Lord’s Avian Wonders – Gnatcatcher Preening

December 27, 2015 by Lee

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. (Luke 12:35 NASB)

A visit to Circle B Bar Reserve last week provide a great opportunity to watch a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) preening. Normally, they are flitting from here to there and never stay put long enough to catch a photo, let along some video.

To preen: personal grooming of a bird’s feathers especially by using its beak. Nice article at About Birding – What is Preening.

They are a very small songbird, 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in) in length and weighing only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz). Adult males are blue-grey on the upperparts with white underparts, have a slender dark bill, and a long black tail edged in white. Females are less blue. Both sexes have a white eye ring.

The blue-grey gnatcatcher’s breeding habitat includes open deciduous woods and shrublands in southern Ontario, the eastern and southwestern United States, and Mexico. Though gnatcatcher species are common and increasing in number while expanding to the northeast,[4] it is the only one to breed in Eastern North America. They build a cone-like nest on a horizontal tree branch. The incubation period is 13 days for both sexes. Both parents construct the nest and feed the young; they may raise two broods in a season.

These birds migrate to the southern United States, Mexico, northern Central America – (Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras), Cuba, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands. Yeah! They come to Circle B in the winter!

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

They forage actively in trees or shrubs, mainly eating insects, insect eggs and spiders. They may hover over foliage (gleaning), or fly to catch insects in flight (hawking). The tail is often held upright while defending territory or searching for food.

The songs (and calls) are often heard on breeding grounds, (usually away from nest) and occasionally heard other times of the year. Calls: “zkreee, zkreee, zkreee”, Songs: “szpree zpree spreeeeey spree spre sprzrreeeee”

Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NASB)

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher preening at Circle B by Lee

Birdwatching Trips

Circle B Bar Reserve, FL

Wordless Birds – with Hummingbirds

Sunday Inspiration – Chats and Old World Flycatchers II

December 27, 2015 by Lee

Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava sundara) by Nikhil Devasar

Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. (Genesis 2:19 NASB)

Last week’s Sunday Inspiration – Chats and Old World Flycatchers covered the first part of the Muscicapidae Family. This week, we will show the some more of the Family. There are 321 Members that make up the Muscicapidae Family. What great looking birds from their Creator.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) ©WikiC

Chats (formerly sometimes known as “chat-thrushes”) are a group of small Old World insectivorous birds formerly classified as members of the thrush family Turdidae, but now are considered Old World flycatchers. The name is normally applied to the more robust ground-feeding flycatchers found in Europe and Asia and most northern species are strong migrants.

The Old World flycatchers, the Muscicapidae, are small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia). These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata) ©WikiC

The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. They are small to medium birds, ranging from 9 to 22 cm in length. Many species are dull brown in colour, but the plumage of some can be much brighter, especially in the males. Most have broad, flattened bills suited to catching insects in flight, although the few ground-foraging species typically have finer bills.

Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.

White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) by Daves BirdingPix

Because this Muscicapidae family is so large, this week’s Sunday Inspiration and last week’s were divided. The reason for this is so the slideshow will not be too long. This divides them in taxonomic order in to several groups. I was going to divide this family in half, but there are so many photos available that I would have to find a symphony to provide enough music to show them all at once. ☺♪♫☺

Last week, the first 97-98 members were shown from these genera: Alethe, Cercotrichas, Copsychus, Fraseria, Myioparus, Melaenornis, Empidornis, Muscicapa, Anthipes, Cyornis.

This Slideshow of Muscicapidae in taxonomic order – Second Part (includes the genera- Niltava, Cyanoptila, Eumyias, Erithacus, Pseudalethe, Cossyphicula, Cossypha, Swynnertonia, Pogonocichla, Stiphrornis, Sheppardia, Cichladusa, Heinrichia, Leonardina, Heteroxenicus, Brachypteryx , Vauriella, Larvivora, Luscinia, Irania and Calliope.) 75 Species

Start with Niltava

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Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV)

“The Birthday of a King” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory, now in Glory.

Sunday Inspiration – Chats and Old World Flycatchers I

More Sunday Inspirations

Muscicapidae – Chats and Old World Flycatchers

Faith Baptist Church

Gospel Presentation

Good One – An Email

December 25, 2015 by Lee

Peek-a-boo ©Flickr Kathy

GOOD ONE

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, ‘Hi.’ He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.. ‘Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,’ the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, ‘What do we do?’

Erik continued to laugh and answer, ‘Hi.’

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, ‘Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.’

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. ‘Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,’ I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby’s ‘pick-me-up’ position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder. The man’s eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby’s bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, ‘You take care of this baby.’

Somehow I managed, ‘I will,’ from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, ‘God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me my Christmas gift.’

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, ‘My God, my God, forgive me.’

I had just witnessed Christ’s love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.. I felt it was God asking, ‘Are you willing to share your son for a moment?’ when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, ‘To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.’

If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.

This one is a keeper.

‘It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are……'(Amen! )

Old man and baby ©Flickr Gustavo Devito

(Author Unknown)

*

Merry Christmas 2015

December 25, 2015 by Lee

Merry Christmas

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4 KJV)

I would like to share with you our Christmas Cantata presented on December 13, 2015 at Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida. They all did fantastic and thought you would enjoy it also.

It was entitled, “Lord of Glory” Christmas Cantata

May the Lord bless you as you share Christmas with family and friends. Dan and I would both like to wish you a great Christmas day full of blessings from the Lord.

Lord’s Avian Wonders – Sunbittern saying, “Where is It?”

December 24, 2015 by Lee

At Lowry Park Zoo recently, we observed a Sunbittern rearranging the area. The bird keeper came by and put it all back in. He said, it is a normal occurrence.

To me, it reminds me of those of you who will be opening presents for Christmas. Invariably, some piece of a toy or something gets mixed in with all the discarded wrapping paper and the search begins. Merry Christmas.

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? “When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10 NASB)

Bonus: A Bali Myna was singing away at the newly remodeled entry aviary. This is just as you enter the Main Aviary at Lowry.

Birds in Christmas Hymns – Review

December 22, 2015 by Lee

Christmas Island White-eye (Zosterops natalis) by Ian

Birds in Christmas Hymns

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out… (Mark 14:26a KJV)

Here are the Birds in Christmas Hymns from the Birds in Hymns Page. Many writers of these hymns must have enjoyed our beautiful created birds and included them in these Christmas Hymns.

Carol of Birds (Bird, Nightingale, Sparrow, Finch, Partridge, Nest), (Australian Birds)
Christmas Brings Joy To Every Heart – (Birds, Perch, Sparrow, Dove)
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (Eagle, Dove, Wing, Pinion)
I Wonder As I Wander (Bird)
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – (Singing bird)
The Day The Christ-Child’s Tender Eyes – (Birds, Feather)
The Friendly Beasts – (Dove)
The Worcester Christmas Carol – (Bird)
This Endris Night – (Bird)
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne – (Bird, Nest)
Welcome To Christmas – (Dove, Wing)

O Holy Night – Card

December 21, 2015 by Lee

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (1 John 1:1 KJV)

Please Click Here To See The Card

Here is the video they used with it:

A friend sent this to me and I trust you also are as moved by it as I am. Tears are still flowing as I type this.

Yes, I know the Wise Men showed up later, but enjoy the video.

Sunday Inspiration – Chats and Old World Flycatchers I

December 20, 2015 by Lee

Bearded Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata) ©WikiC

In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23 NKJV)

The Old World flycatchers are a large family (321 Members), the Muscicapidae, of small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia). These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. They are small to medium birds, ranging from 9 to 22 cm in length. Many species are dull brown in color, but the plumage of some can be much brighter, especially in the males. Most have broad, flattened bills suited to catching insects in flight, although the few ground-foraging species typically have finer bills.

Old World flycatchers live in almost every environment with a suitable supply of trees, from dense forest to open scrub, and even the montane woodland of the Himalayas. The more northerly species migrate south in winter, ensuring a continuous diet of insects.
Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.

Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea) by MAMuin

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “HE CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS”; (1 Corinthians 3:19 NKJV)

Because this Muscicapidae family is so large, this Sunday Inspiration and next week’s will be divided. The reason for this is so the slideshow is not too long. This will divide them in taxonomic order about half way.

Slideshow of Muscicapidae in taxonomic order – First Half

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)

“Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Trio and Choir

“Heaven’s Announcement” – message by Pastor Osborne last Sunday. About the birth of Christ.

Shepherd ©Flickr

More Sunday Inspirations

Muscicapidae – Chats and Old World Flycatchers

Faith Baptist Church

Birds of the Bible – At the Lord’s Dedication

December 18, 2015 by Lee

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. (Luke 2:21-24 KJV) (emphasis mine)

When hearing about the “Christmas Story.” as some call it, most of the time it is quoted from Luke 2. Remember that chapter also mentions Christ’s circumcision and dedication. The sacrifice to be offered for that occasion was a lamb or either a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) ©WikiC

Mary and Joseph were not wealthy and they were allowed to bring “A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. The proper offering was a lamb for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or dove for a sin offering; but for the poor an alternative was allowed instead of the more costly present of a lamb, a second pigeon or dove might be brought. The deep poverty of Mary and Joseph is shown in this offering. They would never have put the sanctuary off with the humbler had the richer gift been in their power.” (Pulpit Commentary – emphasis mine)

Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) with newly hatched young ©WikiC

“The fact that Joseph and Mary brought a pair of birds instead of a lamb shows that they were very poor. The gifts of the wise men were after this.” (People’s New Testament Commentary) At the nativity scene, many place the wise men, yet, Christ was a young child, not an infant when they, the wise men, arrived. It would have taken time for them to get there.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11 KJV)

More could be said about the birth of Christ here, but for today, our Birds of the Bible are these two birds from the Columbidae Family. If I were Emma Foster or my author friend Sandra Conner, you would hear a tale from the birds point of view. But the best that comes to mind would be them having a conversation about the privilege of being the ones used as a sacrifice for the Son of God, in the flesh, who was their Creator. Of all the doves and turtle dove used as sacrifices over the many years, these two, if a bird could, felt very blessed.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Luke 2:11-16 KJV)

Pigeons and Doves of Israel today:

Columbidae Family

Lord’s Avian Wonders – A Christmas Turkey?

December 17, 2015 by Lee

“The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.” (Psalms 111:2 NKJV)

While updating our passes at Lowry Park Zoo last week, I found this startled “Turkey” insisting that he was not a “Turkey”

Startled Non-Turkey at Lowry Park Zoo (cropped)

To me, he had wattles like a turkey!

Well, maybe it’s not a turkey after all. It is actually is a Guineafowl. Plus, they are not even in the same family.

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) at Lowry Park Zoo

Turkeys have to keep a low profile during the Christmas season as you have learned from several of Emma’s stories about the Commander Turkey. Reginald, Turkey Commander

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18 NKJV)

Here are some of the decorations as you enter the zoo:

: Non-Turkey at Lowry Park Zoo cropped

: Guinefowl at Lowry Park Zoo

Guineafowl – Numididae

Pheasants and allies – Phasianidae

Lowry Park Zoo

Reginald, Turkey Commander

Reginald The Turkey Commander on Christmas

Gospel Presentation

How The Seahorse Got Its Square Tail – Re-post

December 15, 2015 by Lee

Seahorse at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

HOW THE SEAHORSE GOT ITS SQUARE TAIL

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a)

Evolutionists and creationists alike enjoy gazing upon the elegant seahorse swimming lazily about the aquarium. However, only creationists are able to see that the seahorse bears the unmistakable stamp of design – all the way from the top of its horse-shaped head to the tip of its unique square tail.

Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University

Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Yes, I said square tail. This striking design makes the seahorse considerably better at gripping and grasping than if it had curved sections in its tail. When you look closely, you will see that the tail is made up of about 36 square-like segments that progressively taper off in size along the length of the tail. By using a 3D printer to duplicate the tail and submitting it to crushing tests, an international team of researchers has now discovered that the squared sections also provide the seahorse with much better armor than a cylindrical tail.

“Almost all animal tails have circular or oval cross-sections – but not the seahorse’s,” said Michael Porter, lead investigator and assistant professor in mechanical engineering at Clemson University. Porter’s research group is now using 3D printing to help them develop new structures and robotic systems.

Although evolutionists will tell you that the seahorse’s unique tail only appears to be designed, they act as if the tail really was designed! After all, how intelligent would it be for them to pursue new technologies based on the tail of a seahorse that has no intelligence behind it at all?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is so obvious to me that creatures like the seahorse were designed by You. I pray that You will use me to make others aware that all of creation points directly to You! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
Phys.org, “Why the seahorse’s tail is square,” 7/2/15. http://phys.org/news/2015-07-seahorse-tail-square.html#jCp. Photo: Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University. (Fair Use)

Lee’s Addition:

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:8 NKJV)

He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalms 111:4 NKJV)

I am always amazed when discovery’s like these are discovered. Yet the deniers of His Creation fail to give credit where credit is due.

Creation Moments

Interesting Things

Close Encounter With A Snowy

December 14, 2015 by Lee

Snowy Egret and Lee Gatorland by Dan

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)

While we were at Gatorland, I had the delight to be able to get really close to a Snowy Egret. I was taking a photo of him when he got so close I couldn’t focus the camera. I backed the zoom out and realized just how close we were.

Snowy Egret stepped so close it blurred my shot.

I tried to give my camera to Dan to get a photo of me and the Snowy. That spooked him and he flew off a few yards. I coached him back and thankful he came.

This time I handed Dan my camera down low and he stayed put. The following photos are what Dan took of the close encounter with my Snowy Egret friend. I could have touched the bird, if I had wanted, but have you ever seen that beak up close? Looked like a sharp needle from my point of view.

I am very thankful that the Lord created such a neat bird and helped him not be afraid of me. I am glad the Lord lets us have joy from just watching His critters.