God’s Amazing Pileated Woodpecker

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

This first video is a good introduction to the Pileated Woodpeckers. This was produced by Lauri Shubert of SmellLikeDirt on YouTube.

Pileated Woodpeckers use their beaks to:

  • “drum” on hollow trees to let others know that this is their area
  • tear the bark away from the tree to find insects
  • make up to 16 holes in trees for escape in case a predator enters their tree
  • peck at bark to make sap run

A Pileated Woodpecker drumming away on a tree. (by billr444)

With all this use of the Pileated Woodpecker’s beak, it is more amazing that he doesn’t end up with a headache and what’s so unique about its tongue. Watch the following video.

This video is about how the Woodpecker defies Creation, by ExplorationFilms.com.

More audios, from Creation Moments, about the Woodpeckers and how God has created them.

  • The Amazing Woodpecker
  • The Woodpecker’s Amazing Tongue
  • The Woodpecker’s Pantry (Red-cockated Woodpecker)
  • One Smart Woodpecker (Red-cockated Woodpecker)
  • Explaining Too Much (Acorn Woodpeckers)

All Creation Moments are Copyright ©2009 by Creation Moments, Inc., P.O. Box 839, Foley, MN 56329 and used with permission.

Interesting – Migration and Mechanics of Flight

Canadian Geese by Mike Bader

Canadian Geese by Mike Bader

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7)

Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? (Job 39:26 KJVR)

I found this interesting article at Paul Butler’s Production Blog which has audios from Moody Radio.

“For many of us in North America, autumn is characterized by dramatic color, crisp evenings and of course, thousands of birds flying in formation to their winter homes. These features with Dr. Andy McIntosh and Donna O’Daniel look at the mechanics of flight and the science behind bird migration.”

Please listen to the two programs at:
Migration and the Mechanics of Flight – Part I and II

Birds of the Bible – Foundation #1

If you read my blog, Impact of the Answers in Genesis Conference, I stated that the Foundation of the Word of God needs to be emphasized. For the last year, the different Birds of the Bible have been introduced. Where did the birds come from? The byline of this blog is “Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective.”  What does God’s Word say about the bird’s Creation?

Scrub Jay by Mike Bader

Scrub Jay by Mike Bader

Most birdwatchers know that when they pick up a Bird Guide or Book, one of the first thing we read is:

“Having attained the power of flight more than 150 million years ago, birds might be …” (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of North America, Eastern Region, page 6)

“Feathered Dinosaurs?
For years biologists have half-jokingly referred to birds as “feathered reptiles.” In part, it is a ploy to annoy bird lovers with the thought that the objects of their fancy are just singing lizards wrapped in stretched-out scales called “feathers.” Yet the phrase reflects an important biological reality: birds are undeniably the modified descendants of reptiles, as their body structure and habit of laying eggs out of water clearly show.”
Archaeopteryx makes an ideal “missing link,” showing characteristics intermediate between reptiles and birds…..One view, still held by many paleontologists, suggests that about 200 million years ago its ancestral line split off from a group of reptiles, the thecodonts.” (The Birder’s Handbook, p. 31-33)

“The Implications of Flight / The central theme of bird evolution is flight. Most avian features can be related back to this fundamental adaptation. The avian forelimbs are dedicated almost entirely to aerial flight, for instance. To meet the diverse demands of survival without hands, birds have been subject to a fascinating evolutionary makeover.”  … “Birds have evolved compact….” (p. 15)  Section called Origins, Evolution, and Classification states – “Bird Are Reptiles – Before the discovery of Archaeopteryx” (“about 150 million years”),” taxonomists had already suggested a close relationship between birds and reptiles because of the large number of anatomical features shared by the two classes of animals.” Goes on to mention “missing link” (p. 39, The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior)

On and on it goes. They state as “undeniable facts” many things that come from a “theory.”

But the Word of God, our Bible says differently.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Continuing through Chapter 1, you find that God, who is the “self-existent”, “three-in-one”, known as “I AM“, did the creation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3)

White Pelicans by Mike Bader

White Pelicans by Mike Bader

Day 1 – Light (Day) and darkness (Night)
Day 2 – Firmament (Heaven) in midst of the waters and divided them
Day 3 – Waters (Seas) gathered together and the dry land (Earth) appeared with grass, herbs and fruit after his kind
Day 4 – Sun, Moon, and Stars
Day 5 – Great whales and all water creatures after his kind and the winged fowls (birds) after his kind

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. 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. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. (Genesis 1:20-23)

Day 6 – Land animals, cattle, and creeping things after their kind

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:24-26 )

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. (Genesis 1:27-29)

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:30-31)

Day 7 – God rested and blessed and sanctified all His work

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2:1-3)

In Birds of the Bible – Foundation #2, I will bring out some more from the Word of God and articles written about the creation of birds. For now, let me make this observation. If the birds were created on Day 5 and the reptiles were created on Day 6, how did birds evolve from reptiles?

Birds of the Bible – Foundation #2

Updated 2015

Complete Creation – Part 1

The Complete Creation is a series of video by Ian Juby of Creation Ministries of Ian Juby.

Ian is “the president of CORE Ottawa, Citizens for Origins Research and Education.” He is “also the director of the Creation Science Museum of Canada, a member of Mensa Canada and the president of the International Creation Science Special Interest Group for Mensans.” He has also had extensive personal studies in Origins for about the past eighteen years.

There are 22. I hope you enjoy them. Ian Juby has given me permission to “Ya – go for it, post away with the videos.” Thank you, Ian.

Part 1 : Creation/Evoluinon, Who Cares? An exhaustive look at the Creation/Evolution debate with Ian Juby. In this video, Ian introduces Creation and Evolution, and explains why the subject is important. He then introduces the history of the old earth and evolutionary theory.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth

 

All videos in this series are used with permission from Ian Juby at Creation Ministries of Ian Juby

For Part 2 The Old Earth Deception/Evidence for the Global Flood of Noah

God of Wonders DVD at Creation Moments

Creation Moments has just released a new DVD – God Of Wonders

“This brand new 85-minute DVD features Ian Taylor and many other creation science experts … and it includes some of the most breathtaking nature photography you’ve ever seen! Survey the unimaginable size of the universe and ponder the vast energy present in all matter. Examine the elegant water molecule essential for all life and discover how God combines these molecules to form beautiful and symmetrical snow crystals. Learn about the incredible complexity of DNA and the miraculous workings of the tiny seed. From the design functionality of birds to the incredible transformation of butterflies, these and many other features of creation are highlighted in this visually stunning presentation.”

 

I am ordered mine!

God’s Wonderous Creation by Carpentersdaughter

God’s Wonderous Creation by Carpentersdaughter is an invitation  to “take a few minutes to rest in Jesus with His wonderful creation. Then get back to work.” Just thought you might enjoy it.

Video can’t be shown on WordPress from GodTube. See Below

God’s Wonderous Creation from prophecyonthemove on GodTube.

Birdwatching – South Lake Howard Nature Park

Eagle in Tree on a windy day

Eagle in Tree on a windy day

Today we were back at South Lake Howard Nature Park checking out the progress of the Bald Eagles and their two babies. When we got there, one of the eaglets was stretching its wings and looking over the side of the nest. By the time I got my scope set up, it decided to hide most of the time. What is there about getting out scopes or cameras that make birds “skedaddle?” I did get to see it several times through the scope and binoculars. I never saw two at once, but when I let someone else look through it, of course, the two popped up.

One of the adults eagles was sitting in a nearby tree watching. Some Turkey and Black Vultures flew too close for their comfort and the eagle let out its warning cry. My interpretation was, “okay, that’s close enough, now back off!” The vultures were coming by one or two at a time. When a flock of about 20 Boat-tailed Grackles decided to land in the tree where the nest was, that was a different story. The eagle let out several loud calls in rapid succession and then flew over to the nest tree. Needless to say, the Grackles decided to go elsewhere. Later, the other Eagle came to the nest with food and we could see it feeding the eaglets.

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (Proverbs 23:5 KJV)

Eagle in nest feeding eaglets by Dan

Eagle in nest feeding eaglets by Dan

It was quite windy this morning and we did not get real clear photos of the birds. Not allowed to get too close either, but some are included. We saw the following birds today:  Mockingbird, Cattle Egrets, Great Egret, 25 Robins, 2 Adult and 2 baby Bald Eagles, Black and Turkey Vultures, American Coots, Common Moorhens, Little Blue Heron adults and 1 immature Little Blue Heron that was still white, White Ibises, Boat-tailed Grackles, Blue Jays, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Mourning Doves, Monk Parakeets, and Anhingas. We also saw an alligator up on the bank sunning itself.

We were there about a week ago with four homeschoolers we are helping learn about birds. On that day we saw the following:  2 Eagles, Boat-tail Grackles, Black and Turkey Vultures, Blue Jays, Ospreys, Ring-billed Gulls, Anhinga, Fish Crows, Cormorant, Common Grackles, American Kestrel, Cattle Egrets, Mockingbird, Common Moorhens, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, Limkin, Tricolored Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Ibises, Great Egret, Rock Pigeons, Red-winged Blackbirds, Snowy Egret, Pied-billed Grebe, 4 Hairy Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatchatchers, 2 Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfisher, (31)

American Robin by Dan

American Robin by Dan

For being a small nature park, we always seem to find a fair number of birds to observe. The water is really getting low in the pond. About as low as I have seen it. We are in a draught condition here in Polk County. In 2004, when the 3 hurricanes (Charlie, Frances and Jeanne) visited, there was too much water. We need rain, but not that way.

Interesting Things – Fleas

Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. (1 Samuel 26:20 KJV)

In the Birds of the Bible – Partridge, I Samuel 26:20 mentioned the flea. Here are a few interesting things about the flea.

Thinking

“The flea can jump 350 times its own length, a total of 13 inches. This is equivalent to our jumping 2,000 feet into the air. …” From Animals Don’t Need Technology at Creation Moments

The Crafty Flea
“Not much larger than a grain of rice, the water flea has been given such a clever defense against predators that even scientists were fooled for a while….” at Creation Moments

A Glowing Ballet (the Fireflea)
“During the mating ritual, only the males emit light. However, this is not simply random lighting. …” at Creation Moments

Swimming in Sand (tiny sand fleas)
“There might be tiny sand fleas which were washed ashore, appearing as giants next to the single-celled dinoflagellates which swim freely between the grains….” at Creation Moments

From an article, “Rats: no evolution!“, by Paula Weston at Answers in Genesis
“Undoubtedly, the rat is most infamous for its role in the spread of plague, both in the Middle Ages, and more recently, in heavily populated Third World countries. However, the rats themselves do not pass on the disease: rather, it is the fleas living on the rats which take the infection from rodent to human.

Flea is the common name for any of the small wingless insects of the order Siphonaptera. Fleas are small (1/16 to

Cat Flea

Cat Flea

Cat Flea

1/8-inch (1.5 to 3.3 mm) long), agile, usually dark colored (for example, the reddish-brown of the cat flea), wingless insects with tube-like mouth-parts adapted to feeding on the blood of their hosts. Their bodies are laterally compressed (human anatomical terms), permitting easy movement through the hairs or feathers on the host’s body (or in the case of humans, under clothes). Their legs are long, the hind pair well adapted for jumping (vertically up to seven inches (18 cm); horizontally thirteen inches (33 cm)[1]) – around 200 times their own body length, making the flea one of the best jumpers of all known animals (in comparison to body size), second only to the froghopper. The flea body is hard, polished, and covered with many hairs and short spines directed backward, which also assists its movements on the host.

A Day at the Flea Circus from Creation Moments
“If you see a flea jump – and that’s not easy to do – you will wonder whether the flea is actually powered by springs. The amazing truth is….”

Flea Circus – Wikipedia

“A flea circus refers to a circus sideshow attraction in which fleas are attached (or appear to be attached) to miniature carts and other items, and encouraged to perform circus acts within a small housing. Fresnel lenses were provided to help visitors to view the attraction.

The first records of flea performances were from watch makers who were demonstrating their metal working skills. Flea circuses were first advertised as early as 1833 in England, and were a main carnival attraction until 1930. Some flea circuses persisted in very small venues in the United States as late as the 1960s. The flea circus at Belle Vue amusement park, Manchester, England, was still operating in 1970. Today the flea circus has largely become a lost art form, with much information about them being anecdotal or steeped in lore.” (from Wikipedia)

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:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
(James 3:7-10 KJV)

Copyright © 2009 by Creation Moments, Inc., P.O. Box 839, Foley, MN 56329

Answers in Genesis Conference – Winter Haven, FL

For those of you who live in the Winter Haven, Florida area, the Answers in Genesis Conference will be this week. On February 20-22, 2009, Faith Baptist Church of Winter Haven (my home church) is hosting the conference. It is not too late to sign up yet. I am looking forward to conference and hope you can join us this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Great Blue Heron by Dan

Great Blue Heron by Dan

A link to the conference from our church with registration information.

The Answers and Genesis announcement from them (AiG)

Friday, February 20, 2009
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Ken Ham: Genesis: Key to Reaching Today`s World (Ages 11 & Up)
8:30 PM to 9:00 PM Dr. David Crandall:Why Is This So Important? (Ages 11 & Up)

Saturday, February 21, 2009
9:00 AM to 10:15 AM Ken Ham: Defending the Christian Faith in Today`s World (Ages 11 & Up)
10:45 AM to 12:00 PM Ken Ham: Answers for Effective Evangelism in the 21st Century (Ages 11 & Up)
12:00 PM to 2:30 PM Lunch Break
2:30 PM to 3:45 PM Ken Ham: The Origin of Racism: Evolutions Racist Roots (Ages 11 & Up)
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Dr. David Crandall:Answers WorldWide (Ages 11 & Up)
Sunday, February 22, 2009

8:00 AM Ken Ham: Creation, Evolution, and the Last Days (Ages 11 & Up)
9:30 AM to 10:15 AM Dr. David Crandall:Linguistics Events In The Bible (Combined Adult Sunday School)
10:30 AM Ken Ham: Creation, Evolution, and the Last Days (Ages 11 & Up)
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Dr. David Crandall:Reclaiming The Culture (Ages 11 & Up)

Happy One Year Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that today is the One Year Anniversary of “Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus“! When asked by Stephen, at our church (Faith Baptist Church) to write a blog each Friday about the “Birds of the Bible,” I produced the first blog which can be seen at “Birds of the Bible – Introduction.

Ring-necked Duck at Lake Morton by Dan

Ring-necked Duck at Lake Morton by Dan

I never imagined that the Lord would bless my efforts to this extent. From that start, I made a blog of my own on Blogspot.com so that I could learn how to post on the church’s blog. Once I began learning how to blog, it has been growing every since. Then in July, the blog was moved over to here at WordPress.com. This is a great place to host a blog/website (as I call it) and it is free.

Of course, Dan, my husband, has been our main photographer (Dan’s Pix), and we have been blessed with the permission to use the photos of some mighty fine photographers. Thank all of you for your expertise and permission. Check the sidebar out under Photography for links to the photographers.

Most importantly, Praise the Lord, for His blessings on this blog. Had the Lord not created everything, we would not have anything to write about, nor would we be here to write it.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? … O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psa 8:3,4,9 KJV)

Our pastor just reminded us of a quote by William Carey, an English Missionary to India:

Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.

Great Blue Heron by Dan

Great Blue Heron by Dan

I am not sure this was attempted as a “great thing,” but it was attempted to honor the Lord. That is a very great thing, and God has turned that attempt into a blog that has been visited over 10,000 times just since July. Many of those visits have come from around the world. Thank all of you for your visits.

Carey also said, “If I begin a thing I must go through with it!” This blog has been started and we trust we will continue to keep writing about God’s wonderful creation, especially His birds, and the joy of observing all God’s marvelous handiwork.

Happy Valentine’s Day

We here at Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures would like to wish all of you a very happy and blessed “Valentine’s Day.”  We are thankful for your readership and want to let you know that we love you. We hope you enjoy the content of our articles and pages.

Valentines

One of my favorite blogs here is “Birds of the Bible – God’s Care for the Birds.” As we think about the loved ones in our lives, let’s remember the Great Love that is bestowed not only all of God’s Creation, but on us personally.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.   (Joh 15:9-13 KJVR)

Image from Caleb’s Country Corner Graphics