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GOODNESS
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)
Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) and Dan
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Author Archives: Lee
Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 5/8/16
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CHILDREN SHALL HAVE A PLACE OF REFUGE
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“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
(Proverbs 14:26 KJV))
Under His Wings – by Ric Seet
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Sunday Inspiration – Icteridae Family II
Spot-breasted Oriole (Icterus pectoralis) ©WikiC
“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalms 19:9-10 KJV)
Last week we made it down through the Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles & Blackbirds Family to the Red-rumped Cacique. That was just about of a third of the 109 members of the family. Now the list will start with the Icterus genus, which are Orioles. In fact, those are all we will look at today. There are 33 species in that genus and most of them are orioles, except for three Troupials. Troupials (turpial in Spanish), were formerly considered one species.
Venezuelan Troupial (Icterus icterus) ©WikiC
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11 KJV)
New World orioles, comprising the genus Icterus, are a group of birds in the blackbird family. They are not related to Old World orioles, which are in the family Oriolidae, but are strikingly similar in size, diet, behaviour and in their strongly contrasting plumage. Could it be because they are from the same kind? Predictably, the two have been given the same vernacular name. “Oriole”
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Male by Nature’s Hues
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16 KJV)
The males are typically black and yellow or orange, with white markings; the plumage of females and immature birds is duller. These birds go through one moult in a year. They are generally slender with long tails and a pointed bill. They mainly eat insects, but also enjoy nectar and fruit. The nest is a woven, elongated pouch. Several species are easy to attract to bird tables by the provision of cut oranges and grape jelly. Species nesting in areas with cold winters (including most of the United States) are strongly migratory, while subtropical and tropical species are more sedentary.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Female by Nature’s Hues
“Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” (Psalms 119:127 KJV)
The name “oriole” was first recorded (in the Latin form oriolus) by Albertus Magnus in about 1250, and was stated by him to be onomatopoeic, from the song of the European Golden Oriole.
The genus name Icterus as used by classical authors, referred to a bird with yellow or green plumage. In modern times this has been identified as the golden oriole. (Notes are from Gutenberg’s Icterus (Genus) with editing.)
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:7-9 KJV)
“It Is Well With My Soul” by Sean Fielder [Hacked]
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Sunday Inspiration – Icteridae Family I
Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles & Blackbirds Family
Appreciating Baltimore Orioles and My First Bird Book
Icterus (Genus) – Gutenberg
Icterid – Wikipedia
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Birds of the Bible – Whole Armour of God
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 KJV)
While working on an assignment for my online course, I came across this well-known verse. Started wondering if I could find enough birds that have similar names like the different parts of the Armour of God. The first photo to pop in my head was the Sword-billed Hummingbird, it has become one of my (many) favorites. So, let’s see what we can find.
Sandhill Crane Standing Guard In My Yard by Lee
(11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Blood-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum sanguinolentum) ©WikiC
(12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii wallacii) ©Flickr Matt Binns
(13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) ©WikiC
(14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) by Ian
and the
Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata) by Ian
(15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) Showing shield ©WikiC
and the
Fiery Minivet (Pericrocotus igneus) ©WikiC
and the
Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) by Ian
(16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
White-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus) ©WikiC
and the
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)©WikiC
(17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying Inca Tern at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee
(18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus) by Daves BirdingPix
(19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:11-19 KJV
Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian 5
Here is another Armour. The Armour of Light:
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13:11-12 KJV)
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Funny Bird Videos
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (Ecclesiastes 3:4 KJV)
Thought you might enjoy these. I really like the American kestrel whose head stays still.
Story of the Wordless Book
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s Parrots Plus
Macaw Flyover Lowry Park Zoo 12-31-15 by Lee
You have seen many articles of our birdwatching adventures to Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. There are quite a few YouTube videos of the Zoo. Among some photos from our adventures, I wanted to share a few their videos. It starts off showing the Parrot Flyover with Macaws. Later in the video there are some baby Turacos. There are other animals shown.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: (James 3:7 KJV)
Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea) by Lee at Lowry Park Zoo
Here is a much better photo of a Violet (Violaceous) Turaco (Musophaga violacea) that I took at the Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Florida.
Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea) Brevard Zoo by Lee
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Birdwatching Trips to Lowry Park Zoo
Lowry Park Zoo
Sunday Inspiration – Turacos
Musophagidae – Turacos
Houston Zoo – Vacation – Part 2 – Macaw and Turacos
Lord’s Avian Wonders – Can’t We Talk In Private? – Macaw
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Paul’s Beautiful and Graceful Prayer for the Colossian Church ~ Re-blog
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, (Colossians 1:3-4 KJV)
Stephen Nielsen over at “Prayer A to Z,” that I follow, has an interesting article you will enjoy. He also featured at beautiful Grey Heron.
I saw this beautiful grey heron on my nature walk today. I’ve never seen one like it.
While being imprisoned in Rome, Paul told the Colossians, in his letter to them, that whenever he prayed for them he was always thankful to God. For just as with the Ephesians and the Philippians, they were his partners in the gospel and he was overjoyed that they had a love for all the saints just as he had.
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints (Colossians 1:3-4).
It is apparent by this letter that Paul did not have a direct part in the conversion of the Colossians. His comrade Epaphras led them to Christ, and he brought news to him of…
View original post 279 more words
Lee’s One Word Monday – 5/2/16
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GENTLENESS
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)
Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan
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Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 5/1/16
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WORD OF THE LORD HAS SOUNDED FORTH
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“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV)
Great Blue Heron at Lake Morton by Dan
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Sunday Inspiration – Icteridae Family I
Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus) ©Flickr Bob
His head is like the finest gold; His locks are wavy, And black as a raven. (Song of Solomon 5:11 NKJV)
Most casual birdwatchers do not now the name of Icteridae, but if I were to mention Blackbirds, Bobolink, Meadowlarks, Cacique, Orpendendolas, Orioles, Toupials, Grackles, Cowbirds, Baywings, and Marshbirds, you would have heard of them. Many in this Icteridae Family are very commonly seen. That is, if you live in the “New World” or Western Hemisphere, specifically the Americas (including nearby islands such as those of the Caribbean and Bermuda).
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton
This family has 109 members presently (6.1 Version of I.O.C). Wikipedia says, “Icterids make up a family (Icteridae) of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. The family is extremely varied in size, shape, behavior and coloration. The name, meaning “jaundiced ones” (from the prominent yellow feathers of many species) comes from the Ancient Greek ikteros, through the Latin ictericus.”
“Despite the similar names, the first groups are only distantly related to the Old World common blackbird (a thrush) or the Old World orioles.”
Venezuelan Troupial (Icterus icterus) ©©Cqueulat00
“Icterids have adapted to taking a wide range of foods. Oropendolas and caciques use their gaping motion to open the skins of fruit to obtain the soft insides, and have long bills adapted to the process. Others such as cowbirds and the bobolink have shorter stubbier bills for crushing seeds. The Jamaican blackbird uses its bill to pry amongst tree bark and epiphytes. Orioles will drink nectar.” (Wikipedia, with editing)
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV)
“I’ll Stand Up and Say So” ~ ©Hyssongs from “Blessed” Album)
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Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles & Blackbirds Family
Icterid – Wikipedia
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New Avian Speed Champion Discovered ~ Re-posted
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) by Ian
“Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.” (Job 9:10)
Peregrine Falcon in Flight by Raymond Barlow
A peregrine falcon diving toward its prey reaches a relative speed of 200 body-lengths per second. This is close to the 207 body-lengths that the space shuttle travels as it enters our atmosphere. Thus, the peregrine falcon was thought to easily be the fastest dare-devil bird on Earth.
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Desert Museum-Tuscon by Dan
Scientists have now discovered that a little pink male hummingbird called Anna’s Hummingbird is the real Top Gun among the birds. As part of its mating ritual, a male hummingbird will try to impress a female with his speed and acrobatics. First, the male will fly up to about 90 feet above the ground. Then, he begins a power dive. As he nears the female, he pulls up, ascending again. During that near-miss pull-up he experiences more than nine times the force of gravity. His relative speed during descent is 385 body-lengths per second. That’s almost twice the peregrine falcon’s relative speed. It’s faster than the space shuttle entering the Earth’s atmosphere and is more than twice the relative speed of a jet fighter running with afterburners!
The wonders of God’s creation are still being discovered, and Creation Moments still loves to make them known to our listeners. But God’s greatest wonder is His love for us though His Son, Jesus Christ. We are thankful that this wonder is revealed to us in the Bible.
Prayer:
Father, I give You thanks for the wonders You create, but I especially give You thanks for the wonder of salvation. Amen.
Notes:
Science News, 7/4/09, p. 7, Susan Millius, “Hummingbird pulls Top Gun stunts.” Photo: Male Anna’s hummingbird. Courtesy of Kevin Cole. (CC BY 2.0)
New Avian Speed Champion Discovered ©Creation Moments 2016
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Wordless Birds – With Hummingbirds
Dinosaur Tracks from Institute For Creation Research
Dinosaur footprint ©WikiC
“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee” (Job 40:15)
Since evolutionary “scientist” believe that birds evolved from dinosaurs, I thought I would introduce you to a few articles and a video about the tracks the Dinosaurs left behind.
Dinosaur tracks can be found on every continent! But just how did they form?
Here are a few of the many articles about Dinosaurs from the Institute for Creation Research. I will cover the Dinosaur-to-Bird issue in another article.
New Dinosaur Tracks Study Suggests Cataclysm – Article
/article/new-dinosaur-tracks-study-suggests
Brian Thomas, M.S. – … observers are not the only ones who puzzle over dinosaur footprint origins. After all, other animal tracks in mud are not fossilized today because erosive processes rapidly erase them. If a rock layer requires thousands of years to…
Dinosaur Footprints in Dallas – Article
/article/dinosaur-footprints-dallas
Various Authors – … slowly receded, it revealed a reshaped shoreline—and dinosaur tracks. What kinds of creatures made these marks? Local news interviewed area paleontologists who made casts of the dinosaur tracks. The paleontologists will not reveal the…
Regarding some of the trickery that evolutionists engage in, to prevent the truth about dinosaurs from becoming exposed, see
Dinosaur DNA Research: Is the tale wagging the evidence? – Article
/article/dinosaur-dna-research-tale-wagging
Various Authors – … J.D., Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D., and Brian Thomas, M.S.* Dinosaurs are a popular topic of study, whether in the public imagination or in scientific research. The scientific community, however, has a dirty little secret regarding the manner in…
Regarding the kind of noise that dinosaurs appeared to be known for, see:
Sound Science About Dinosaurs | The Institute for Creation Research – Article
article/8508
James J. S. Johnson, J.D., Th.D. … there any clues about dinosaur sounds in Scripture or science? In both … and science provide trustworthy evidence that dinosaurs were anything but… ”
Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. (Genesis 2:19 NKJV)
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 