Author Archives: Lee

Snowflake and the Eye

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Snowflake and the Eye by Ian Juby

Ian Juby has made another “Rant.”  This one is about evolutionist’s claim about how the eye is poorly designed and that there is no intelligent designer that made it. He does these spoofs because of some of the unintelligent remarks made by evolutionists.

He, like those of us here, believe that we have a very Intelligent Designer called the Creator. We believe the Lord Jesus is this creator. The birds we write about sure enjoy their Intelligently Designed eyes.

and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 3:9 NKJV)

Below is his “rant” and we have many of Ian Juby’s videos in the Complete Creation by Ian Juby in our Plus Section under the Creation Topics

Reminiscing in South Florida

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Blue Jay in tree at Hampton Pines

Blue Jay in tree at Hampton Pines

Reminiscing can be fun. We went to Miami this week to visit our friend after his surgery, but also took time to visit our old stomping grounds in the Fort Lauderdale area. We lived in Tamarac for 18 years, so had things to see and do.

We always enjoyed going to the beach to feed the Sea Gulls. Well, when we got to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, there was not one gull in sight. We only saw Pigeons, a Boat-tailed Grackle and 2 Eurasian Collarded Doves. While driving, a 4 bird squadron of Brown Pelicans flew over. So much for the beach this time of the year.

Hampton Pines Pk Sign

Hampton Pines Pk Sign

We then drove to the Hampton Pines Park in North Lauderdale. “It is a 32 acre natural woodland park containing native bald cypress and slash pines.” (It took a beating from Hurricane Wilma and many trees were blown down. This was according to a very nice grounds keeper we were talking with.) That is where I first became a real birdwatcher. There was a lady naturalist there who taught about the birds. We became friends (can’t remember her name now and the office was closed) and she sort of took me “under her wing.” I learned to have “soft eyes” (not stare at a certain spot, but softly watching the trees to catch movement), to listen for the birds (birding by ear), watch for evidences that a bird has been there (like droppings of fish bones and other things), and many other tips. Like many of our readers, I saw birds, but never really became aware of them until she revealed those and many other tips. I am sure she was the beginning of great hobby for me. I am thankful for the Lord bringing her into my life, for her and to Hampton Pines Park for having hired her.

Hampton Pines

Hampton Pines

While we were there we recorded only these birds: 7 Blue Jays carrying on with their alarm calls, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Great Egret, Mockingbird, and 2 male Cardinals. We were only there about 20 minutes. Also saw 2 squirrels, which we fed before we saw the sign not to feed them. We also saw 2 lizards (I guess), one was about 18 inches and the other darker one was about 12 inches.

Since our house we lived in was only about a mile or so away, we went by it and took a few pictures of it and the pond across the street. There was a female Boat-tailed Grackle sitting at the top a bush (much taller than when we sold in 1995) in the yard. Used to have lots of feeders in the backyard. As my birding skills improved, I recorded many birds in our yard, around and in that pond.

Yes, it was fun to reminisce about when I learned to bird watch and to see the old homestead.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. (Psalms 143:5 NKJV)

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Best Local Playgrounds: Hampton Pines Park

City of North Lauderdale – Parks and Recreation

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Birds of the Bible – Uniquely Created – Tools

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Many birds have built in “tools” such as the way their beaks are designed or their feet, or wings, etc. Some use things as tools as shown below in the articles and the video.

How Nature Works: White-winged Crossbill Feeding Technique from CornellLab of Ornithology. (Last statement gives credit to evolution, but we believe they were uniquely created with this ability by the Lord.)

Rooks Reveal Remarkable Tool Use It appears that Rooks (Crow related) have been given intelligence by their Creator to figure out how to use things as tools.

Also, New Caledonian Crows themselves are able to use tools.

The list goes on and on of the uniquely created ways birds use their built in or external “tools.” “The Tool-Using Bird” (Vulture) and “Animals That Make and Use Tools” by Creation Moments.

What kind of tools (gifts) has the Lord given you to use. Are you using them in the way that He intended for you to use them.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; (Romans 12:6 NKJV)

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10 NKJV)

Interesting Articles and Videos:
“Adaptation and ecology: the marvelous fit of organisms to their environment” by Dr. Gary Parker

Woodpecker Finch using a stick as a tool. YouTube by firpeace

Animals Using Tools YouTube by ronesh (Bird Fishing)

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Birds in Hymns – Updated

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Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil

While updating the Birds in Hymns page, I had to read through the hymns to find the references to the birds. What struck me, is the depth of the writings of these hymn writers. Many of these were written in the 1,700 and 1,800s. These are not the shallow words of today, but are filled with great doctrinal truths, praise and worship for our Savior.

We here on the blog use the birds that God has created to teach you about them, but also to make applications that will help us with our lives. That is how many of the birds are used in Scripture, to learn from them by way of illustrations of truths to help make us better Christians or to become Christians.

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. (Psalms 89:1 NKJV)

Below are just some of the examples I pulled out. Time spent reading through the hymns, will be a blessing to you.

Jesus, Holy, Undefiled by Emily M. Shapcole wrote these words:

Now the little birds arise,
Chirping gaily in the skies;
Thee their tiny voices praise,
In the early songs they raise.

Thou, by Whom the birds are fed,
Give to me my daily bread;
And Thy holy Spirit give,
Without Whom I cannot live.

Speed For Thy Life by Fanny Crosby

Speed for thy life to the mountain,
Fly like a bird to its nest,
Fly to the arms of the Savior:
There is thy only rest.

There Seems A Voice In Every Gale by Amelia A. Opie

The birds, that rise on quivering wing,
Proclaim their Maker’s praise,
And all the mingling sounds of spring
To Thee an anthem raise.

This is My Father’s World by Maltbie B. Babcock

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

Yes, God is Good by John H. Gurney

The merry birds prolong the strain,
Their song with every spring renewed;
And balmy air, and falling rain,
Each softly whispers, “God is good.”

Jesus, I Come by William T. Sleeper

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessèd will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Let Him Come In by C. W. Ray

To thy barred and bolted door,
Gently as a wooing dove,
Jesus comes as oft before,
Pleading in His tender love.

Refrain

Let Him in; let Him in;
Sinner, why not make Him room?
Let Him in; let Him in;
Lest He never more may come.

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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Birds of the Bible – Uniquely Created Sound

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When the Lord created the birds, He gave each a unique design which includes not only their appearance, but also the sounds they make. Below is an interesting video about the sounds of the different birds. It is a little lengthy (9 min.) but well worth watching.

The Language of Birds by LabofOrnithology

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; (Song of Solomon 2:12 KJV)

Each of the bird’s songs and sounds help them to communicate with one another, and with other species. Many times one bird, like a Blue Jay, will sound an alarm that warns all of the birds of an impending danger. Lots of birds singing is a sign that all is well in that area.

Just as the Lord uniquely gave each bird a separate song or sound, the Lord has given each of us in the church separate unique abilities and talents. One may be the preacher, one the song leader, teachers, choir or orchestra members, sound and video workers, baby sitters, ushers, etc. We all are different, but when all of those abilities are brought together, like all of those birds in the rain forest that make beautiful music together, we worship and serve the Lord jointly.

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Psalms 119:73 KJV)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV)

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Pigeons and Their Pecking Order

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Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) by Nikhil Devasar

Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) by Nikhil Devasar

The April 7th issue of NatureNews has an interesting article called, “Airborne pigeons obey the pecking order.” According to the studies they did on flying pigeons that were strapped with tiny GPSs, they change directions by responding to the leaders, not just any member of the flock.

“”It is the first study demonstrating hierarchical decision-making in a group of free-flying birds,” says Tamás Vicsek, a biophysicist at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest who led the study…”

Another interesting thing they found out was, “Although pigeons have an almost 340º field of view, the researchers found that the birds at the front of a flock tended to make the navigational decisions. Moreover, birds responded more readily to a leader’s movements if the leader was on their left side. These findings concur with previous work that indicated that social cues entering a bird’s left eye receive preferential processing in the brain2.”

The article is very interesting and worth reading. Of course, I don’t agree with the last sentence of the article because they give the credit to evolution. We believe that the Lord created the pigeons with this ability from the first day they were created.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28 KJV)

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Isa 60:8

Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom… (Job 39:26a) God was asking Job about the hawk, but it could be any bird including the pigeon.

To read the complete article – Click Here

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Birds of the Bible – Swans II

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And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, (Leviticus 11:18 KJV)

Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) ©Wikipedia

Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) ©Wikipedia

Swans have been written about before with Birds of the Bible – Swan I and Swan Loyalty. Because of the Lord’s amazing creation of the birds, there is always more to find out about them. In the first Swan blog it was mentioned that there are 6 Swans in the Anatidae family. Well, that is incorrect. There are 6 swans in the Cygnus genera (division of a family), but there is another genera called Coscoroba. This genera has only one swan, the Coscoroba Swan. So, there are 7 Swans.

The Coscoroba has the ones who study birds (taxonomist and others) in a quandary. They are not sure if it is a swan, duck or goose. “Externally, the body, head and legs appear to be more like a goose than a swan. As an example, their body is much smaller in comparison to other species of swans; the largest species average double the weight and have a wingspan at least 40% larger. Since they are smaller in size compared to other swan species, coscoroba swans require shorter distance to lift off from the ground or water. In contrast to other species of swan, coscoroba swans have a shorter neck and longer legs. Another feature that distinguishes coscoroba swans from other species is that feathers cover their facial skin, instead of bare skin extending from the bill to the eye. This species also lacks the characteristic basal knob found on all other five species of swans. Compared to other swans, the bill of a coscoroba swan is smaller and more resembles the bill of a duck.” (Animal Facts, Woodland Park Zoo)

They went on to say that it sounds more like a goose, doesn’t carry young on back like swans and that their young look more like young whistling ducks. Considering that the Anatidae family consists Ducks, Geese, and Swans, sounds like they are all in the same “created kind” for sure. They have been doing as they were command by God to:

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)

Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) ©Arthur Grosset

Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) ©Arthur Grosset

The Coscoroba Swan lives mainly in the southern part of South America and prefers shallow areas of lagoons, swamps, ponds, or areas with lots of vegetation. They are between 34.6-45.2 inches and males can be as much as 11.9 pounds and the female 10 pounds. “Inside the bill, there are serrated comb-like structures called lamellae, which help filter food. When eating, swans scoop up water and food, hold it in their mouth and squeeze out the water through the lamellae.”

They are all white except for the 6 black feathers at the tips of their wings. Speaking of flying, here are some interesting facts. (When migrating, the flock maintains visual contact as much as possible and will call out to each other to stay united during inclement weather or poor lighting conditions. During migrations, coscoroba swans may fly with flamingos or black-necked swans (C. melanocoryopha). Migration routes may take place at extreme elevations; researchers have noted swans flying at elevations of 26,277 feet (8,000 m). These high altitudes allow the birds to take advantage of stronger air currents. Additionally, swans almost always fly in a V-formation to save energy, as the bird in front creates a slipstream for the bird behind it to fly through.” (Animal Facts)

There are many more fascinating facts about these swans and the others, but these should help you appreciate Our Lord’s love and care for His Creation.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28 KJV)

See:
Coscoroba Swans Avian Web (Nice Photos)

Wordless Birds

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Interesting Things – Increasing Numbers Want Equal Time for Creation

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Increasing Numbers Want Equal Time for Creation – from Creation Moments

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:20)

A few years ago, a news release revealed the result of a poll on what Americans prefer to have taught in public schools about origins. The poll was done for an organization that favors a dogmatic teaching of evolution. The news release stated only that a huge majority of Americans, 83 percent, favor the teaching of evolution in the public schools. We at Creation Moments were led to investigate this poll more closely since this poll result runs contrary to other recent polls.

SmileyCentral.com

The professional polling organization polled 1,500 people about whether creation or evolution should be taught in the public schools. Indeed, 83 percent said they believe that the theory of evolution should be taught in the public schools. However, what was not included in the popular reporting of the poll was that 79 percent of those polled said that creation should also be taught in the schools. Only 20 percent of those polled felt that evolution only should be taught. Clearly, Americans prefer both creation and evolution presented to the students so that they can make up their own minds. Equally notable is that almost half of those polled agreed with the statement that evolution is “far from being proven to be scientific.”

While the statement that 83 percent of those polled favor evolution being taught is true, it leaves out the most important part of the poll’s findings. Clearly, ordinary people want to hear about God’s creation.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us never to be deceived by the forces of darkness. Amen.

References: Christian News, 4/3/00, p. 2.,  Creation Moments ©2010

Peterson Field Guide Videos Updated

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Below are some of the latest updated Peterson Field Guide Videos. These 2010 versions have been updated on the following pages. The videos are very informative and well done.

American Robin by Dan

Greater Roadrunner

Flycatchers

Finches

Common Loon

Bald Eagle

Atlantic Puffin

American Robin

Ducks, Geese, Swans

Birds of the Bible – Church Camp In Philippines

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Wanted to share some information on what the Lord has done through this website. This will be a two part article. I just heard about some of the results of a church camp that took place a few weeks ago. The ECBF Junior camp in Daraitan, Tanay, Philippines. Below is a video they just released on YouTube.

I got involved when Myra left a comment on our site at Birdwatching From A Christian Perspective. She asked permission to use some of the material for an upcoming camp. Of course, permission was granted and we have communicated several times since then through comments and e-mails.

I’ve asked her to do a write-up about the camp and that will be in Part II. Here are some things that I have learned through our contacts. I am sure Myra won’t mind me sharing these.

“I learned about birdwatching from an American missionary several years ago.  I didn’t know it was possible to birdwatch where I live — Taytay,  Rizal, a rather crowded town east of Manila. The missionary said they could birdwatch where they live which was not far from where I live. So have been a casual birdwatcher ever since.  I watch butterflies too.”, by Myra
Then as camp grew near, she sent me a partial section of the camp manual. When I received it, I wept from the knowledge that the Lord was using my small efforts on this blog to help others around the world. Here is part of that manual:

Let’s Be Bird Watchers!

Bakit mabuting libangan ang bird watching?

“Ang ibon at mga hayop ay marunong pa sa iyo, Sa kanila ay magtanong at ikaw ay matututo.” Job 12:7
Masdan ninyo ang mga ibon: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani o kaya’y nagtitipon sa bangan. Gayunman,pinakakain sila ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Hindi ba’t higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga ibon. (Mateo 6:26)
Sapagkat ang buhay ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pagkain, at katawan kaysa pananamit. Isipin na lang ninyo ang mga uwak: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani man; wala silang bangan ni kamalig, gayunma’y pinakakain sila ng Diyos. Gaano pa kayo – higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga ibon. (Lucas 12:23-24 )
Para maging birdwatcher:

  • Look around – magmasid.
  • Look for birds that are common near you. Where? Sa ibabaw ng mga poste, sa mga linya ng kuryente, sa mga parke, sa garden spots ng resort o subdivision.
  • Listen! Each bird has the own different note or song: Psalm 104:12(birds sing) ; Ecclesiastes 12:4 (birds make sounds); Song of Solomon 2:12 (birds have voices)
  • Some birds -maganda ang boses
  • Some birds- sintonado / malakas / masakit sa tenga ang boses
  • Some birds- madaldal.
  • Some birds- madakdak.

After you find birds to watch, observe them.
How? Take note of their:

  • Colors
  • Size (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, Very Big)
  • Sounds
  • Beak (Pahaba, deretso lang, naka-curve, matulis, etc.)
  • Posture (hukot, deretso, laging nakatingala)
  • Wings (mahaba, maiksi, matulis, pabilog, etc.)
  • Tail (long, short, patulis, parang fork, parang pamaypay, etc.

Movements. What are they doing? Kumakain / naghahanap ng makakain / gumagawa ng pugad / may dala-dalang damo. Malikot, sa lupa naglalakad, sa bukid nakatayo , nakatayo sa ibabaw ng kalabaw

Assignment: Use some of your free time during this camp to bird watch. Describe below some of the birds you see or hear.

Like many of you, I can not read much of it, but they could and so can our Omnipresent and Omniscient Creator who knows all languages.

One more excerpt from her email I received this morning and then you can see how their camp went.

“There are a few pictures in the video that show us under some trees on a hill. That’s where I asked the kids to be absolutely silent for ten minutes and just try to listen to as many bird calls as possible. I heard at least five bird calls coming from all directions and so did many of the kids. One of the staff said those ten minutes took away months of stress. You helped in more ways than you thought you did!”

Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. (Job 37:14 NKJV)

Heard, But Not Seen

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Caught Dan on the Boardwalk trying to find a bird

Caught Dan on the Boardwalk trying to find a bird

Yesterday Dan and I went birdwatching at the Mosaic Peace River Park in Homeland, FL. It was a gorgeous morning and the temperature was around 73° when we got there around 10 am. While we were getting our gear out a Northern Cardinal landed nearby. I aimed my camera and realized I had not taken the lens cap off yet. By the time I did remove it, you guessed it, he flew away into the trees. That was the story of our trip. The birds were “heard, but not seen.”

For those that may be new to birdwatching, when a bird is heard even though not seen, it can be counted on your list. Some are not aware of that fact. The problem is, knowing what the birds sound like. I was sorry yesterday that I had not spent enough time practicing hearing sounds. My list would have been much longer. Where we were has a boardwalk winding between the trees and ends up at the Peace River. Other than that Cardinal and the ones flying way overhead, no birds were seen. Yet, our list included 16 species.

I have decided to test you some and help you learn. Below are the sounds of some of the birds we heard, but I won’t  ID until later in the article.

Sound #1

Sound #2

Sound #3

Sound #4

Sound #5

So, have you figured them all out. They are fairly common to this area of the US. To help you out, here is a link to their photos:
Bird #1 ~ ~ Bird #2 ~ ~ Bird #3 ~ ~ Bird #4 ~ ~ Bird #5

Swallow-tailed Kite - the one bird I got a photo of as it flew overhead

Swallow-tailed Kite – the one bird I got a photo of as it flew overhead

That Bird #5 had given me a test of my memory. I wrote down on my list “squeeky wheel bird.” I knew I had heard it before and planned to look it up when we got home. Luckily, on the way back to the car, we met a group of birdwatchers from Martin county Audubon. We compared lists, which is normal for birdwatchers, and then I asked about the “squeeky wheel bird” and they gave me it’s name right off. (I should have been birding with them) I checked out my recordings at home and sure enough, that is what it was.

All the sound recording came from xeno-canto.org and there are numerous other places to find the sounds of birds. Birding by Ear Basics from About.com/Birds has good tips. Cornell Lab of Ornithology is one of the best for seeing and hearing the birds.

We hear the birds and know they are there even though we do not see them. In the Christian realm, we do not see the Lord in person today, but we know He is alive and speaks to us through the things He has created and most of all by His Word.

He who is of God hears God’s words; …” (John 8:47a NKJV)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17 NKJV)

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (Romans 1:20 NKJV)

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Birds of the Bible – Little Brown Jobs

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An interesting video from YouTube by SmellLikeDirt caught my interest. Take a look and then I’ll comment on it.

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The Sparrow has been written about before, but it is always nice to find out something else new about them. We know that the Lord created all the birds, but it seems as though the Sparrow just doesn’t get the attention like the more colorful birds. After watching the video, I trust you saw how God has provided for them to keep their species alive.

White-throated Sparrow by Ray

It is interesting about the behavior patterns of the different patterns of coloration. The White-throated Sparrow is a passerine bird of the American sparrow family Emberizidae. The White-throated Sparrow is 17 cm (6.75 inches) in length with a wingspan of 23 cm (9 inches) Typical weight is 26 grams (0.91 oz).

There are two adult plumage variations known as the tan-striped and white-striped forms. On the white-striped form the crown is black with a white central stripe. The supercilium is white as well. The auriculars are gray with the upper edge forming a black eye line.

On the tan form, the crown is dark brown with a tan central stripe. The supercilium is tan as well. The auriculars are gray/light brown with the upper edge forming a brown eye line. Both variations feature dark eyes, a white throat, yellow lores and gray bill. There is variation and some individuals may show dark lateral stripes of each side of the throat.

Most of us are just average people and sometimes may feel like you are not that important to others. But God loves us, even more than the sparrows and He hasn’t forgotten them.

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. (Luke 12:6 NKJV)

It’s true that the Sparrows are looked down on and sometimes just called, “Little Brown Jobs,” but they are created the way God wanted them in His plan for them. As Christians, not everyone can be the leader or the one in the “lime-light.” If that were true, then where would the followers be?

For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. (1 Corinthians 12:14-18 NKJV)

See also:

Sparrows

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