Not sure how many have heard of the “Squirrel Proof” bird feeders, but Droll Yankees make a line of them. I am not selling them, but just want you to enjoy some of the antics of squirrels trying to feed from them. Also, there is a video of someone who put Vaseline on a pole and how a determined squirrel tries to get up the pole to the feed.
The Lord sure gave the squirrels a determined spirit. Enjoy and get “tickled”!
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; … (Ecclesiastes 3:4a KJV)
We have come to some Passerine Families that only have a few members in them. You will get to see quite a few families in order to have enough birds to make a slideshow. As you know, the Lord loves variety and He gives us each different talents to use for His service. Sometimes many can do the same thing, but there are times when only a few can do a certain task. So it is with our Avian Friends today. They each have their niches to fill.
Australian Logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii) by Tom Tarrant
Orthonychidae – Logrunners – The logrunners (Orthonyx) are a clade of birds which comprises three species of passerine birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea. Some authorities consider the Australian family Cinclosomatidae to be part of the Orthonychidae. The three species use their stiffened tails to brace themselves when feeding.
Cnemophilidae – Satinbirds – The satinbirds or Cnemophilines, Cnemophilidae are a group of passerine birds which consists of three species found in the mountain forests of New Guinea. They were originally thought to be part of the birds of paradise family Paradisaeidae until genetic research suggested that the birds are not closely related to birds of paradise at all and are perhaps closer to Melanocharitidae. The current evidence suggests that their closest relatives may be the cuckoo-shrikes [Campephagidae
Obscure Berrypecker (Melanocharis arfakiana) CC maholyoak
Melanocharitidae – Berrypeckers, longbills – The Melanocharitidae, the berrypeckers and longbills, is a small bird family restricted to the forests of New Guinea. The family contains ten species in four (sometimes three) genera. They are small songbirds with generally dull plumage but a range of body shapes.
Paramythiidae – Painted Berrypeckers – The painted berrypeckers, Paramythiidae, are a very small bird family restricted to the mountain forests of New Guinea. The family comprises two species in two genera: the Tit Berrypecker (Oreocharis arfaki) and the Crested Berrypecker (Paramythia montium).
Callaeidae – New Zealand Wattlebirds – The small bird family Callaeidae (also named in some sources as Callaeatidae) is endemic to New Zealand. It contains three monotypic genera; of the three species in the family, only two survive and both of them, the Kokako and the Saddleback, are endangered species, threatened primarily by the predations of introduced mammalian species such as rats, mustelids and possums. A third, the Huia became extinct early in the 20th century.
Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) by Tom Tarrant
Notiomystidae – Stitchbird – The Stitchbird or Hihi (Notiomystis cincta) is a rare honeyeater-like bird endemic to the North Island and adjacent offshore islands of New Zealand. It became extirpated everywhere except Little Barrier Island but has been reintroduced to three other island sanctuaries and two locations on the North Island mainland. Their relationships have long puzzled ornithologists, but it is now classed as the only member of its own family, the Notiomystidae.
(Family notes from Wikipedia, with editing)
.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
“Just A Little Talk With Jesus” – Vegter Six – Together for Vi’s 90th Birthday (This was sung by some of Vi’s children and grandchildren. They had 11 children and lots and lots of grandchildren and greats, almost all of them active in church.)
Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1 NKJV)
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
(1 Peter 3:12 KJV)
*
(Personal note – As many of you know I spent a week in the hospital recently, for which I am thankful for your prayers for me. On that Sunday afternoon, after Dan had left, I used my Kindle or Ipad to go to my blog. I brought up the page for the all the Sunday Inspirations. I started going through them watching the bird slideshows while listening to the music. Oh, what a blessing I had watching the Lord’s Creations and listening to music about Him. I never knew when those were put together, that they in turn would be such a blessing and peaceful to me. My prayer is that when you are in need of some encouragement or just a blessing, that those blogs will bless you as much as they did me. Our Lord loves to give us peace in the midst of our problems.)
Below is a combination of ten short videos from Gatorland. There are several of the Great Egrets on the nest, and one Great Egret displaying. There were three Snowy Egrets youngsters in a nest and other happenings along the boardwalk.
There is also a video of the Flamingo and Parrot areas. Then you will see two gators that I was watching that kept trying to get into position to see each other “eye to eye.” They seem to be sweet on each other. (my interpretation)
You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You. (Nehemiah 9:6 NKJV)
Here are also some of the photos taken by Dan that Day:
Great Egret by Dan at Gatorland
American Flamingo by Dan
Cattle Egret In Breeding Plumage by Dan
Black Vulture by Dan
White Ibis juvenile by Lee
Tricolored Heron by Dan
We trust you enjoy the photos and video. This is just a few of the photos taken.
While walking around the rookery at Gatorland, we were able to view some Snowy Egrets at their nest. Dad was watching from above while mom was tending to the two baby “Snowies”.
Snowy Egret Dat at Nest by Lee
Mom was keeping an eye on the little ones. (This is from my perspective – I could just see the tops of their heads)
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Dan came along and I handed him my camera (to get a better view-he’s taller) Here is one of the babies on his camera:
Snowy Egret Baby by Dan
and these are the ones we took with my camera and those with his:
Snowy Egret in Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret Dat at Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret Dat at Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret Dat at Nest by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
Snowy Egret Baby by Dan
Snowy Egret Baby by Dan
As you view the chicks you will notice there is still an egg in there. That makes me think that these little “snowies” are maybe one or two days old at maximum.
Snowy Egrets are Birds of the Bible in the Heron family Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns and are on the “do not eat” list. Who would want to eat these cuties?
the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. (Leviticus 11:19 NKJV)
the stork, the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat. (Deuteronomy 14:18 NKJV)
We also shot some video to share with you. The first part is by me and a photographer was beside me shooting in “burst” mode. Then Dan shot the second part and you can see in the nest better. – I’m short :)
Another video caught my funny bone. Did not want to wait until next Tuesday.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
“Ok Lee, help me out on this one, is this for real? Is there a bird that really walks like that?
The music they put to this video is perfect, but it’s distracting because I can’t decide if there’s a bird that really does this or not!
Either way, This is a very cute video!”
The answer is Yes! That is an American Woodcock They do that to help make worms move around so they can probe with their beak to find them.
*
Here’s another video of a Woodcock Display using a sound they make:
*
And yet two more videos of one doing the dance minus the music.
An interesting fact from All About Birds – “The American Woodcock probes the soil with its bill to search for earthworms, using its flexible bill tip to capture prey. The bird walks slowly and sometimes rocks its body back and forth, stepping heavily with its front foot. This action may make worms move around in the soil, increasing their detectablity.
A very wise creator gave these birds good coloration, courtship displays and a very practical “heavy-footed” walk.
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 NKJV)
We went over to Gatorland on Thursday last week to see what was happening in the rookery section. We have been trying all year to get there. I was able to take over 300 photos, but haven’t had the energy to work on them. After my stay in the hospital, I do things and then wear down quickly. So, I just keep doing and draining, and collecting photos.
Anyway, just wanted to get something up and share some Snowy Egrets in breeding plumage that look like they are having a bad hair day. The photographers were all around and I had a Snowy land on the rail between me and a photographer.
Snowy Egret on Rail at Gatorland by Lee
Here is a slideshow of just entering Gatorland and then where you start the boardwalk along the rookery. Actually, the Alligators are the main attraction of course, but they patrol those ponds. That gives protection to the birds to make nest and raise their babies, because land critters choose not to deal with the Gators. Unfortunately, an occasional chick falls and the gators get a “small” snack. I have plenty more photos to share, but that will be later. Even have video of two, 1 or 2 day old, Snowy Egrets.
It was a great visit getting to see more of the Lord’s Creation up close and doing what they were told to do. Reproduce.
Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” (Genesis 8:17 NKJV)
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:9-11 NKJV)
There really aren’t any birds named Easter or Cross, so I decided to continue on through the Passerine Order. Actually, some of the birds in one of these families are the “Thornbills” and that is appropriate. Enjoy the Lord Creator’s avian Creations as you listen to the words and realize just how Worthy He is of our praise and honor. Happy Easter!
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:9-12 KJV)
He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. (Psalms 104:10-13 NKJV)
Thought you just might enjoy a little song and restfulness from Our Creator.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)
Bridled Honeyeater (Lichenostomus frenatus) by Ian
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalms 119:103 KJV)
The Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters are another of our beautifully created birds in the Passerine Order to highlight. Thought about changing the sequence because of Palm Sunday, but did Palm Birds previously with Lisa Brock singing from an Easter Musical. The Words of Christ that tell of this week, and they are sweeter than honey to those of us who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
The Lord did not have to stay on the cross, but because of His Love for us, he stayed there and paid the penalty for our sins. He offers us the gift of Salvation, but we have to admit and acknowledge our sinful condition, and accept that gift. Honey is a gift from the Lord for the Honeyeaters, and they could stand and look at it all day, but they need to partake of it to do them any good. Taste comes when they accept it.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:14-19 KJV)
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
“Blood of Jesus Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Church Choir
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NKJV)
Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. I never dreamed that when I went to the hospital last Thursday, 19th, that they would keep me a week.
Finally got released last evening. This was the worst case of bronchitis I have had to deal with. Was on oxygen the whole week. Many of you were praying for me and those prayers were felt. Our Lord is great.
Not only did I get “rest,” (who rest in the hospital?) but multiple opportunities came available to encourage others around me. We were originally suppose be at a Bible Conference this week in South Carolina, but had decided to stay home and watch some of it on Livestream. With Hospital internet and electronic gadgets, I saw more of the conference than if we had driven up. The Lord knew ahead of time all about what would happen here.
Did get in a few bird sighting out my window. Fish Crows, Ospreys and a Mockingbird flew by to make part of my day.
Will try to get some articles rolling again. Had two waiting to be worked up before I went to hospital, but just didn’t feel up to doing them. Will get Ian’s Bird of the Week out soon and have one waiting from James J S Johnson.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. I still have more healing to do, but way on the mend.
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 