…

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47)

In addition to their song, Kagus are best known for their distinctive displays. For defense, the wings are opened to reveal their patterning and positioned forward-facing in an attention-grabbing display that might have acted to confuse past predators. This display is remarkably similar in form and function to the “frontal display” of the Sunbittern..

Kagus use a “strutting” display in courtship and in disputes with other birds. They take an upright pose with the crest raised and fanned and the wings held down and forward in the form of a cape. They then slowly circle around each other in a ballet-like dance.

A captured bird held by the feet will also instinctively open its wings to reveal the patterning and bring them together as “shields” to cover its head….

The Kagu played a part in some indigenous Kanak cultures; for example, Kagu feathers were worn by the chiefs and their song was used in war dances.

Kagus are considered very important in New Caledonia, it is a high profile endemic emblem for the Territory.

Its distinctive song used to be played to the nation every night as the island’s TV station signed off the air.

Kagus make a range of different sounds, most commonly duetting in the morning, each duet lasting about 15 minutes. Its survival is considered important for the nation’s economy and image…

Kagus seem to know the importance of corporate worship, is that why they sing duets every morning?

We may not be able to have corporate worship every morning, but, how many of us realize the importance of corporate worship at least on a Sunday morning?

Jesus said,

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mathew 18:20)

This is what the Bible says about corporate worship…

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrew 10:25)

Our survival is important for the extension of God’s kingdom,so, let us live like JESUS and for JESUS…

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Three-wattled Bellbird – The Noise Maker

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Three-wattled Bellbird – The Noise Maker  by a j mithra

Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata) Immature male by Kent Nickell

Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata) Immature male by Kent Nickell

The Three-wattled Bellbird lives between eastern Honduras and western Panama. In Costa Rica it lives on both slopes of the country..

It breeds in the cloud forests and in the foothill and highland moist forest at 1,200-2,100 m, and occasionally down to 750 m. In the non-breeding season, birds undertake complex migrations ranging up to 3,000 m (in Costa Rica), and then descending to the foothills and lowlands on both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes…

There is protection, anointing and guidance under the Pillar of the Cloud…
These birds seem to know the secret of living a protected life under the clouds..

The Bible says that we are the temple of the Living God, but, can we say that, we dwell under the Pillar of the Cloud?

During the days of Moses, the Pillar of the Cloud hovered above the tabernacle, from where Moses took orders from the Lord…
From where do we take orders? Man or God?

And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. (Exodus 33:9)

Maybe that is the reason that, we are not able to hear the voice of the Lord…

Three-wattled Bellbird © Pete Morris

Three-wattled Bellbird © Pete Morris

The Three-Wattled Bellbird swallows the fruits of trees, particularly those in the Lauraceae family, of which the avocado is a member. Avocados, known as Butter-fruit in India, have the highest protein content of any fruit. Avocados contain more potassium than bananas. One avocado contains 81 mcg of lutein, an important nutrient for healthy eyes. Leaf and seed extracts have been used for a variety of medical application, including treatment of diarrhea and dysentery and as an antibiotic.

What kind of food do we eat?
These birds not only eat healthy food, but they eat medicinal food too..
People spend more money on medicine rather than on food..

Why?

Is it because, now a days, people don’t eat to live, but they live to eat..

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. (Proverbs 23:2)

At close range, the vocalization of many in Costa Rica is heard as a complex three-part song, is thought to be among the loudest bird calls on Earth, audible to humans from over 0.5 mi (0.80 km) away. The song is different in Nicaragua and in also Panama, and these songs also include an extremely loud, but less bell-like, note.

Based on limited spectral analysis, researchers believe that the Bell-bird makes its unusual anvil-like sound by singing up to three notes simultaneously. This is a trick which takes the young birds a while to perfect. This one seems to be producing pitches of roughly 1280, 1365, and 1450 Hz, approximately E6, F6, and F-sharp6 in the musical scale. These three notes, each a semi-tone apart, produce a very rough, dissonant “bonk” giving the bird its name.

A link to the Three-wattled Bellbird. A male is displaying and you can hear his call, by Max Roth.

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/three-wattled-bellbird-procnias-tricarunculatus/male-displaying-treetop-perch

The three-wattled bellbird, which inhabits the cloud forests, is rarely seen in the mist-shrouded treetops, though the male’s eerie call, described as a “ventriloqual bonk!’ haunts the rainforest… as long as the sun is shining.

The purpose for which God created us is to worship and worship alone…
But, are we worshipping the Lord at all times or just in a Sunday morning service?

These Birds may not have a song but still their BONK saves them from predators…

You may not have a good voice but still your noise can frighten the devil..
You know? God loves your NOISE and not your VOICE…

These birds sing as long as the sun is shining..

We, the church too can sing only as long as the Sun of Righteousness shines on us..
Darkness is fast descending, let us keep singing , for the hour of the Lord has come..
If we don’t sing here, how can we sing in heaven?
After all, only practice makes us perfect…

The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. (Psalm 115:17)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:  Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The four Bellbirds are in the Cotingidae Family of the Passerifromes Order. The Cotinga family has Bellbirds (4), Cotingas (25), Plantcutter (3), Berryeater (2), Fruiteater (12), Cock-of-the-rock (2), Phia (9), Fruitcrow (4), Capuchinbird (1), and Umbrellabird (3). They all seem to have interesting names.

The Sage in the sagebrush…

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The Sage in the sagebrush… – by a j mithra

Hello,

Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) by Kent Nickell

Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) by Kent Nickell

My name is Mr. Greater Sage Grouse–also known as the sage cock, sage hen, sage chicken, and formerly, western sage grouse which is the largest member of a family of hen-like terrestrial birds known as grouse.

At one time, Washington State had an abundant population of sage grouse. Hunting, loss of habitat because of expanding farm lands and other human development, and devastating wildfires have reduced our population to fewer than 1,500 birds. We are currently a state-threatened species and a federal candidate species.

We, the Sage grouse are herbivores and we eat soft plants, primarily big sagebrush. Big sagebrush is essential to our lives cos, all through our lives, you can find us in or near dense stands of sagebrush. Our female flock nests on the ground under the shrub and seek cover from predators and weather beneath it.

Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) by Kent Nickell

Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) by Kent Nickell

From fall through spring the leaves and more succulent stems of big sagebrush make up from 90 to 100 percent of the our diet. During summer and early fall, we leave the dense sage and move to scattered patches of sagebrush found near seeps, streams, or irrigated fields where we eat green forbs and insects, both of which are high in protein and allow rapid growth of young chicks.

One of the most interesting aspects about us is nearly complete reliance on sagebrush. Our habitat requirements are so specific that we are frequently referred to as “sagebrush obligates,” that is, we birds cannot survive in areas where the shrub, with which we share the name, has been removed…

Like us, you Christians too, share the name Christ with which you are identified…
We, the Sage Grouse cannot live without Sage brush plants..
We cannot survive if Sage brush plants are removed from our lives…

Christians means CHRIST IN US…
But, there are so many in your church who do not have Christ in their lives, but, they call themselves as Christians…

Your Bible says,

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)

The Bible also says,

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2Corinthians 5:17)

Let your hearts judge if you are worthy of calling yourselves as Christians….

I wish you should know more about the sage brush plant, our eternal home..

Sage Grouse (Centrocercusurophasianus) by Dave's BirdingPix

Sage Grouse (Centrocercusurophasianus) by Dave's BirdingPix

Sagebrush has bacteriostatic, astringent, and antioxidant properties. Sagebrush kills bacteria, inhibits free radicals, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions, and so is most useful as a cleansing first aid wash for disinfecting wounds and skin irritations. Tea made from the leaves as a medicine for digestive problems, headache and cold. The leaves can be very useful in your kitchen as a means of protecting stored dried food from insects and rodents…

We have our home, where there is food and protection…
How protected is your home? Do you have a healthy environment?
Do you live a healthy life like the way we live?
Don’t you realize how well you should take care of your health?

Your body is the temple of JESUS, do you know that? Have you not read the following verse in your Bible?

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1Corinthians 3:16,17)

Whenever you think of sage brush, think of us, the Greater Sage Grouse..
We need you..

If only you could take care of the environment, this earth will not only protect you, me and all other living thing, but also will provide us food, water and shelter…

By protecting the earth, you are not only protecting us but protecting your race too…

Live and let us live…

Yours,

The Greater Sage Grouse
Have a Thoughtful day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Sage Grouse are in the Phasianidae Family of the Galliformes Order. There are 181 members in the family which also includes Turkeys, Chickens, Ptarmigans, Partridges, Snowcock, Francolins, Spurfowls, Junglefowls, Pheasants, Peafowls and others. None of them are on the “unclean-do not eat” list.

Video of a male Sage Grouse displaying

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Flight 7…

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Flight 7… – by a j mithra

Number seven signifies completeness and that is the reason GOD took rest on the seventh after creation..

The wing shape of birds has its basis in survival value…
There are Seven Basic Wing Shapes and arrangements for different flying styles;

1.  FAST TAKEOFF AND DODGING WINGS

Sooty(Blue) Grouse (Dendragapusfuliginosus) byIan

Sooty (Blue) Grouse (Dendragapusfuliginosus) byIan

Birds such as pheasants and grouse that usually inhabit dense cover and need to dodge quickly between obstructions have wings that allow twisting flight at short distances..

Built for fast takeoff and dodging, this type of wing is relatively short but broad and cupped,
with flexible tips that can be set at varied angles without twisting the whole wing.

GOD expects us to be swift to hear, swift to lend a helping hand to the poor and the needy..

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, …….. (James 1:19)

2.  SOARING BIRD’S WINGS

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) by Daves BirdingPix

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) by Daves BirdingPix

Soaring Birds tend to have broad wings. The Turkey Vulture has extremely broad wings for soaring. The breath of this wing type and the arrangement of the slotted primary feathers make it most efficient for soaring over land.

Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks, Broad-winged hawks, Northern Harriers, Condors, Ravens, and some gulls have this kind of wings.

GOD wants us to wait in HIS presence and get wings of an Eagle to soar high even above storms… How long do we wait in HIS presence?

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

3.  HIGH SPEED AND MANEUVERABILITY FLIGHT WINGS

White-throated Swift by Dave's BirdingPix

White-throated Swift by Dave's BirdingPix

Some birds of prey and most other fast-flying birdshave developed High Speed Maneuverable wings. These wings of swifts, swallows, shorebirds, and waterfowl, and other small-to-medium-sized birds with rapid flight. Are extremely flat, moderately long narrow, and triangular, and tend to be swept backwards, like the wings of a high-speed jet fighter.

How many of us hasten to give our tithe and offering?
How many of us hasten to honor the servants of GOD?

Look at Abraham,

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. (Genesis 18:6)

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) by W Kwong

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) by W Kwong

4. SLOW FLAPPING FLIGHT WINGS

The kind of wings characteristic of Slow Flapping Flight are large and distinctly arched.

Herons, Egrets, and Ibises have this type of wing, and their style makes them immediately recognizable as belonging to one of those families, even when see from a distance.

GOD expects of us to be

….slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

5.  LONG DISTANCE OCEANIC SOARING WINGS

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Seabirds, such as Shearwaters and Albatrosses, have a high-aspect wing, but one that is adapted for Long Distance Gliding — long, narrow, flat, and pointed, with no slotting of the primary feathers. The longest feathers are the outermost primaries.

Pointed wings like these are best suited for Long Distance Oceanic Soaring. Other birds with this type of wings are Gulls and Frigatebirds, which glide almost endlessly above the sea.

God wants to set us on high place; HE wants us to be high above everyone around us… But, not until we love HIM the way HE loves us…

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

6.  LONG DISTANCE GLIDING WINGS

Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) by Ian

Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) by Ian

Still another Long Distance Gliding variation is found in the type of wing typical of storks and some vultures, a slotted, high-lifting structure. The wings are broad to provide more wing surface and short to make use of subtle variations in air currents.

We are on a very long journey; a journey of righteousness, a journey of perseverance, a journey of faithfulness and a journey of love…How calm are we on our journey?

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew 5:41)

7.  MOTIONLESS FLIGHT

Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) Reinier Munguia

Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) Reinier Munguia

Hummingbirds’ wings are pointed and swept back, and they rotate at the shoulder, not at the wrist, as do those of most other birds. This allows the wing to be turned over in midstroke, so that backward motion cancels forward motion and the bird remains motionlessly poised in the air to sip the nectar of flowers. This bird then can execute Motionless Flight.

GOD created everything and took rest on the seventh day… HE created man on the sixth day so that, man shall worship HIM on the seventh day which is the first day for man on this earth…

Even in the list of flying styles of birds, the seventh flying style is MOTIONLESS FLIGHT… The birds seem to lay emphasis on the importance of the seventh day isn’t it?

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalms 46:10)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Updated on 8/8/11
Sorry about not crediting Paul Noll’s explanations and quotes of wing types. (Per comment)
See Bird Wing Shapes, by Paul Noll.
Lee

The White-crowned Sparrow – The Restorer

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White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) by Ray

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) by Ray

The White-crowned Sparrow – The Restorer ~ by  a j mithra

Bird watchers who have flocked to north Norfolk, UK, to see a rare sparrow have boosted the funds of a local church. They have donated so much money to Cley church; there are plans to feature the bird in a new stained glass window.

A rare bird’s appearance in a coastal village, which has attracted hoards of twitchers from across the country, has swelled church coffers.

The white-crowned sparrow is normally found in America, but it turned up 3,000 miles off course in Cley in January and is still being spotted feeding and flying around the village. The medium-sized sparrow has only been seen four times before in Britain and Ireland and its appearance in Richard and Sue Bending’s garden prompted an influx of bird watchers.

They have gathered en masse outside the home of Richard and Sue Bending. It was last Thursday that retired clergyman Mr. Bending, 60, and wife, 59, a retired librarian, first spied the bird scratching among leaf litter in their walled garden. The couple – who consider themselves bird-lovers but not die-hard twitchers – thought that the visitor, with its striking black-and-white striped head, was unusual but could not find it in their book of native varieties. We borrowed a book from the library, it was then that we realized it could be a White-crowned Sparrow,” said Mr Bending

Although Cley Reserve, run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, attracts thousands of nature lovers, the village visit by the bird – with distinctive black and white stripes on its head – has lifted the village’s profile on the bird-spotting map.

The presence of this rare bird had inspired people to give for God…

Has our presence inspired people to do something for God?

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3)

It’s the first occasion a white-crowned sparrow has ever been seen in East Anglia.


Other links to videos of the bird:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnzgAcuv8Gc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqjRrx8Ft0I

While the influx of twitchers have been keen to get a glimpse of the American migrant, the local vicar believes people have been just as impressed by the sight of the village church.

More than £5,000 has poured in to St Margaret’s restoration fund during the bird’s visit.

“They’re obviously looking at something rare and beautiful and perhaps some of them looked across here and saw something rare and beautiful as well when they saw this church,” said Rev Neil Batcock.

The money is going to be used to restore a stained glass window which will feature the rare visitor’s stay in Cley.

This is an extract from the website of St.Margret’s Church, Cley, West Window
“During the famous visit of the White Crowned Sparrow to Cley in 2008, our many visitors contributed generously to a collection made by Cley Bird Club for St Margaret’s. The Bird Club were keen for the money raised to go to a specific project rather than just added to The Church Restoration Fund. It was suggested that, as the West Window leaks rather badly, and looks over where the White Crowned Sparrow was discovered, perhaps the money could go towards the repair of this magnificent window and in memory of the bird’s visit, a small image of the White Crowned Sparrow be incorporated in the window. This idea was thought to be a very fitting way to commemorate a little bird that brought national fame to St Margaret’s and the village of Cley. We have had to apply for a faculty to do this work, and at last have got the go ahead. Hopefully, with the better weather approaching and the builder, glazier and artist being able to fit the work in, we hope that it won’t be too long before this can start.”

Though this White-crowned Sparrow had come to an unknown land, it still gave a hand to bring restoration to the place where it stayed..

Joseph restored the unknown land of the Pharaoh during famine…
The little slave girl was the reason for restoration of health to the Syrian commander in an unknown land…

GOD will not take us out from our comfort zone without a purpose..

If Joseph had not gone out of his comfort zone, we wouldn’t have had the country of Israel, which gave JESUS to us..
In fact we wouldn’t have had a Savior to save us from our sins…
GOD has given us just one life as a gift, what are we doing with it?
How many lives did we restore for GOD?

If a small sparrow can restore a church, how much GOD will expect of us?

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; …………. (Esther 4:14)

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) by S Slayton

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) by S Slayton

It’s not known how the White-crowned Sparrow ended up so many miles away from home, although Mr. Bending, who first spotted the bird, has his own theories. “No-one knows how it got here but we are speculating that it was caught in a storm while migrating south from the east coast of Canada to the United States,” he said. “It could have become lost or tired and hitched a ride on a boat coming to England. We just feel very privileged that it chose our garden.”

People speculate that a storm would’ve carried this bird this far…

When u face a storm in life and you feel as if you are thrown into a no man’s land, remember that GOD will use you in that new place and glorify His name through you…

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. ( Isaiah 41:15)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The White-crowned Sparrow is in the Emberizidae Family of the Passeriformes Order. The Emberizidae Family includes the Buntings, New World Sparrows and Allies. The Passeridae Family includes the Old World Sparrows and Snowfinches.

All of these Sparrows are Birds of the Bible – Sparrows and we have written several blogs about them. Please check out the articles, photos, and videos of the Sparrows.

Araripe Manakin – The Indicator of Environmental Quality…

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Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) by ©AGrosset

Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) by ©AGrosset

The Araripe Manakin is endemic to a very small ribbon of forest at the foot of the Chapada do Araripe escarpment, in Brazil…

It seems particularly fond of the moist forest near the streams and springs that flow out of the escarpment…

The survival of these birds depends upon the availability of water resources..

Have we ever felt that our survival also depends upon JESUS, the LIVING WATER?

Unfortunately, this supply of water also generates the biggest threat to the species as the area is a bit of an oasis in that region, and the supply of water has led to the development of both agriculture and recreational facilities…

Many of us are dry in spirit, but, instead of looking up to the Pillar of Clouds to wet our spirit,
where are we looking?

JESUS said,

but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life. (John 4:14)

Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) by ©AGrosset

Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) by ©AGrosset

Found along the slopes of the chapada (plateau) in the lower and middle stories of tall forests where there are plenty of vines, as well as clearings…

It is associated with water springs and is therefore a good indicator of environmental quality..

If we live on JESUS, THE VINE, the world would look at us as an indicator of the spiritual quality of the church….

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (Isaiah 44:3)

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The Araripe Manakin is in the Pipridae Family of the Passeriformes Order.

See:

Araripe Manakin

The American Dipper – The Intercessor

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The American Dipper – The Intercessor ~ by a j mithra

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) by Daves BirdingPix

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) by Daves BirdingPix

A chunky bird of western streams, the American Dipper is North America’s only truly aquatic songbird. It catches all of its food underwater in swiftly flowing streams by swimming and walking on the stream bottom. Dipping may help them deal with a crazy visual field that is constantly in motion…

Maybe the relentless up and down motion changes the light angle, allowing dippers to see into the water. Or it may help them remain oriented next to the forever moving current. Or it may be a way of communicating near noisy streams–except that dippers sometimes dip even when they’re alone….

Unless we are in communion with GOD, the Light, through prayers, we will never be able to deal with the visual field that is constantly in motion. We will never be able to see the Light at the end of the tunnel…

Do we have a personal relationship with GOD?

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Mathew 6:6)

Formerly known as the water ouzel, this bird was rechristened by ornithologists several years ago because of its curious habit of dipping, bending and straightening its knees. So who knows?

Maybe their habit of dipping just helps these little birds keep fit for those incredible dives into raging torrents…

They’re absolutely amazing….We can’t even stand up in these streams, but here are these tiny birds that dive right into raging white water.”

Those who kneel before GOD, can stand before anything…

Prayer helps us stay fit and is the secret behind coming out unscathed, even after diving into the raging water…

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Mathew 21:22)

Young birds may practice dipping while still in the nest, and adults do it repeatedly when resting between feeding dives, while courting, during territorial disputes and when alarmed…

The dipping rate tends to rise with the degree of arousal to as many as 60 dips per minute.

Do we teach our children about the importance of prayer when they are young?

How many times do we dip, I mean, kneel before GOD during alarming situations?

…that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4:10)
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36)

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) by Ian

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) by Ian

The American Dipper chooses a nest site, invariably along a stream, that provides security from floods and predators. Availability of suitable nest sites appears to limit its populations. To be able to survive in cold waters during the winter, the American Dipper has a low metabolic rate, extra oxygen-carrying capacity in its blood, and a thick coat of feathers.

Unlike most other songbirds, but similarly to ducks, the American Dipper molts its wing and tail feathers all at once in the late summer. The bird is flightless during this time.

American dippers occupy an unusual niche in the songbird world. Inextricably tied to racing streams, they routinely feed where few other terrestrial animals dare to go. They rear young just feet from churning whirlpools. They are splendidly adapted for their aquatic life-style, yet even in the wilderness have trouble finding appropriate nest sites. Abundant oil from an oversized gland above the tail keeps dipper feathers virtually waterproof. A flap of skin covers the nostrils while submerged, and translucent eyelids permit underwater sight. Dippers rarely venture more than a few yards from water, and even when airborne they follow a stream’s zigzagging course….

Our lives would be safe when we dare not venture away from the Living Water and just follow the course of JESUS, the Living Water…

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

Dippers build their traditionally elaborate nests over the fastest moving part of a stream normally on mid-stream boulders or rock ledges just above the water….

Researchers discovered that area bridges offered a viable alternative as nesting sites. And in subsequent research, the biologist found that bridge nests in the valley actually produced more young than the natural nests in her study area…

Bridges actually are a key to dipper’s reproductive success in many areas….

We are the key to the extension of GOD’s kingdom… Do you know that?

GOD has called us to bridge the gap between the lost and the LAMB…

The success of populating the flock of GOD depends on our availability…

GOD is searching for someone who would stand in the gap for HIS people, are you ready to bridge the gap?

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. ( Ezekiel 22:30)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Dippers are in the Cinclidae Family of the Passeriformes Order. There are 5 Dippers in the family; White-throated, Brown, American, White-capped, Rufous-throated Dipper.

Video of an American Dipper

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The Inspired and the Inspiring Rose-breasted Grosbeak

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The Inspired and the Inspiring Rose-breasted Grosbeak – by a j mithra

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) by Rob Fry

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) by Rob Fry

The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak lives and breeds in North America, but then migrates to Mexico and Central America. East of the Great Plains, the deciduous woodlands belong to the rose-breasted grosbeak with its colossal white bill, an appendage that is often stained with wild berry juice.

This bird is considered as the most stunningly dressed of all our Neotropical migrants.Yet the “rosebird” of olden days is heard more often than seen as it flies through the forest penthouse, whistling and if inspired, it may sing all night. Who is our inspiration?

When JESUS becomes our inspiration, we cannot but sing 24×7….
Why is it hard for us to praise HIM at all times? Is it because we don’t love HIM the way HE does?
Why is it not possible for us to say like David?
Just think!

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

Rose-breasted grosbeak nests are so loosely built that it is sometimes possible to count the eggs from below. The parent birds share incubation duties and the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak participates in incubation of the eggs, accounting for about 1/3 of the time during the day, the female incubates over night….

The female bird incubates overnight?
Do we understand what the bird seems to teach us about its overnight incubation?
We feel so nice to call ourselves as the bride.. Isn’t it?
But, the question is, does the church – the so called bride, watch and pray for the lost?

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (1Thessalonians 5:5,6)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) by Quy Tran

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) by Quy Tran

The male will care for the fledglings while the female starts a second nest. She becomes so possessive of a good mate that other females vying for his attention will be driven away. Both sexes sing quietly to each other when they exchange places. The male will sing his normal song while near or actually on the nest. The female song is generally a simplified version of the male song. Occasionally, the female sings full “male” song, apparently to deceive its mate about the presence of intruders and force him to spend more time at the nest..

Our worship has the power to force JESUS to spend more time with us…
It is easy to praise God when we are in the comfort zone, but singing in times of trouble, not only brings HIS presence, but also deliverance…
After all, our LORD dwells among the praises of the angels in heaven…
Remember, HIS presence is the essence of life…

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150:6)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The Grosbeaks are in the Cardinalidae Family of the Passeriformes Order. In fact, the Family is the last one in the Passeriformes order. The 45 members of the family include not only the Grosbeaks (17), but the Dickcissel (1), Chats (3), Cardinals (2), Pyrrhuloxia (1), Saltators (14), Buntings (7).

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The Surrendered Anhinga

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The Surrendered Anhinga – by A J Mithra

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) By Densie Russell

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) By Denise Russell

The Indians who live near the Amazon River in South America call it “Anhinga.” In North America it is called “water turkey,” “snake darter,” or “darter.” This strange bird goes by several names. It has a long tail that accounts for its nickname, “water turkey.”

The Anhinga swims with only its head above the water While swimming, the long neck and the head may be above the surface with its body below and this has resulted in another nickname, “snake bird.”

Some Anhingas live in Asia, in Africa and in Australia and in America, from southern Arkansas to Argentina and they are quite common in Florida.

People may call you by your first name, last name, surname or even nicknames, but,JESUS not only calls you by your name but gives you a new name too…

As long as Jacob was Jacob, he was a wanderer, but, GOD gave him a new name, Israel, only after Jacob accepted that he is a fraud..

After which, Israel was no more a wanderer, but the most powerful nation on the face of the earth…
GOD gives us a new name only when we repent…

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) By Densie Russell

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) By Denise Russell

It finds its food in the water. It eats insects, frog eggs, fish and even small alligators. It spears fish with its long beak, so, sometimes it has to swim to shore and pry the fish off its beak by rubbing on a rock or tree limb.

Mating pairs are monogamous. Anhingas have been seen performing rituals when changing egg incubation duties they intertwine necks and pass nesting material when changing positions.

The Anhinga is frequently seen soaring high in the sky overhead. It is a graceful flier and can travel long distances without flapping its wings, much in the manner of a Turkey Vulture.

Among birds, the Anhinga is the best fresh-water diver. It goes down quietly and hardly makes a ripple. Unlike like other birds who spend most of their days in water (like a duck), an Anhinga’s feathers are not waterproof. But, this weakness allows the Anhinga to dive deeper than birds with waterproof feathers. But, it also has it downfalls.

When an Anhinga swoops down into a body of water to capture its food, its feathers quickly become water-logged. When an Anhinga is water-logged, it is unable to fly. Thus the Anhinga must dry itself off by holding its wings outstretched, allowing the sun to dry the feathers….

This bird is a good example of “I CAN DO ALL THINGS WITH GOD”

Anhinga Dryed at Lake Hollingsworth by Dan

They are not water proof , yet they dive very deep..
They cannot fly when they are water-logged, but, they look up to the sun, to dry themselves, so that they may soar high and fly long distances…

You may not be quality proof, but still, you can fly high and dive deep…
People may consider you as useless but GOD sees you as “USED LESS”

Whom are you looking for help?

If you are one among those who try to do things with their own strength, its time to look at these birds for awhile before you proceed further in life…

When they spread their wings to dry them, these birds seem to say, LORD I have nothing and I need You, to go down deep into the Living Waters and to lift me high, so that I may fly like an Eagle…

Take away all that is unwanted in me Lord and make me dry, so that,I may say,

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to thee my blessed Savior,
I surrender all…

Have a Crucified day with GOD!

Your’s in YESHUA,
A J Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) with a speared fish by Ian

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) with a speared fish by Ian

Lee’s Addition:

Anhingas are in the Anhingidae Family of the Pelecaniformes Order.

A J, nice article and, yes, the Anhingas are a daily occurance here in Florida, by the water.

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