Author Archives: a j mithra

Worthen’s Sparrow – Lost, but found.. by A.J. Mithra

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Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni) ©SFSeattle

Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni) ©SFSeattle

Worthen’s Sparrow (Spizella wortheni)
was originally discovered in the United States,
where just a single bird was caught on 16 June 1884,
near Silver City, New Mexico.
Video of Worthen’s Sparrow Singing
No Worthen’s Sparrows have since been captured in the country,
where it is now thought to be extinct.
Formerly, the bird also ranged over much of the Mexican Plateau.
That makes it one of the rarest sparrows in North America.
What is more, although flocks of the sparrow are sometimes seen in winter,
but its summer habitat was unknown

Worthen’s Sparrows do not migrate, but they move on
from nesting sites as soon as the breeding season ends.
Over the past 30 years, the sparrows have only been seen
in a 25km squared area in northeastern Mexico,
These historical records also suggested that
the sparrows like to breed in valleys full of desert scrub
and grassland habitat also filled by prairie dogs.

A team of researchers from BBC targeted areas of similar habitat,
particularly searching around the La Soledad valley
in the municipality of Galeana,
home to one of Mexico’s most important prairie dog locations
and found the species in Mexico after nearly 125 yrs..

GOD knew where to find Moses,
HE knew where to find Zacchaeus..
No matter how far away you’re from GOD or
how deep you’ve sunk into problems,
GOD knows where to find you, cos you are too precious
for HIM to abandon you..

We were lost, so HE climbed up the cross to find us..
GOD has kept you among Lions and serpents to glorify
HIS name through you ….

These birds which dwell among prairie dogs
seems to remind the words of King David, which says,

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (Psalm 139:8-9)

These birds are confined to open, arid shrub-grassland at elevations of 1,200-2,450 m
where breeding sites have been found in associations of :

1. Tarbush whose leaf extracts is an important source of bactericidal compounds
against multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis.
2. Creosotebush, which is a virtual pharmacy for Native Americans
and the steam from the leaves was inhaled to relieve congestion.
It was also used in the form of a medicinal tea
to cure such ailments as flu, stomach cramps, cancer, coughs, colds, and others.
3. Fourwing Saltbush which gives cover and protection from winter cold and summer sun within its branches
and
4. Short Grassland…

GOD has created us and chosen us to reveal
HIS power through us…

The dwelling place of Worthen’s Sparrow is among
the shrub , whose trees are used for medicinal purpose..
Where ever Peter and Paul went, people received healing…
Do we heal people through words and deeds or……?

When JESUS, the word dwells in us and we in HIM,
our life shall heal and should heal all those who are around us..

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Wordless Birds

Interesting Links:
Greg Lasley’s Worthen’s Sparrow
Worthen’s Sparrow – Bird Life International
Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies

Hermit Warbler – The worshiper.. by A. J. Mithra

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Hermit Warbler – The worshiper..

The Hermit Warbler lives in the tops
of some of the tallest trees on the planet…
It is more easily heard than seen while they forage for hidden insects,
or as they pluck berries from a dense grove of evergreen holly trees.

Hermit Warbler (Dendroica occidentalis) by Daves BirdingPix

Hermit Warbler (Dendroica occidentalis) by Daves BirdingPix

Here again we have another bird who loves
to dwell among the holly trees like the Azores Bullfinch…
They are heard but not seen, cos, they dwell in high places…

Adam and Eve chose a different hiding place after they sinned..
GOD could hear them but cannot see..
If JESUS comes in search of us, where will he find us?
Where is your hiding place?
Can we boldly proclaim like Psalmist?

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. (Psalm 119:114)

Where have we set our affections?
Do we beseech JESUS who was lifted high for our sins?

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Hermit Warblers are most often found in mature coniferous forests,
from sea level to the mountains.
During breeding season,
they are most common in stands over 30 years old,
and are generally absent from stands under 20 years old.
They are generally found in the interior of large forests,
high in the canopy…

How do they know the age of stands?
From where did they receive this wisdom?
Do you feel that you lack in wisdom?
Here is a secret,

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

During migration and post-breeding,
Hermit Warblers are commonly found in mixed flocks.
When foraging they hop about the foliage,
moving from the trunk outward to branch tips
and then starting back at the trunk.
They also glean items from the foliage
while hovering, and will fly out to catch aerial prey.
Hermit Warblers can hang upside-down
to glean from the undersides of leaves and twigs.
Their preference for high, dense foliage
makes them difficult to spot,
but they can be heard singing regularly during the breeding season.
Males arrive on the breeding grounds before females.
They establish and defend territories by singing…

These birds know the secret of defense…
Our praise is the greatest defense against any attack
that satan may plan..
GOD loves to dwell among our praises,
and that is why Prophet Nehemiah appointed singers to
guard the walls of the city; you can read that in
the book of Nehemiah chapter 7…

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

See more of A. J.’s articles.

Azores Bullfinch and the Holly Tree… – by A. J. Mithra

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Azores Bullfinch and the Holly Tree…

The diet of the Azores Bullfinch
comprises of at least 37 different plants..
Their diet presents marked seasonal variations,
from invertebrates and herbaceous
and fleshy-fruit seeds in summer
and autumn to fern sporangia, tree seeds,
fern fronds and flower buds in winter and spring.
The bird needs a mosaic of vegetation types,
and seems heavily dependent on flower buds
of Ilex perado, Holly, at a time of food scarcity..

Azores bullfinch - BBC 2008-03-20@Pedro Monteiro

GOD has provided us with different food
for different seasons, so that,
we may stay healthy and fit..
These birds provide excellent example
of how we should use the food resources
provided by GOD for mankind…
GOD has even provided us with a menu
for our dining table in Leviticus chapter 11…

Found from 300 to 800 meters above sea level, This bird is confined to part of the native cloud forest in eastern S. Miguel
Exotic vegetation such as plantations
of Japanese Red Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica),,,

These birds seems to remind us about
how GOD went with HIS people in their journey
through the wilderness as a pillar of cloud….

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way,and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light,to go by day and might.” Exodus 13:21

During winter storms these birds often take refuge in hollies,
which provide shelter, protection from predators and food…

These birds seem to remind us about how
we always have to praise the LORD
like the leaves of these trees which always point skyward..
These evergreen trees provides
perfect protection and its flowers and fruits
provide food for these birds..
JESUS, the ever green tree is not only
our protector but also our provider…
The holly fruit reminds us of the drops of blood
which JESUS poured from the garden of Gethsemane
till HE was pierced in HIS side…
When JESUS becomes our everything
we lack nothing…

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:10

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

please visit us at: Crosstree

World Sparrow Days – by A. J. Mithra

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March 20th is declared as the “WORLD SPARROW’S DAYS”, hence this article…

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) by Nikhil

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) by Nikhil


Sparrows are loosely monogamous.
Both the female and the male take care of the young ones,
though the female does most of the brooding

JESUS too expects us to be monogamous,
loyal and faithful to HIM as HE is to us..

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mathew 6:24 KJV)

They can swim to escape from predators,
although they are not considered to be water birds.
You maybe wondering how to get out of a tough situation,
Remember that we too have an escape route from predators,
and that JESUS, the LIVING WATER…
GOD has designed you to do what others can’t do…
If a sparrow can do what a water bird can,
we too can…

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) by Nikhil Devasar

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) by Nikhil Devasar


The difference between a male and a female sparrow
is that the former has a reddish back and a black bib,
whereas the female has brown back with eye stripe.
Do we remember how JESUS was broken for us on the cross?
How HIS back turned BLOODY RED so that we maybe healed?
Do we really deserve to be loved so?

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 53:5)

The nest building is initiated by an unmated male,
who begins the construction while displaying it to the females.
The females do assist in nest building, but are less active than the male.

JESUS is busy building a mansion from gold and silver,
to take back the church, HIS BRIDE for HIS wedding…
Are we preparing for our wedding with HIM
as HE is busy preparing for the bride?

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.  (Revelation 21:18)

If a sparrow can exhibit the qualities of its Creator,
how much more will our Creator expects of us whom HE has created in HIS own image?

Happy Sparrow’s day….

Yours in YESHUA,
A J Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

The Feet – by A. J. Mithra

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Common Swift (Apus apus) by Ian

Common Swift (Apus apus) by Ian

The foot shares the duties of locomotion with the wing.

Birds with highly developed wings have poor feet.
The swallow, an aerial bird, is an example.

The chimney swift has a tiny foot, but enormously developed wings,
and if placed on a flat surface is unable even to support itself.

All aquatic and terrestrial birds have excellently developed feet.
The loon is so thoroughly aquatic that it cannot walk on land
without the support of its breast and wings.

The sea snipe has a foot especially fitted for swimming,
and can be found a few hundred miles
off the Atlantic coast in flocks of hundreds of thousands,
perfectly at home in the water.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Ray

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Ray

The foot is generally related to the length of the neck.
In securing prey the foot also plays an important part.

The great horned owl and the duck hawk
have enormous grasping power in their claws.

In grouse or partridge a horny,
fringe-like growth appears on the toes late in the fall,
serving as a sort of snowshoe during the winter,
by which the bird is enabled
to walk on the surface of the snow.
This growth is shed in the spring….

Your feet may feel weak and weary,
but, still GOD wants our feet to stand high…
That is why the Bible says,

He maketh his feet like hinds` [feet], And setteth me upon my high places. (2 Samuel 22:34 KJV)

And HE also says,

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot. (Psalm 91:13)

WillowPtarmigan(Lagopuslagopus)©USFWS

WillowPtarmigan(Lagopuslagopus)

God takes care of our feet even in our
going out and coming in…

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm91:12)..

No mater how big or small,
GOD says.

How beautiful are thy FEET in sandals, (Song of Solomon 7:1 KJV)

Well,
does HE means to say that, our feet look beautiful only with sandals?
What sort of sandals are we wearing?
Do we have the sandal of preparation of the gospel of peace?

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:15)

Our feet can’t be more beautiful or more purpose full
without the sandal of preparation..
GOD has given us feet for a divine purpose..

Where are our feet planted?
JESUS is returning soon and HE is in need of feet
that can take the Gospel to the ends of the earth..
Are you ready?

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isaiah 52:7)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Cedar Waxwing – by A. J. Mithra

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Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by J Fenton

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by J Fenton

The Cedar Waxwing is one of the
few North American birds
that specializes in eating fruit.
It can survive on fruit alone
for several months…
The birds’ name derives
from their appetite
for cedar berries in winter…

Cedar is used in the temple
for purification..
Our body is the temple of GOD..
This bird seems to ask us
if we are leading a holy and pure life
isn’t it?

and he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet:  (Leviticus 14:53)

Cedar Waxwings inhabit
particularly along streams,,,
When JESUS comes into us
we will always dwell by the
Living Waters…

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ( Psalm 1:3)

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

The orange color is the result
of a red pigment picked up
from the berries of a
species of honeysuckle.
If a waxwing eats
enough of the berries
while growing its tail feathers
the tip of its feathers will be orange…

It is by HIS blood
that we are cleansed
and by HIS grace we become
more like HIM…
When “I” becomes less
and “JESUS” becomes more,
we would be like JESUS..
If these birds can pick up
the red color from the berries they eat,
don’t you think that we would
become more like JESUS
when we eat more of THE WORD,
THE LIVING BREAD?

By the way,
did you eat THE BREAD today?

Yours in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Stork – The Kind Mother – by A. J. Mithra

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Stork – The Kind Mother

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) on nest by Nikhil

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) on nest by Nikhil

The Hebrew word for stork
Is equivalent to “KIND MOTHER”,
and the care of storks for their young,
in their highly visible nests,
made the stork a widespread emblem
of parental care.

The image of a stork carrying an infant
wrapped in a sling held in its beak
is common in popular culture
and again a symbol of parental care…

As the chicks eat lots of food,
the parents find and eat the food.
Then they come back to the nest
and spit up the food for the chicks to eat..

We are so privileged, for,
JESUS gave HIMSELF
as THE LIVING BREAD
and as THE LIVING WATER,
so that we may have life eternal…
Father and mother may forsake,
but, JESUS will never leave us
nor forsake us..

It was widely noted in ancient natural history,
that the stork would prefer to be consumed
with the nest in a fire,
rather than fly and abandon it.
Such is its commitment towards its family..

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) by Ian

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) by Ian

How committed are we to JESUS?
We say that JESUS is our nest,
I mean SHELTER,
but, how many of us would still
have the courage to walk into the fire
like those three young men?
Do we have the courage to face
persecution like Stephen?
Or will run away from JESUS
and sit in the enemy’s camp like Peter?
When JESUS becomes our NEST,
HE shall give us our ETERNAL REST…

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. (Isaiah 10:14 KJV)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra at Crosstree

Click to see more of A. J.’s articles

See the Stork page (a Bird of the Bible)

Storks are in the Ciconiidae Family of the Ciconiiformes Order

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Emu – The Model Father by A. J. Mithra

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Emu – The Model Father

Emu (Dromaiusnovaehollandiae) by Ian

Emu (Dromaiusnovaehollandiae) by Ian

Mr. Emu is the most loving and caring
of all fathers of the bird community..
He not only builds the nest
in a semi-sheltered hollow
on the ground from bark,
grass, sticks and leaves
all by himself, but also incubates
the eggs alone and takes care of the chicks
all by himself..

JESUS neither sleeps nor slumbers
just to take care of all our needs..

During incubation,
he does not eat, drink or defecate,
but stands only to turn the eggs,
which he does about 10 times a day.
He will lose a third of his weight
during the eight week incubation period
and will survive only on stored body-fat
and on the morning dew,
that he can reach from the nest..

If these birds can survive
on morning dew,
we too are still surviving cos of
THE KING’S favor,which is like the morning dew…

Emu (Dromaiusnovaehollandiae) with chicks by Ian

Emu (Dromaiusnovaehollandiae) with chicks by Ian

Mr. Emu stays with the growing chicks
for up to 18 months,
defending them and teaching them how to find food.

JESUS is our shield and our defense,
we are the apple of HIS eyes..
HE is with us all the days of our lives..
Once as Mr. Emu starts brooding,

Mrs. Emu mates with other males,
but that’s still okay with Mr. Emu.
He’s really very kind because
as many as half the chicks in the brood
he incubates are fathered by others.
Incubation takes 56 days….

Surely. no one would like to be an Emu,
cos, we want our mate to be faithful…
How faithful are we to JESUS, our bride-groom,
who we also call as our Eternal father?
Are we with HIM all the days of our lives?
Are we loyal to HIM?
Just think….

The king`s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. (Proverbs 19:12 KJV)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,

A. J. Mithra

To see more of A. J.’s articles – Click Here

Emus are in the Dromaiidae – Emu Family which is one of the Casuariiformes Order

Is the Bride Ready? – A. J. Mithra

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Is the Bride Ready? – A. J. Mithra

Migration the most amazing
natural phenomena on earth..
The longest migrations
of all are those of birds.

Crane Migration over Israel

Crane Migration over Israel

Israel, which is located
right at the junction
of three continents,
is crossed by migrating birds
of 300 different species,
on a scale unparalleled
anywhere in the world…

Studies over the past decade
shows that about
500 million birds cross
Israel’s narrow airspace
twice every year
in the course of their migrations…
Between one to two million raptors
migrate through Eilat,
in Israel each spring.

Is this large scale
migration and breeding in Israel,
a trial run for the feast
which GOD has planned
for these birds
when JESUS returns
as THE KING?

The Birds are
preparing themselves
for the biggest
marriage feast ever…

The BRIDE-GROOM is on HIS way,
Is the bride ready?

And thou, son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Speak unto the birds of every sort, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh and drink blood. (Ezekiel 39:17)

Your’s in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra at Crosstree

Updated 5/29/10: Changed name from Migration over Israel to present. I missed aj’s updated changes – (corrected by editor).

Click to see more of A. J.’s articles

Palestine-Israel: A Crossroad for Bird Migration

Cassowary Seed Spreaders – A. J. Mithra

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Cassowary Seed Spreaders

Cassowaries eat mainly
large colorful fruits,
and they are considered
as the vital “keystone” species
cos they eat,
and therefore distribute
so many large tropical rain forest fruits.

SouthernCassowary(Casuariuscasuarius) from Wikipedia

SouthernCassowary(Casuariuscasuarius) from Wikipedia

In fact, the Southern Cassowary
is probably the single most important
seed disperser of the
Australian tropical rain forest.
So far, over 200
Australian tropical rain forest plants
have been recorded
to be eaten by cassowaries

Though the bird is hard to be seen,
their scat can be quite
common and conspicuous,
and can contain up to
1 kilogram of seeds….

The survival of the rain forests
of Australia depends upon
the survival of these birds…

Have we ever realized that
the extension of God’s kingdom
depends upon how far and wide
we sow JESUS, THE SEED?

How dare we expect to reap
goodness and mercy to follow us
all the days of our lives
when we haven’t sowed
JESUS, THE SEED??

If a bird can sow
hundreds of seeds,
in how many lives
have we sown,
JESUS,THE SEED?

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 126:6 (KJV)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
A J Mithra

His website is CROSSTREE
More of A. J.’s articles here.

Cassowaries are in the Casuariidae Family of the Casuariiformes Order

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What Would God Say of Us? by A. J. Mithra

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What Would God Say of Us?

Birds choose to mate
only with those birds
which sing the most
complicated songs…

White-throated Sparrow by Ray

For,
they believe that
only those birds
which sing different songs,
are good at raising
and taking care of the family
and the territory…

He worshiped
and
sang for the LORD at all times…

Is that the reason why
GOD certifies David
as the one who pleases
HIS heart?

Would GOD say of us
like how HE said of David?
Most of us have complicated
Our lives.
Instead of singing,
when life turns
too complicated to handle..

If GOD chooses only those
Who sing for HIM at all times,
How many of us would
GOD select?

Yours in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra at Crosstree

Click to see more of A. J.’s articles

Bar-tailed Godwits – Self Control

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Bar-tailed Godwits – Self Control  –  by a j mithra

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) by Nikhil Devasar

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) by Nikhil Devasar

With the help of
satellite tracking,
researchers found that,
Bar-tailed Godwits made
the longest non-stop flight
of any bird…
A female Bar-Tailed Godwit,
flew nonstop for eight days
and covered 7,242 miles
from Alaska to New Zealand….
These birds use
the air’s low pressure
to help them migrate
and they take advantage
of the 500 to 800 miles
of strong tailwinds
of the low pressure..
Many a time,
when we face low pressure
in life,
we feel down and out,
weak and weary,
distracted and disturbed
all along our life’s journey….

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) by Ian

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) by Ian

All because,
we don’t have the
fruit of self control..
We also fail to realize that
the low pressure
is the launching pad
on our quest to top…
Look at the price
this little bird had paid
to do what no one else
could do!
She didn’t eat or drink,
she didn’t shop or sleep
during her journey..
GOD paid a priceless price
for all our sins..
But,
what price are we
going to pay
to reach our destiny?
This bird neither slept
nor supped for eight long days..
Do we have that self control,
to fast at least once a week?
Do we have that self control
to keep wake all night
and pray for at least once a month?
GOD IS IN NEED OF PEOPLE
TO STAND AT THE GAP
AND PLEAD FOR ALL THOSE
DYING SOULS..
HELLOOOOO….
IS ANYONE LISTENING?

And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they [do it] to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1Corinthians 9:25 (A S V)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra at Crosstree

Click to see more of A. J.’s articles

Godwits are in the Scolopacidae Family of the Charadriiformes Order

See also:
Great Travelers Have Great Stories to Tell