Author Archives: Lee

Birdwatching – Lowry Park Zoo – 10-06-2011

by

0

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)

Today, Dan and I went to the Lowry Park Zoo again. The birds were quite active and the visitors were few which made birdwatching even more fun. We spent most of our time in the Aviary just inside the entry. The weather was very comfortable, for a change. The summer heat is finally breaking and the humidity has started dropping also.

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

We were greeting by one of my favorite birds there, the Boat-billed Heron. This time I was able to get a photo up under that neat boat-shaped bill of his (or hers). The picture of the bird is not good, but the bill came out okay. There are two that hang out together most of the time. There are others in the aviary, but these two sweethearts always grab my attention. This next photo shows the pair and also the top of those beaks. My flash gave them the “red-eye.”

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Another bird that is hard to get a decent photo of is the Crested Oropendola. They like to stay up in the trees, but this one is a fair shot. (This one is for you, Pastor Pete)

Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ

Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ by Lee

Then as we walked over into the second section, we were greeted by the Red-Legged Seriemas. You could hear them well outside the aviary. As you watch the video, you will see and hear them carrying on. Actually after checking with Wikipedia, this is their “singing.” Here is what they have to say about this:

“The song has a quality described as “a cross between ‘the serrated bark of a young dog and the clucking of turkeys'”.[3] At the loudest part of the song, the bird has its neck bent so its head is touching its back. Both members of a pair as well as young down to the age of two weeks sing; often one member of a family starts a song just as another finishes, or two sing simultaneously. The song can be heard several kilometres away; in Emas National Park, Brazil, in 1981–1982, observers often heard four Red-legged Seriemas or groups singing at once.[4]

The full song consists of three sections:

  1. Repeated single notes at constant pitch (1,200 to 1,300 Hz) and duration but increasing tempo
  2. Repeated two- or three-note subphrases of slightly higher pitch with increasing tempo
  3. Subphrases of up to 10 notes, shorter ones rising in pitch and longer ones falling, two-subphrase combinations increasing in number of notes and tempo and then decreasing in tempo.”

Check it out for yourself:

We also stopped by the African Penguins and I took this Foot shot of a Penguin. Thought it was interesting.

Penguin with cool feet

Penguin with cool feet

It was a nice enjoyable visit and we needed a break. God’s creative work was on display through all of these neat birds.

All photos can be clicked on to enlarge them.

*

Interesting Things – A Whale Problem

by

0

Interesting Things

Interesting Things – A Whale Problem

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.” (Genesis 1:21)

“According to evolution, life began in the sea. However, because the land was better for life, evolution developed land life from sea life. It was on land that mammals evolved, according to evolution. Here, though, evolution has painted itself into a corner. Or perhaps it is better to say that evolutionists have fallen into one of the traps set for them by the Creator. You see, the
largest creatures on Earth live in the sea – and they are mammals!

Humpback Whale ©©

Humpback Whale ©©

The great whales are mammals like many land animals. However, it is very clear that they never lived on land – nor do they resemble any land creature. Whales provide clear evidence that, contrary to evolution’s claims, not even all mammals are related to each other. And if mammals are so different that they cannot be related to each other through evolution, neither is it likely that bugs and trees and cows and humans could be related by evolution. As Genesis so clearly tells us, living things were originally made in distinct kinds, and they continue to reproduce after their kinds.

One wants to ask the evolutionist, if the drive to live on land was so great it moved sea creatures to become land creatures, why did some mammals go to all the trouble to move back into the sea? To say the least, whales offer Bible-believing Christians a great testimony to our Creator and a good argument against evolution. For evolutionists, mammals who live in the sea are a whale of a problem!”

Prayer:
Your majesty and power are truly seen to all in the magnificent whales You have created, Lord. I ask that we would be successful in preserving these great creatures who witness so grandly to You. Amen.
Notes:
Bartz, Paul A. 1984. “It takes more than this to make a whale transition.” Bible-Science Newsletter, Feb. p. 1.
From – Today’s Creation Moment’s – “A Whale of a Problem” ©Creation Moments 2011
Re-posted with permission.
*
To see more Interesting Things – Click Here
*

Birds of the Bible – God’s Commands and Promises To Them – Part I

by

2

Yellow-throated Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis) by Ian

Yellow-throated Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis) by Ian

I have been searching through my e-Sword Bible program for God’s Commands and Promises that relate to birds. Here are some of my findings. I have used not only the Bible, but also like to use the Topical Bibles, like Naves and Torrey’s, which are in the Dictionary section. Recently more Bible versions, Dictionaries, Commentaries and other information was added to my program. The Bible Support, which I recently discovered, is loaded with additions to add to the e-Sword program. Just like the program, these are free also. (You can buy special versions and commentaries, etc.)

Blue-gray Gnacatcher by Dan at Circle B Bar Reserve

Blue-gray Gnacatcher by Dan at Circle B Bar Reserve

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. (Genesis 1:22 NKJV)

Starting in Genesis, we see God, through the LORD, creating the birds and then giving them a command. Be fruitful and multiply. This was not a do it if you want command, it was a direct command from God. Have the birds done so? Look around you and answer that for yourself.

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) by Ian

God also told Adam and Eve the same thing; to multiply, but He also gave them dominion over the birds.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. (Genesis 1:28 NKJV)

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.
(Psalms 8:6-8 NKJV)

When the Flood came, God told Noah that the birds and other critters would come to him that they may be kept alive. Dominion here means to be responsible for them. Adam was told to provide food for his family and the animals.

Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. (Genesis 6:20 NKJV)

also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. (Genesis 7:3 NKJV)

So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. (Genesis 7:23 NKJV)

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)

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) by Ray

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) by Ray

The above verses give not only God’s commands to the birds, but He also promised to keep them alive during the Flood. God did not fail to keep those promises. It is said of Abraham in Romans chapter 4:

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:20-21 ESV)

We will cover more of the commands and promises of God to the birds (and us) in future Parts. God loves the birds and especially us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

*

Article in the Fountain – Our Church Blog

by

1

Lee at South Lake Howard watching Wood Storks

Lee at South Lake Howard watching Wood Storks

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8 KJV)

Birdwatching is not the only thing taking up my time these days. If you read the following article about our upcoming Ladies Retreat, you will discover another of my “adventures.” Just when you think you have discovered all your gifts and talents, the Lord gives you a new challenge and then He helps you accomplish that new task.

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

The Fountain’s article – God Gives Good Gifts – A Ladies Retreat was written by Jonita Barram, also a contributor to the blog.

The Fountain is our church blog, Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven. That is where this whole adventure of doing The Birds of the Bible blogs got started. And then this site.

The Lord is gracious and is helping us get the retreat ready. I knew our church was loaded with ladies with various gifts and talents. Much more than mine. Many have stepped up and are presenting workshops and talks, plus doing the many behind the scene projects. I praise the Lord for everyone who is helping and for all the ladies who will be attending.

God does give good gifts through abilities and a desire to use those. To me also, one of the Lord’s Gift is His Creation of all these birds we get to watch and observe.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (Psalms 28:7 KJV)

Interesting Things – Hummingbird Courtship Songs

by

0

Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) by Ian

Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) by Ian

Just received an interesting article from the Birdwatching Magazine Newsletter. Research has been going on about how the Hummingbird produces sound by the way they spread their tail. The vibrations send out sounds that they use for courtship. “As a diving bird spreads its tail, the motion exposes the tail feathers to air, causing it to flutter like a flag in the breeze and generate sound. This so-called aerodynamic flutter can be hazardous to airplanes, but in hummingbirds it produces a species-specific sound essential to courtship.”

To read the whole article, go to:

http://cs.birdwatchingdaily.com/BRDCS/blogs/field_of_view/archive/2011/09/08/Diving-hummingbirds-produce-species_2D00_specific-courtship-songs-_2D002D00_-with-their-tails.aspx

Hummingbirds are in the Trochilidae Family, which at present has 340 species. Their Order, the Apodiformes, has not only Hummers but also the Owlet-nightjars, Treeswifts, and regular Swift families.

*

Birdwatching – Lakes Hollingsworth and Morton in September

by

0

Ladies feed the birds at Lake Hollingsworth

Ladies feed the birds at Lake Hollingsworth

Dan and I finally found a little time to go birdwatching, and since I was sore from a fall, decided to just go to Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida. Neither require a lot of walking, but we can always find something worth looking at. Both lakes had some great finds.

Lake Hollingsworth had the usually Mallards, White Ibises, Boat-tailed Grackles, Common Moorhens, “Aflac” Ducks being fed by a couple of ladies. We heard several Blue Jays, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a Red-shouldered Hawk. A flock of about 50 Fish Crows made their noisy flight over and around for several minutes. We also saw a Great Egret, Osprey, Wood Storks, Great Blue Herons, Cormorant, Limpkin and a Purple Gallinule.

The best find was to watch an Anhinga trying to stay cool. I video taped the bird vibrating its throat. Birds do not have sweat glands, so this is one of the ways they cool down. It actually wasn’t too hot, 79°, but the humidity was at 85%. We all were warm. Below is some of that video.

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24 KJV)

After that we drove about a mile north to Lake Morton. Again, the birds were gathered around a family feeding them. (These are the only two places we go locally where they feed wildlife.) This time the Mallards, White Ibises, and Boat-tailed Grackles were joined by 8 Wood Storks, Gulls, and Common Grackles. Also spotted were Mute Swans, a Black Swan, Wood Ducks, Red-bellied Woodpecker, some sort of Tern and a Snowy Egret showing off his yellow feet.

The prize here was finding a family of Limpkins. The mom, dad, and 5 juveniles were in the tall grass by the lake. Tried to get photos through the grass, but as you know, that can be a challenge. I turned my camera on to video and took the following:

All in all, the Lord provided a great day for birdwatching and let His creation of birds be seen. What would life be like without the neat things the Lord has provided to make our journey so enjoyable. All we have to do is look around us and observe.

*

Interesting Things – The Egyptian “Crocodile Bird” Plover

by

6

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©©patries71

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©©patries71

 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant…” (Genesis 32:10a)

SmileyCentral.comHow would you like to be a dental hygienist for a crocodile? That’s how the crocodile bird makes his living.

Of course, you do need to know that the crocodile bird doesn’t show up to do his work with any drills or needles. He and the crocodile are on good terms with each other. After eating, the crocodile climbs the river bank and relaxes with his mouth open. The little crocodile bird enters the crocodile’s mouth to clean up the scraps that are left. While the crocodile bird makes most of his living as sort of a crocodile dental hygienist, he also helps keep the crocodile free of pesky insects that lodge in his skin.

The crocodile also receives one other service from the crocodile bird. Whenever the bird senses approaching danger, he gives his sharp warning call and flies off. The crocodile, now warned, can quickly roll over into the water where virtually no animal can get the best of him.

This is but one of many unlikely cooperative arrangements that we find in the plant and animal kingdoms. Every one of these relationships speaks for a Creator and against the idea that either these creatures, or their cooperation, evolved naturally. Evolutionists have written whole books on the subject. Yet they don’t seem satisfied that they have explained how these relationships could develop through evolution. We agree that they have no explanation. Nor are they likely to find one as long as they deny a Creator who cares for His creation.

Prayer:
Father, because of the innocent suffering and death of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I know that Your love for me is certain and sure. I thank You for this. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

From Creation Moments ©2011 (With Permission) – The Crocodile Bird

Lee’s Addition:

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©WikiC

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©WikiC

The “Crocodile Bird” is actually the “Egyptian Plover, Pluvianus aegyptius, is a wader, the only member of the genus Pluvianus. Formerly placed in the pratincole and courser family, Glareolidae, it is now regarded as the sole member of its own monotypic family”, Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover. This Plover is in the Charadriiformes – Shorebirds & Allies  Order that has 19 families including other Plovers, Painted Snipes, Jacanas, Oystercatchers, Sanderpiper, Snipes and related birds.

It is also sometimes referred to as the Crocodile Bird because it is famous for its symbiotic relationship with crocodiles (National Geographic 1986). According to a story dating to Herodotus, the crocodiles lie on the shore with their mouths open, and the plovers fly into the crocodiles’ mouths so as to feed on bits of decaying meat that are lodged between the crocodiles’ teeth. This is questioned by some. One from Harvard talks about Symbiosis as a fact.

The Egyptian Plover is a localised resident in tropical sub-Saharan Africa. It breeds on sandbars in large rivers. Its two or three eggs are not incubated, but are buried in warm sand, temperature control being achieved by the adult sitting on the eggs with a water-soaked belly to cool them. If the adult leaves the nest, it smooths sand over the eggs, though if it is frightened the job may be hasty.

The chicks are precocial, and can run as soon as they are hatched and feed themselves shortly afterwards. The adults cool the chicks in the same way as with the eggs. The chicks may drink water from the adult’s belly feathers. The adults bury the chicks in the sand temporarily if danger threatens.

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©WikiC

Egyptian Plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) ©WikiC

Egyptian Plover is a striking and unmistakable species. The 19-21 cm long adult has a black crown, back, eye-mask and breast band. The rest of the head is white. The remaining upperpart plumage is blue-grey, and the underparts are orange. The longish legs are blue-grey.

In flight, it is even more spectacular, with the black crown and back contrasting with the grey of the upperparts and wings. The flight feathers are brilliant white crossed by a black bar. From below, the flying bird is entirely white, apart from the orange belly and black wing bar. After landing, members of a pair greet each other by raising their wings in an elaborate ceremony that shows off the black and white markings. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and the black marking are intermixed with brown.

Just for fun, watch these two videos about the “crocodile bird.”

*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIDdCihh5hU&feature=player_embedded

Resources from Creation Moments, Wikipedia and YouTube.

*

Bird of the Bible – Eagle-Owl – Video in Slow Motion

by

0

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) by Bob-Nan

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) by Bob-Nan

The video below was to me as a link in an e-mail. It was posted by vurtrunner in Full HD High Speed. It is worth showing again here and especially since it is a Bird of the Bible. What an awesome shot. The way the feet open up at the last seconds amazed me. Another interesting thing is the way he is so steadfast and aims right for his target. Thanks, Pastor Pete, for sending the link.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

There are actually 15 Eagle-Owl in the world and the video did not say which one this one is. Looking at the photos I can find, most likely this is an Eurasian Eagle-Owl. The Eagle-Owls are the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Indian, Pharaoh, Cape, Spotted, Greyish, Fraser’s, Usambara, Spot-bellied, Barred, Shelley’s, Verreaux’s, Dusky, Akun, and Philippine Eagle-Owl. They are in the Stringidae Family of the Strigiformes Order. Also, the Eagle-Owls are in the genus Bubo, which also included the horned owls (Snowy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Lesser Horned Owl) and one fish owl (Blakiston’s Fish Owl). “This genus, depending on definition, contains about one or two dozen species of typical owls (family Strigidae) and is found in many parts of the world. Some of the largest living Strigiformes are in Bubo. Traditionally, only owls with ear-tufts were included here, but that is no longer the case.” (Wikipedia)

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. (Isaiah 43:20 KJV)

*

See More:

Birds of the Bible

Birds of the Bible – Owls

Some Very Unusual Birds

by

4

The following photos are from an e-mail I received. It has arrived many times from various friends. I don’t know who the photographers are and trust that they do not mind them being presented here.

What I do know is that these very unusual birds have a very Imaginative Creator. For His pleasure He created these kinds of birds and for our enjoyment also. The titles are from the e-mail and maybe #12 is some sort of Bird of Paradise or in that family (I think). Enjoy the photos and God’s Creative Hand at work.

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalms 111:1-4 KJV)

1. Himalayan Monal

1. Himalayan Monal

************

2. Formosan Magpie

2. Formosan Magpie

************

3. Flamecrest

3. Flamecrest

************

4. Golden Pheasant

4. Golden Pheasant

************

5. Green Jay

5. Green Jay

************

6. Kingfisher

6. Kingfisher

************

7. Lady Amherst's Pheasant

7. Lady Amherst's Pheasant

************

8. Bleeding Heart Pigeons

8. Bleeding Heart Pigeons

************

9. Nicobar Pigeon

9. Nicobar Pigeon

************

10. Quetzal

10. Quetzal

************

11. Winson's Bird Of Paradise

11. Winson's Bird Of Paradise

************

12. No Idea What Bird This Is, But It's Totally Rad

12. No Idea What Bird This Is, But It's Totally Rad

************

13. Peacock

13. Peacock

************

14. Sup, Polish Chicken

14. Sup, Polish Chicken

************

When I have time, I will update the names, if I can find them. My time is short and these names will have to suffice for now. If you know the exact names or who the photographers might be so they get proper credit, please leave a comment. Thanks, Lee
*

Birds of the Bible – Created Kinds

by

0

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) by Nikhil Devasar

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) by Nikhil Devasar

An interesting “News To Note” from Answers in Genesis reported on an article from BBC: “Species count put at 8.7 million” The following paragraphs are what prompted this blog.

Created kinds are organisms representing or descended from those originally created by God about 6,000 years ago. Organisms within a created kind generally interbreed and produce only more organisms of their own kind “within the limits of preprogrammed information, but with great variation.”15 Organisms that can interbreed are of the same created kind, since God designed organisms to reproduce “after their kind.” Due to loss of information and other factors, however, some organisms lose the ability to interbreed. Created kinds correspond roughly to the family level of the current classification taxons but may vary from order to genus level.
Although evolutionists imbue taxonomic classification with evolutionary implications—believing that the taxonomic groupings roughly depict common ancestry— taxonomy is really nothing more than a useful bookkeeping system to sort and group organisms according to their shared characteristics.

I know there is research going on by the Creationist to try to find out what were the original “kinds”, but I am just going to show the different passages in Scripture that talk about “kinds” and specifically those that refer to the “birds or fowls”

The first mention of the “Kinds” is in Genesis, of course. We start of with Genesis 1:21:

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:21 KJV)

This  took place on the fifth day of creation. Believer’s Bible Commentary says this:
“1:20-23 The fifth day saw the waters stocked with fish and the earth stocked with bird-life and insects. The word translated birds means “flying ones” and includes bats and probably flying insects.”

The kinds are again mentioned when Noah was told to keep alive the birds after their kind during the global flood, they board in Genesis 7:14, and then again these kinds are mentioned as they come off the Ark.

Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.” Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. (Genesis 6:20-22 NKJV)

they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. (Genesis 7:14-15 NKJV)

So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark. (Genesis 8:18-19 NKJV)

Most of the versions use “kind or families” and “birds or fowls.” As we continue through Scripture we arrive at the “eat or do not eat” list of birds in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Let’s see what is here:

Leviticus 11:14 has the Kite and Falcon after its kind (ACV) and these are in two different Orders and two different Families today:  Accipitriformes (order) – Accipitridae (family) and Falconiiformes (order) – Falconidae (family). Other versions have the Vulture which is in the Accipitriformes, but the Catharidae family. The Buzzard is mentioned in the GW version, but again, it is Accipitridae family. These are today’s divisions, but yet they are all placed next to each other and could have come from the same original kind. Leviticus 11:16 does the same with the terms for “kind”, but this time with the Hawk. It again is in the Accipitriformes (order) – Accipitridae (family).

The different versions use the terms; after its or his kind, likened to it, the like to it, of that sort, all types.

Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus)Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus)Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Levitcus 11:15 mentions the Raven after its kind. These are the Corvidae Family of birds which are in the Passeriformes (Songbirds) Order. This family includes the Crows, Jays, Treepies, etc., and the Ravens way down at the bottom of the list. (Which has nothing to do with importance)

Leviticus 11:19 does the same, but has the “Heron after his, her  or its kind” (depending on the version) Egrets, Herons, and Bitterns make up the Ardeidae Family of the Pelicaniformes Order.

The list in Deuteronomy 14:13-18, covers the same birds and basically says the same things.

There is one interesting reference in the DRB (1899 Douay-Rheims) in Leviticus 11:19 and Deut. 14:18. Look at the verse:

The heron, and the charadroin according to its kind, the houp also, and the bat. (Leviticus 11:19 DRB)
The bittern, and the charadrion, every one in their kind: the houp also and the bat. (Deuteronomy 14:18 DRB)

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) by Nik

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) by Nikhil Devasar

Some of the other versions mention the Lapwing and the Hoopoe, but not with “their kinds.” What caught my interest here is that there is an Order and a Family with a name similar to “charadrion.” The Charadriiformes Order has a Family called Charadriidae and guess what bird is in that family? The Lapwing! I loaded the Vulgate into my e-Sword, not because I know Latin, but all the birds are given a Common Name and a Scientific Name, which most times is Latin or similar. For instant the – Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) or a Black-headed Lapwing (Vanellus tectus). Here is Lev 11:19 and Deut 14:18:

erodionem et charadrion iuxta genus suum opupam quoque et vespertilionem
(Leviticus 11:19 Vulgate)
onocrotalum et charadrium singula in genere suo upupam quoque et vespertilionem (Deuteronomy 14:18 Vulgate)

I also see the word “genus” and “genere” which could refer to what we call today a genus or genera. (Told you I don’t know Latin.)

James is the only New Testament place where “every kind of” birds is again listed. In this reference all birds no matter what Family or Order are included. See Birds of the World.

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: (James 3:7 KJV)

I know parts of this blog has been somewhat technical as far as the Taxonomy of birds, but the birds are mentioned in the Bible and I enjoy trying to find out about them. The Bible also says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

Previous articles here include:
Birds of Bible – Foundation #2
Birds of Bible – Foundation #3
Birds of Bible – Foundation #5

*

Creation Calls — Are You Listening?

by

0

Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla) by Ian

Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla) by Ian

Creation Calls — are you listening? Music by Brian Doerksen

*
Below is an interesting video sent to me by e-mail.
*

*

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:18-20 KJV)

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:14-17 KJV)

*

Wordless Birds

*

Birds Versus Hurricanes

by

2

Brown Pelican with broken wing from a hurricane CC

Brown Pelican with broken wing from a hurricane ©©

Here is a link to a very interesting blog from eNature about hurricanes and birds. With Hurricane Irene coming along the coast many will be wondering about the welfare of the birds.

What Happens To Birds When Hurricanes Hit? | Blog | eNature.

While searching for other articles about birds in the storm or hurricane, I found this YouTube produced by Pastor Mark L Johnson of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. It has a great message.

Also, remember:

…Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalms 57:1 ESV)
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
(Luke 12:24 KJV)

Birds in Hymns – His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

For the whole hymn – Click Here

Other articles about this include:

How Birds Stay Safe During Hurricanes by Birding.com

The Secret Relationship Between Birds and Hurricanes by NPR

Where do birds go in a hurricane?

Hurricane Birds

*