Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:3 KJV)
All insects that hear, except one, have two ears. Some insects have ears on their legs, thorax or abdomen. However, they all follow the same principle. Their ears are separated so that they can locate the source of the sound – except in one insect.
Scientists always thought the praying mantis was deaf. The 1,700 species of mantises have no structure that looks like an ear. Only after a long process of detailed study and testing did scientists finally discover that the mantis can hear. Further investigation finally led to the discovery of one of the most bizarre methods of hearing anywhere in the animal kingdom.
The mantis’s hearing organ is difficult to call an ear. Unlike any other insect, the mantis has only one hearing organ, located in a groove underneath its thorax. The teardrop shaped groove has a thinner cuticle than other parts of the body. Beneath the cuticle there is a relatively large air sac on each side of the groove. These sacs are connected to the insect’s respiratory system. Near the top of the sac are the nerves that carry the sensation of sound to the nervous system. Scientists say that this hearing organ senses ultrasonic frequencies. When researchers played a bat like sound to a mantis in flight, it immediately took an evasive flight path to escape the bat it thought it heard.
There is no limit to God’s creativity or His ability to make whatever He can imagine. We should keep this in mind, especially when some human authority tells us the Bible has made a mistake.
Prayer:
I marvel and praise You, dear Lord, as I consider the creation around me. Even as some would use the creation to deny Your existence, help me to more clearly see the excellence of all that You do, both materially and spiritually. Amen.
Notes:
Miller, Julie Ann. 1986. “Sensory surprises in platypus, mantis.” Science News, v. 129. p. 104.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20 KJV)
Birds in Hymns – Get Close To Jesus
Words by Alice Larry Woodcock
Music by Alice Larry Woodcock
Get Close To Jesus
Whene’er your trials are too hard for you,
Burdens are heavy, and your friends seem few,
Go to your Savior, kneel to Him in prayer,
He’ll hear you, for He’s always there.
Refrain
Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend; Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send; In times of trial, in times of fear, Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.
He is the friend above all others rare;
Even the sparrow is within His care;
Much more to you will He His love bestow
If to Him you will only go.
Refrain
Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend; Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send; In times of trial, in times of fear, Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.
So for tomorrow and its needs ne’er fear;
Leave all to Him, have faith, be of good cheer;
Then go and help some others’ cross to bear,
And tell them of His wondrous care.
Refrain
Get close to Jesus, He’s your best friend; Get close to Jesus, He’ll comfort send; In times of trial, in times of fear, Get close to Jesus, He’s always near.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 KJV)
Birds in Hymns – God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall
Words by Maria Straub, 1874 (1838-1898)
Music – Providence, by Solomon W. Straub
God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall
God sees the little sparrow fall,
It meets His tender view;
If God so loves the little birds,
I know He loves me, too.
Refrain
He loves me, too, He loves me, too, I know He loves me, too; Because He loves the little things, I know He loves me, too.
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Ray
He paints the lily of the field,
Perfumes each lily bell;
If He so loves the little flow’rs,
I know He loves me well.
Refrain
He loves me, too, He loves me, too, I know He loves me, too; Because He loves the little things, I know He loves me, too.
Song Sparrow in white flowers by Daves BirdingPix
God made the little birds and flow’rs,
And all things large and small;
He’ll not forget his little ones,
I know He loves them all.
Refrain
He loves me, too, He loves me, too, I know He loves me, too; Because He loves the little things, I know He loves me, too.
Water Splashing on Rocks – Point Lobos State Reserve by Daves BP
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matthew 7:24 KJV)
When the Lord created the world and all that is therein, He created the rocks and hills and the birds that He created were well adapted to live in those places. Birdwatchers through the years have observed them in this habitat of rocks, stones, cliffs, and other high rocky places. Just as Adam named the first birds, ornithologists (bird people) are still naming birds.
Searching through the latest IOC 2.7 List of Birds, I found 50 birds with “Rock” in their names. Searching the Bible for the word “Rock”, I found around 130 verses referring to a “rock” or “The Rock.” Here is a blend of the birds and some of the Scriptures verses that show the mighty Hand of God at work and the neat “Rock Birds” Formed by Him.
Here is the list of the last 25 birds with “Rock” in their name in taxonomic order with a few words about them :
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalms 95:1 KJV)
Rockrunner (Achaetops pycnopygius) – The Rockrunner is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 2 to 3 eggs and they are coloured red.
The nest is built high up in the tree canopy and is protected from predators by branches and the dense green foliage.
Rock-loving Cisticola (Cisticola emini) – It is usually associated with rocky wooded terrain with interspersed patchy grass tussocks. Forages in rocks or rank vegetation for insects. Split from the Lazy Cisticola.
Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) – Their breeding habitat is dry rocky locations, including canyons, from southwestern Canada south to Costa Rica. This bird builds a cup nest in a crevice or cavity, usually among rocks.
These birds are permanent residents in the south of their range, but northern populations migrate to warmer areas from the central United States and southwest Canada southwards. They are occasional vagrants in the eastern United States.
These birds actively hunt on the ground, around and under objects, probing with their bill as their extraction tool. They mainly eat insects and spiders. Neat Video This bird’s song is a trill, becoming more varied during the nesting season.
Western Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) – Video – The Western Rock Nuthatch is a bird associated with habitats with bare rocks, especially in mountainous areas. Those at the highest altitudes may move lower down in winter.
It feeds on insects and spiders in summer, supplemented with seeds and snails in winter. It feeds on the ground, and will wedge larger items in rock crevies while it hammers them open with its strong bill. It will also flycatch.
This territorial species builds a flask-shaped nest from mud, dung and hair or feathers in a rock crevice, cave, or under an overhang on a rock face. Decorative items may be pushed into crevices and cracks near the entrance to the nest. The nest is lined with softer materials and the entrance is sealed with mud. 4-10 eggs are laid, and are white speckled with yellow.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (Psalms 62:7 KJV)
Brown Rock Chat (Cercomela fusca) – Video – Habitat: Rocky hills, ravines, ruins of ancient tombs and forts, and in suburban compounds, occasionally visiting inhabited homes or nesting in rafters.
Brown-tailed Rock Chat (Cercomela scotocerca) – Photo – A seriously undistinguished little bird that only a birder or ornithologist would bother looking for! It’s main distinguishing feature is its brown-ness and it’s distinguished from the similar Red-tailed Chat by the fact that it’s well, browner. It’s fairly uncommon and prefers rocky bush country. It’s range extends down as far as Samburu, but the best place we’ve found to see it is near Lake Baringo where it can usually be found at the base of the basalt cliffs just West of the lake. Even there it can be difficult to spot since it blends in well against the rocks and dust, especially in the dry season when evrything looks (wait for it) brown. (Kenya Birds)
Cape Rock Thrush (Monticola rupestris) – The rock-thrushes, Monticola, are a genus of chats, medium-sized mostly insectivorous or omnivorous songbirds. All are Old World birds associated with mountainous regions.
Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator) – Same as above – Video by Keith Short-toed Rock Thrush(Monticola brevipes) – Same as above – It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (Psalms 40:2 KJV)
Miombo Rock Thrush (Monticola angolensis) – Same as above Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) (Common) – Same as above Little Rock Thrush (Monticola rufocinereus) – Same as above – It is found in rocky areas with some trees, and sometimes near settlements.[2][3] At 15 to 16 centimetres (5.9 to 6.3 in) this is the smallest of the rock thrushes.
Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) – Same as above – Blue Rock Thrush breeds in open mountainous areas, usually higher than the breeding zone of the related Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. It nests in rock cavities and walls, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. An omnivore, the Blue Rock Thrush eats a wide variety of insects and small reptiles in addition to berries and seeds.
This is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm in length with a long slim bill. The summer male is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of Rock Thrush. The male Blue Rock Thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the Rock Thrush.
The Blue Rock Thrush is Malta’s national bird and is shown on the Lm 1 coins that was part of the previous currency of the country.
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush (Monticola rufiventris) – Same as above – It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. Blue-capped Rock Thrush (Monticola cinclorhynchus) – Same as above Video – This thrush-like Old World flycatcher breeds in the foothills of the Himalayas and winters in the hill forests of southern India.
White-throated Rock Thrush by Peter Ericsson
White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis) – Same as above – It is found in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. Littoral Rock Thrush (Monticola imerina) – Same as above – Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Forest Rock Thrush (Monticola sharpei) – Same as above – It is endemic to Madagascar.
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. (Psalms 78:35 KJV)
Rockefeller’s Sunbird (Cinnyris rockefelleri) – It is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, possibly Burundi, and possibly Rwanda. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montanes and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss. Pale Rockfinch (Carpospiza brachydactyla) – Photo – Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia) – This sparrow breeds on barren rocky hills from the Iberian peninsula and western north Africa across southern Europe and through central Asia. It is largely resident in the west of its range, but Asian birds migrate to more southerly areas, or move down the mountains.
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 9:33 KJV)
Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis) – Photo – It is commonly found in bushy and rocky outcrops on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria and inselbergs to the north and east. It probably feeds on grass seeds. Eurasian Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus) – a small passerine bird species which breeds on rocky coasts of western Europe northwards from Brittany. Rock Pipits tend to be found along rocky coasts, whereas Water Pipits favour damp grassland.
African Rock Pipit (Anthus crenatus) – The Yellow-tufted Pipit, also known as the African Rock Pipit, is a species of bird in the Motacillidae family. It is found in Lesotho and South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) – Photo – Rock Bunting breeds in open dry rocky mountainous areas. It lays 3-5 greyish eggs in a lined nest on the ground or occasionally in a low bush. Its natural food consists of insects when feeding young, and otherwise seeds.
Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. (Job 39:27-28 KJV)
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. (Psalms 31:3 KJV)
There are many more verses that mention “The Rock” and there are also many more birds that live and eat in rocky places. They may not have “rock” in their name, but they were all created by The Rock, Jesus Christ.
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9 KJV)
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV)
Information mostly from Wikipedia, but other internet sources quoted also. Names according to the IOC 2.7 version.
Ian’s Bird of the Week – Lesser Frigatebird ~ by Ian Montgomery
Newsletter – 3/2/11
This is the third of the post-cyclone Yasi birds of the week. The first dealt with survival of small birds; the second with birds like fruit-doves that move after the cyclone in search of food. Another category of birds greatly affected by cyclones are seabirds, particularly those that spend much time on the wing and these often appear in places where they are not usually seen or get blown inland, sometimes over great distances.
The Lesser Frigatebird is common in oceanic waters of northern Australia and breeds in colonies both on the northern mainland and on cays and islands. Adult birds are normally sedentary, remaining in the vicinity of the colonies, though immature birds may travel widely over the oceans. Frigatebirds not normally seen in places like Townsville, distant from breeding colonies, except after cyclones and cyclone Yasi was no exception with both Great and Lesser Frigatebirds being recorded along the coast. I was surprised to see a pair of Lesser Frigatebirds near my place at Bluewater, 11km from the coast and the birds looked quite out of place soaring over the hills south of the house.
Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) female by Ian
Lesser Frigatebirds are easily distinguished in all plumages from Great Frigatebirds by having white ‘armpits’ or spurs. The first photo shows a male bird, black except for these spurs and male Great Frigatebirds are entirely black. Male Frigatebirds have inflatable red throat pouches used to spectacular effect in displays (for example this male Magnificent Frigatebird in Ecuador: http://www.birdway.com.au/fregatidae/magnificent_frigatebird/source/magnif_frigatebird_27662.htm ). The second photo shows a female Lesser Frigatebird and the third an immature one.
Frigatebirds are huge. Even the Lesser, the smallest of the 5 global species, is 70-80cm/28-32in. in length with a wingspan of 1.8-1.9m/5.9-6.2 feet. They are very light for their size, having very light bones, and are adapted to soaring effortlessly in the trade winds where they are usually found. They are famous as pirates, forcing other seabirds, particularly boobies, to disgorge their prey ( http://www.birdway.com.au/fregatidae/greater_frigatebird/source/greater_frigatebird_39356.htm ), but they are also adept fishers in their own right, snatching flying fish in flight and other fish and cuttlefish from the surface of the water. They have tiny feet, useful only for perching in trees when nesting or roosting and quickly become water-logged if forced to land on water which they normally avoid. They will bathe and drink fresh water in flight ( http://www.birdway.com.au/fregatidae/greater_frigatebird/source/greater_frigatebird_40675.htm ).
Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) imm. by Ian
11km from the coast is nothing to a frigatebird and it is likely that cyclone-distributed frigatebirds can find their way home (like swifts, they often take advantage of storm fronts). Less fortunate perhaps was the Petrel recorded post-Yasi on the Atherton Tableland by Alan Gillanders, though the record for Yasi goes to a Bridled Tern rescued ‘in bad shape’ in Alice Springs by Chris Watson, probably as far away from the ocean as you can get in Australia.
The latest addition to the website is a taxonomic index of Australian birds ( http://www.birdway.com.au/aus_taxonomic.htm ), showing Orders and Families and with links to the 97 of 103 families of Australian birds represented on the website. The 6 unrepresented families are also shown but lack links. Some of these missing families are merely rare vagrants such as Northern Storm-Petrels and Leaf Warblers (the Arctic Warbler) or introductions like the Ostrich but others such as Penguins (there are only photos of African Penguins) are to be regretted and I hope to rectify this before the year is out. The other two – Scrub-birds and Sheathbills – are in the very hard baskets, and I can’t make any promises. If classification is your thing, this page is for you and you can find it under the grey navigation button ‘Indices to Australian Birds’ formerly singular. There are also instructions on the home page: http://www.birdway.com.au/index.htm#news .
The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! (Psalms 8:8-9 NKJV)
The frigatebirds are a family, Fregatidae, of seabirds. There are five species in the single genus Fregata. They are also sometimes called Man of War birds or Pirate birds. Since they are related to the pelicans, the term “frigate pelican” is also a name applied to them. They have long wings, tails and bills and the males have a red gular pouch that is inflated during the breeding season to attract a mate. They are part of the Suliformes Order.
Frigatebirds are pelagic piscivores which obtain most of their food on the wing. A small amount of their diet is obtained by robbing other seabirds, a behavior that has given the family its name, and by snatching seabird chicks. Frigatebirds are seasonally monogamous, and nest colonially. A rough nest is constructed in low trees or on the ground on remote islands. A single egg[citation needed] is laid each breeding season. The duration of parental care in frigatebirds is the longest of any bird.
Frigatebirds are found over tropical oceans and ride warm updrafts. Therefore, they can often be spotted riding weather fronts and can signal changing weather patterns.
These birds do not swim and cannot walk well, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week, landing only to roost or breed on trees or cliffs. (Wikipedia)
Dan and I had the privilege of see a Magnificent Frigatebird flying over Ding Darling NWR.
Waves on Rocks – Point Lobos State Reserve by Daves BP
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalms 18:2 KJV)
When the Lord created the world and all that is therein, He created the rocks and hills and the birds that He created were well adapted to live in those places. Birdwatchers through the years have observed them in this habitat of rocks, stones, cliffs, and other high rocky places. Just as Adam named the first birds, ornithologists (bird people) are still naming birds.
Searching through the latest IOC 2.7 List of Birds, I found 50 birds with “Rock” in their names. Searching the Bible for the word “Rock”, I found around 130 verses referring to a “rock” or “The Rock.” Here is a blend of the birds and some of the Scriptures verses that show the mighty Hand of God at work and the neat “Rock Birds” Formed by Him.
Here is a list of the first 25 birds with “Rock” in their name in taxonomic order with a few words about them :
Rock Shag (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) by Daves BirdingPix
Rock Shag (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) – The Rock Shag usually nests on ledges on steep, bare, rocky cliffs. It normally lays 3 eggs, though nests of from 2 to 5 eggs have been seen. Nesting colonies range is size from 5 pairs to nearly 400.
Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolus) – It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals.
Rock Sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis) – They nest on the ground either elevated on rocks or in lower damp location. The males makes several scrapes; the female choose one and lays 4 eggs. Both the male and female take the responsibility for incubation. Birds migrate south to rocky ice-free Pacific coasts in winter.
Now Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until the late rains poured on them from heaven. And she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night. (2 Samuel 21:10 NKJV)
Rock Pratincole (Glareola nuchalis) – This species shows a preference for exposed emergent rocks in large rivers and streams, sometimes also frequenting mud and sandbars by lagoons. Eggs are laid directly into shallow depressions, cracks, and on the flat tops of bare rocks surrounded by deep and sometimes fast-flowing water, or on rock ledges and under overhangings. Most nests are found within a metre or two of the water level. (Bird Life)
Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon (Petrophassa rufipennis)by Ian – found in deep sandstone gorges, rocky gullies & cliffs in the area from the Katherine Gorge to Oenpelli in the Northern Territory of Australia. – See Ian’s Bird of the Week White-quilled Rock Pigeon (Petrophassa albipennis)by Ian – Found only among the cliffs, gorges & boulder strewn sloped regions of the Kimberley Division of Western Australia & adjacent Northern Territory east to the Flora River & Stokes Range.
Rock Parrot (Neophema petrophila) by Ian- Rocky islands and coastal dune areas are the preferred habitats for this species, which is found from Robe, South Australia westwards across coastal South and Western Australia to Shark Bay.
New Zealand Rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris) by KentNickell – it is a poor flier, rarely flying more than two metres off the ground or for distances or more than 30 m. It is highly terrestrial, feeding in low scrub and open scree and rockfalls in alpine areas.
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV)
Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula)by Ian – The Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) is a small passerine bird in the swallow family that is resident in Africa, and in southwestern Asia east to Pakistan. It breeds mainly in the mountains, but also at lower altitudes, especially in rocky areas and around towns, and, unlike most swallows, it is often found far from water. It is 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) long, with mainly brown plumage, paler-toned on the upper breast and underwing coverts, and with white “windows” on the spread tail in flight. The sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles have pale fringes to the upperparts and flight feathers. The northern subspecies are smaller, paler, and whiter-throated than southern African forms, and are sometimes split as a separate species, the “Pale Crag Martin”. The Rock Martin hunts along cliff faces for flying insects using a slow flight with much gliding. Its call is a soft twitter.
This martin builds a deep bowl nest on a sheltered horizontal surface, or a neat quarter-sphere against a vertical rock face or wall. The nest is constructed with mud pellets and lined with grass or feathers, and may be built on natural sites under cliff overhangs or on man-made structures such as buildings, dam walls, culverts and bridges. It is often reused for subsequent broods or in later years. This species is a solitary breeder, and is not gregarious, but small groups may breed close together in suitable locations. The two or three eggs of a typical clutch are white with brown and grey blotches, and are incubated by both adults for 16–19 days prior to hatching. Both parents then feed the chicks. Fledging takes another 22–24 days, but the young birds will return to the nest to roost for a few days after the first flight.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:2 KJV)
The article is quite long so I am breaking it into two Parts. To see the second half – CLICK HERE
Information mostly from Wikipedia, but other internet sources quoted also.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)
On the way to town today, we stopped by the South Lake Howard Nature Park again for just a few minutes. (15) It was a beautiful day. Surprised how few in number the birds were, but the variety of birds wasn’t bad. In the 15 minutes we were able to see the following:
Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, 6 White Ibises flying by, Common Moorhens, Boat-tailed Grackles, Quakers (Monk Parakeets – they have a big nest there), Blue Jay, 3 Mockingbirds, Northern Cardinal, Palm Warblers and a black and light colored Warbler-not a Black-and-White though, Mr and Mrs Wood Duck swimming by, and up on the tower both Mr and Mrs Bald Eagle were perched. (They have a nest in the park) and a White Ibis on the ground walking around with the reddest legs and beak I have ever seen. Spring is definitely in the air here in Central Florida. Oh, yes, there was a nice sized alligator sunning on the bank. No camera with us unfortunately.
As I have been working on the pages, I have been adding new photos of some of the missing birds. It is taking longer, but hope to make more species viewable.
The I.O.C. has updated to Version 2.7, but they are also getting ready to release a whole new format in Version 3.0. They placed the Ver. 2.7 in a draft which includes the Subspecies. After experimenting with several different ways to present the list, I have made my choice. This means that I have been busy behind the scene working on this website. (Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus)
The I.O.C. is now the I.O.U. “Our goal on behalf of the International Ornithologist’s Union, formerly International Ornithological Congress (IOC), is to facilitate worldwide communication in ornithology and conservation through the consistent use of English names linked to current species taxonomy. The English names follow explicit guidelines for spelling and construction that increase clarity of application. To this end we provide a complete list of the extant bird species of the world.”
IOC World Bird List – Subspecies (Draft 1)
Supplementing the release of version 2.7 of the IOC World Bird List is a preview of our draft listing of the subspecies of the world’s birds along with the authors and dates attributed to their nomenclature. This working draft will provide the taxonomic foundation for version 3.0.
The above quotes are from the IOC World Bird List website. Since they are making a major revision, I decided to get started on updating to match their way of listing birds. I have been using the IOC lists of World Birds since starting the Birds of the World section.
There are 233 Families of birds, which means I have 233 pages of data to update. So, I have 5 down and 228 to go. For now the indexes to the families will not change, but a few birds may not be correct until I finish. Try not to be too upset about the dust flying around as the changes are being made. Trust the 3.0 Version is close to what I am doing.
The main difference is that before only the bird was named, such as: (All photos by Bob-Nan)
Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus) by Bob-Nan
I trust this helps explain the new layout for the list of world birds. It’s time for me to start kicking up some more dust as I continue with the changes. I am going straight down the list of families –Family Index. Keep checking back to see how far I have gotten. Updating all the links to the pictures and videos is the most time consuming.
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. (Genesis 2:19 KJV)
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5 KJV)
That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. (Isaiah 41:20 KJV)
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. (Psalms 148:5 KJV)
Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (Jeremiah 31:12 KJV)
There’s a sacred and hallowed retreat,
Where my soul finds a fellowship sweet,
Where the Lord of my life I may meet,
In the garden of my heart.
Refrain
In the cool of the day He walks with me, In the rose bordered way He talks with me; In love’s holy union, And sacred communion, In the garden of my heart.
There is naught can disturb or molest,
There my spirit finds comfort and rest,
And my soul is no longer distressed
In the garden of my heart.
Refrain
Shut away from earth’s strife and its din,
And protected from soul staining sin,
For my Savior is dwelling within,
In the garden of my heart.
Refrain
There the dove of sweet peace always sings,
And my faith ever trustingly clings;
And the chime of sweet happiness rings
In the garden of my heart.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. (Genesis 1:20 KJV)
Words: Charles Coffin, Paris Breviary, 1736 (Iisdem creati fluctibus); translated from Latin to English by John Chandler and the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern.
Music:St. Flavian, Day’s Psalter, 1563
The Fish in Wave, The Bird on Wing
The fish in wave, the bird on wing,
God bade the waters bear;
Each for our mortal body’s food
His gracious hands prepare.
But other food, of richer cost,
The immortal spirit needs;
By faith it lives on every word
That from His mouth proceeds.
Faith springing from the blood of Christ,
Has flowed o’er every land;
And sinners through the vanquished world
Bow down to its command.
Its light the joy of Heav’n reveals
To hearts made pure within;
And bids them seek by worthy deeds
Eternal crowns to win.
By faith the saints of old were strong
The lion’s wrath to tame;
By faith they spurned the tyrant’s threats,
And scorned the raging flame.
Lord, grant that we the path may tread
Whereon its light doth shine;
And gather, as we onward go,
The fruits of love divine.
O praise the Father; praise the Son,
On Whose most precious blood
Rests all our faith; and praise to Him
Who with Them both is God.
Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus) by Peter Ericsson
“What are some of God’s favorite object lessons? Certainly His creation is one. A God who can call something into existence which didn’t exist before can do anything. “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things” (Isaiah 40:26).” (Quote from Days of Praise-2-18-2011)
The Broadbills are another of those creations of the Lord. These pretty little birds caught my eye while doing an article. I trust you will find them as interesting as I do. Formed by Him they cannot be anything but amazing. What a great Creator God we have.
The broadbills are a family of small passerine birds, Eurylaimidae. The Smithornis and Pseudocalyptomena species occur in sub-Saharan Africa; the rest extend from the eastern Himalayas to Sumatra and Borneo. The family possibly also includes the Sapayoa from the Neotropics and the asities from Madagascar.
Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus) by Peter Ericsson
Many of the broadbills are brightly colored birds. They range from 4.5 to 11.25 inches (13 to 28 centimeters) in length, and live in the dense canopies of wet forests, allowing them to hide despite their brightly coloured plumage. The plumage of the three African broadbills in the genus Smithornis is in contrast dull and streaked. The bills, which give the family their common name, are broad, flat and hooked and relatively large eyes. Even though many are brightly colored, the Lord has designed them to blend in with their surroundings beautifully.
The broadbills are for the most part insectivorous and carnivorous. Prey taken include insects, spiders, centipedes and millipedes, as well as lizards and tree frogs. Prey is obtained by sallying from a perch to snatch it in flight, and gleaning the prey off leaves and branches while flying. Some species may take some fruit (figs being their favorite), but only the green broadbills of the genus Calyptomena and the African Green Broadbill are primarily frugivores (which also take some insects as well).
They are generally gregarious, with many species moving about in flocks of about 20 individuals. Broadbills attach their purse-shaped nests to suspended vines, and leave a tail of fibres hanging below it. This gives the nest the appearance of being random debris caught in the tree, an effect further enhanced by the birds covering the nest with lichen and spider webs.
Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) in nest by Peter Ericsson
Most Broadbills are monogamous, some have quite a courtship dispay and typically she lays two to three eggs. Both participate in nest building and in some species they have “helpers” with the young. Here are some of those verses:
Mostly active early and late in the day, otherwise they are sedentary and perched with their neck pulled in, disguised in the foliage.
Maybe the Lord would like us to look at the broad bills of the Broadbill and be reminded of Scripture. Broad or broader is mentioned over 30 times throughout the Bible.
David repeated in Psalm 18:19 what had been written in 2 Samuel:
He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. (Psalms 18:19 NKJV)
He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. “The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me; And as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. (2 Samuel 22:20-23 NKJV)
Let those who fear the LORD now say, “His mercy endures forever.” I called on the LORD in distress; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalms 118:4-6 NKJV)
Black-and-red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) by Ian
The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies. I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalms 119:95-97 NKJV)
But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. (Isaiah 33:21 KJV)
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV)
Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven– what can you do? Deeper than Sheol– what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. (Job 11:7-9 NKJV)
Green Broadbill (Calyptomena viridis) by Peter Ericsson
The Broadbills are in the Eurylaimidae Family and has 20 members at present. The Eurylaimidae-Broadbills are in the Passeriformes or Perching Bird Order.
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
