Author Archives: Lee

Gatorland’s Taxi Service

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Great Egret on Alligator at Gatorland 3-8-16 by Lee

You have seen these photos before, but don’t remember sharing the videos of the Great Egret and Great Blue Heron using

Gatorland’s Taxi Service.

To say they are somewhat nuts is mild. It is amazing how some mixed critters seem to get along, though.

We always enjoy our trips over to Orlando to see the activity. Sometimes weird and other times fine. The first video shows the Egret trying to let the gator to start moving.  :)

“By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.” (Psalms 41:11-12 KJV)

Gatorland Birdwatching Trips

 

 

Birds of the Bible – Face of An Eagle

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“As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.” (Ezekiel 1:10 KJV)

Thought you might enjoy watching and listening to Bellamoonnature’s Bald Eagle video.

Snoopy’s Assistance

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Cormorant Tree at Gatorland by Lee

It’s getting time for the birds to think about heading north and start their nests. I couldn’t help but chuckle over Snoopy helping out.

Peanuts for 3/11/2018

Peanuts for 3/11/2018 – Copyright Peanuts/Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Snowy and Great Egret Nests at Gatorland.

Egret and Heron nests at Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

When we were at Gatorland recently, in central Florida, and the nests were everywhere. One even had a one-day old Great Egret in it. It really wasn’t so “Great” at this stage of its life.

Great Egret 1-day old chick at Gatorland

I doubt Snoopy helped supply the twigs for these nest, especially with all the Alligators laying around underneath them.

Gators waiting under the nest – Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

Have a great day!

If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: (Deuteronomy 22:6 KJV)

Did Dinosaurs Turn into Birds? – Answers Chapter 24

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Changyuraptor yangi (aka feathered dinosaur) ©WikiC

Wow! Answers in Genesis placed the whole Chapter 24 of the New Answers Book 1 online. This chapter discusses the question:

Did Dinosaurs Turn into Birds?

Introduction

According to many evolutionists today, dinosaurs are really not extinct but rather are feeding at our bird feeders even as we speak. For many evolutionists, it would seem, birds simply are dinosaurs. With this sort of bias, it is quite easy for evolutionists to find supposed evidence to support the notion that birds evolved from dinosaurs.

But what does the Bible tell us about the origin of birds, and just how good is the scientific evidence that some dinosaurs evolved into birds?…..

To see the whole article – Click Here

Do Birds Truly Make Music? – Creation Moments

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Do Birds Truly Make Music? From Creation Moments

“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Song of Solomon 2:12

American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) singing by J Fenton

American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) singing by J Fenton

The Bible speaks of bird calls as songs, as most of us do. However, evolutionary theory has led some scientists to say that we are merely assigning human meanings to the calls of birds. They say that the bird calls have nothing to do with real music.

Ornithologists have known for some time that bird songs use the same musical scales as our music. Decades ago it was noted that some of Beethoven’s work could be heard from the European blackbird. The music was the same as the opening rondo of Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto in D, Opus 61.” Since these birds pass their songs from generation to generation, Beethoven could have gotten the lilting music from the forefathers of today’s European blackbird! The songs of some species, like the song sparrow, follow the form of a sonata, beginning with a strong theme, then the theme is musically played with, and for a finish, the original theme is then repeated. Mozart had a starling as a pet. Once, having heard Mozart play his “Piano Concerto in C Major,” the starling not only imitated it, but changed the sharps to flats! Mozart exclaimed, “That was beautiful!” When the starling died, Mozart held an elaborate funeral for it. Eight days later he wrote “A Musical Joke,” which contains the same elaborate structure found in starling song.

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) Flickr Francisco Montero

Do birds make true music, as the Bible says? Contrary to what some evolutionists say, Beethoven and Mozart certainly thought they did.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the gift of music, and I await the music of heaven. Amen.
Notes:
Notes: Science News, 4/15/00, pp. 252-254, “Music without Borders.”
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Gatorland’s Fearless Egret

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Brave or Crazy Great Egret Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.” (Psalms 18:17 KJV)

Brave or Crazy Great Egret Gatorland by Lee 3-6-18

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.” (Psalms 64:1 KJV)

 

Grass (Plumed) Whistling Duck Family – Video

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(Psalms 23:6 KJV)

Bellamoonnature produced this.

What he posted:

AMAZING FAMILY OF 18 •❥ Feeling excited, the first time I noticed these ducklings cuddled together in the grass… I thought maybe there were 8 or 9 fluffy, beautiful ducklings. When they all popped up to the count of (16) I was amazed… I’d never seen so many in one clutch. They quickly trusted me, therefore becoming part of my treasured extended feathered family.

Every afternoon, I would find them huddled together under the trees, waiting for their daily delivery of wild bird mix, that I was thrilled to deliver. It was truly heartening to see them all survive, and fly around our lakes as one. Eventually, the whistler ducks leave, before returning about six months later. They have all just returned to our local lakes… I wonder if my precious ‘family of 18’ are amongst them?

♥ GRASS WHISTLING DUCK •❥ The plumed whistling duck also called the grass whistling duck, with it’s loud sibilant whistle… is one of two whistling or tree ducks found in Australia. During the day the plumed Whistling-Duck congregates in large numbers with other waterfowl, on the margins of lagoons, swamps and mangrove creeks, for preening and sleeping. At night they fly out, often quite long distances, to feed on grasslands.

Music: Arms of Heaven By Aakash Gandhi

Free to use music from the YouTube Audio Library

We have seen the Plumed Whistling Duck at Zoo Miami. They are really neat to watch. Their feathers are interesting.

 

Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) by Lee Zoo Miami

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26 KJV)

 

Newest Articles on the Kid’s Blog

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Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee

Our latest trip to Circle B Bar Reserve was rewarded with my first sighting of a wild Barred Owl. We have seen them in Zoos, but never in the wild.

See – Bible Birds – Owl’s Provision

Bible Birds – Holding On With My Feet

Blue-Winged-Teal-Dabbling ©Flyways USFWS

Blue-Winged-Teal-Dabbling ©Flyways USFWS

Birdwatching Term – Dabbling Duck

White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera) Cropped ©WikiC

White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera) Cropped ©WikiC

Birdwatching Term – Frontal Shield

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) by Ian

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) by Ian

Jenny Wren Arrives – Chapter 1

Hope you will check these out and if you like them, consider following that blog also. Lots of interesting things to share with your children and grandchildren.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 KJV)

No, the posts aren’t scripture, but there are always principles to grow and learn by. Enjoy!

Sharing the Gospel

Bible Birds – Owl’s Provision

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Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee

Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee

“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)

We were recently out to Circle B Bar Reserve and spotted this Barred Owl. There have been numerous articles here about this Owl, but this is the first time I have seen one in the Wild. I have heard them, but not seen them.

As we were getting our cameras out of the car [and my walker] we spotted a group of birders concentrating on one area. They pointed out a palm tree with a dark figure in it.

Barred Owl in the Palm Tree – Do you see it?

The rest of the photos have been lightened up to see it better. When we first spotted it, it was still, as if asleep. After walking to the marsh and back, I searched for the Owl again. Sure enough, he was still there. This time looking around. [top two photos] It is always enjoyable to spot an owl in the daytime. They are mostly nighttime birds.

“The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls” Why do they honor the Lord their Creator? One reason is because He “give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” The water that is provided for people also provides water for the critters and birds to drink.

May this Barred Owl be a reminder of the love and provisions that the Lord provides for us. He cares about us and wants us to ask for and thank Him for all the good provisions (food, water, house, bed, clothes, parents, etc.) He gives.

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:” (Job 12:7 KJV)

See:

A Heart Message

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Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, … and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 KJV)

Last weekend we had a great Missions Conference. All the missionaries that spoke were real “heroes of the faith.” Of all the Conferences at Faith Baptist Church, here in Florida, this was the best since we have been here. The Theme was For Such A Time As This! My heart was stirred as we listened to the heartbeat of these Christians who have dedicated their lives to go and reach others for Christ. Sometimes I grumble inwardly about having to fix problems on this blog, yet they have so many issues to deal with. They keep looking to the Lord to help them through. All the stories of problems and blessings from the Lord help us to remember that God is in control. Keep On, Keeping On!

On Sunday night, the final speaker was Mrs. Grace Fabian who was with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. She has written a book about all that happened to them while they were there. Her husband was murdered, yet she stayed on to help translate the Bible into the language of that tribe. I found two YouTube videos online that tell much of what she told us.

Check out: Part 1 – https://youtu.be/k5_5UHqwiv4 and Part 2 – https://youtu.be/6wI-FUjtwdg

So, what does all of this have to do with birds? One of the missionaries serves in Togo, West Africa. The Lethers family had on their display table a book of birds from Togo. It was opened to a photo of a Sunbird. Thanks to the Birds of the World blogs that have been here, I was able to immediately put a name on it. [The name was covered]

I was birdwatching at the conference. Most birders, after a while, notice photos or birds no matter where they are. Hopefully, you have become more aware of the birds around you. Whether they are in the wild, a zoo, or even in a book, your eyes will drift that way. Mine do.

Checking the Wikipedia list of birds in Togo, West Africa, there is a huge number of avian wonder in Togo. Here are just a few of them:

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) by Africaddict
Sacred Ibis Lowry Park Zoo
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) ©WikiC
Striated Heron (Butorides striata) by Kent Nickel
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) by Ian 3
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) by Ian 4
Long-tailed Cormorant
Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) by Ian
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) ©WikiC
Goliath Heron
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) by Lee LPZ
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) Lowry Park Zoo
African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) by Africaddict
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) ©Arthur Grosset
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) ©WikiC
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Africaddict
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) ©WikiC
Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) ©WikiC
Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina) (West African) Brevard Zoo by Lee
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) by Lee
Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) by Lee at Jax Zoo
Laughing Dove
Black-billed Wood Dove
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Juv by Nikhil
African Emerald Cuckoo
American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) by Margaret Sloan
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by Peter Ericsson
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by-Phil Kwong
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) by Nikhil Devasar
White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) ©WikiC
African Pied Hornbill (Tockus fasciatus) ©WikiC
Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius) ©WikiC Head
African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) ©Flickr Keats
African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) ©WikiC
Lazy Cisticola (Cisticola aberrans minor) ©WikiC
Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) ©WikiC
Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) ©WikiC
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) by TomTarrant
Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) ©WikiC
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird enjoying a Kniphofia flower ©©Rambling Ocean-Boeta.
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) Male ©WikiC
Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) by Ian
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) ©WikiC

Avian and Attributes – Mount [Correction]

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Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Flying ©WikiC

The link was sent to many of you as https://leesbird.com/2018/02/15/avian-and-attributes-mount/ which was sent accidentally.

This caused a 404 Error.

The correct link is:

https://leesbird.com/2018/02/27/avian-and-attributes-mount/

Avian And Attributes – Mount

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Mount Cameroon Speirops (Zosterops melanocephalus) ©WikiC

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
(Revelation 14:1-2 KJV)

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
(Luke 22:39-42 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Mount

MOUNT, n. [L. mons, literally a heap or an elevation.]
1. A mass of earth, or earth and rock, rising considerably above the common surface of the surrounding land. Mount is used for an eminence or elevation of earth, indefinite in highth or size, and may be a hillock, hill or mountain. It is applied in Scripture to the small hillocks on which sacrifice was offered as well as to Mount Sinai. Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount or heap of stones raised for a witness between him and Laban. Gen 31.
2. A mound; a bulwark for offense or defense.
Hew ye down trees and cast a mount against Jerusalem. Jer 6.
3. Formerly, a bank or fund of money.
MOUNT, v.i.
1. To rise on high; to ascend; with or without up.
Doth the eagle mount up at thy command? Job 39.
The fire of trees and houses mounts on high.
2. To rise; to ascend; to tower; to be built to a great altitude.
Though Babylon should mount up to heaven. Jer 51.
3. To get on horseback.
4. To leap upon any animal.
5. To amount; to rise in value.
Bring then these blessings to a strict account,
Make fair deductions, see to what they mount.
MOUNT, v.t. To raise aloft; to lift on high.
What power is it which mounts my love so high?
1. To ascend; to climb; to get upon an elevated place; as, to mount a throne.
2. To place one’s self on horseback; as, to mount a horse.
3. To furnish with horses; as, to mount a troop. The dragoons were well mounted.
4. To put on or cover with something; to embellish with ornaments; as, to mount a sword.
5. To carry; to be furnished with; as, a ship of the line mounts seventy four guns; a fort mounts a hundred cannon.
6. To raise and place on a carriage; as, to mount a cannon.
To mount guard, to take the station and do the duty of a sentinel.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

There are four “Mount” birds, but surprisingly, only one photo available to use. [shown at top]

Mount Cameroon Francolin (Pternistis camerunensis) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found only in Cameroon.

Mount Cameroon Speirops (Zosterops melanocephalus) is a species of bird in the disputed family Zosteropidae, which might be included in the Timaliidae. It is endemic to Cameroon.  Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.

Mount Kupe Bushshrike (Telophorus kupeensis) is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is endemic to Cameroon, where it is found in the Bakossi Forest Reserve and in particular on Mount Kupe.

Mount Victoria Babax (Babax woodi) is a species of passerine bird of the family Leiothrichidae typical of the mountains of the northeast of the Indian subcontinent . Previously it was considered a subspecies of Chinese babax .

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Swooping Down ©Netns Wildlifezone

“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. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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 40:28-31 KJV)

“And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.” (Luke 21:37 KJV)

One of the attributes of Christ, that I think about, is his going up to the Mount to pray. Like us, He became weary in His human body, even though He is 100% God, while on earth, He was also 100% human. Therefore He needed rest and refreshment of body as we do.

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose first name starts with “M”

Good News

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

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 KJV)