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HIDE ME
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“Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.” (Psalms 143:9 KJV)
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) ©WikiC
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Category Archives: Birds
Ian’s Bird of the Week – European Bee-eater
Ian’s Bird of the Week – European Bee-eater by Ian Montgomery
Newsletter – 6/11/16
I met my sister Gilian in Vienna where we spent a couple of days before going by boat along the Danube to Bratislava, just across the border with Slovakia. We arranged to spend three days with birding guides with my targets being to photograph raptors, owls and woodpecker. We went on the first day to this large European Bee-eater colony just outside Bratislava.
The colony was in a sandy cliff at a site near Devin Castle which sits in a strategic location at the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers, both of which form the border between Austria and Slovakia. I was able to sit at the edge of the cliff and photograph both birds perched in the shrubs below me and flying to and from their burrows in the cliff. European Bee-eaters are vocal and make a soft trilling call similar to their close Australian relatives, the Rainbow Bee-eater and it was very pleasant watching and listening to them.
“European” is a bit of a mis-nomer as they are migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and breed across the warmer parts of Eurasia from North Africa, through Europe to central Asia. Since the nineteenth century some have stayed behind to breed in South Africa, which they do in the southern summer and then move farther north in Africa in the southern autumn at the same time as their Eurasian counterparts are moving north to breed in the northern hemisphere. South African populations have declined in recent years so this situation may not last.
Bees do make up a large part of their diet, though they will eat many other insects as well. After catching a bee, a bee-eater will take it back to a perch where it bangs the head of the unfortunate insect on the branch and then rubs its tail on the branch to get rid of the sting. If you look carefully at the photo below you will see that a lucky bee has just used up one of its nine lives, that is if they have that many like cats.
The photo below shows both the bee-eater colony and in the distance Devin Castle on a 200m/600ft high rock. There are bee-eater burrows both in the bank on the left and in the bottom right of the photo.
Devin Castle has a very interesting history and you can read about it here Devín Castle. The same site is an important one for fossils as well and our birding guide showed us some rocks that had mollusc fossils in it that looked like scallops.
I’m on a Dublin bus at the moment going to visit my niece. Thanks to the miracles of modern communication and the Irish SIM card in my mobile I can send this to you from my laptop.
Greetings
Ian
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Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Tel 0411 602 737 ian@birdway.com.au
Check the latest website updates:
http://www.birdway.com.au/#updates
Lee’s Addition:
“Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance.” (1 Chronicles 29:2 NKJV) (emphasis mine)
I love those beautiful Bee-eaters and this European is just a colorful as the rest of them. I am glad that when the Lord created these avian beauties, He chose to give them such beautiful colors. Oh, what heaven must look like!
Thanks again, Ian, for sharing some more beautiful birds with us. Safe travels and great birding.
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Lee’s One Word Monday – 6/13/16
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WINK
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“Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.” (Psalm 35:19)
Owl Winking ©Flickr Darren D
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Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 6/12/16
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THY WONDERFUL WORKS WHICH
THOU HAST DONE
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“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psalms 40:5 KJV)
Toucan ©PixelFantasies by Lars Glausen
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Sunday Inspiration – Emberizidae Family Allies II
Ochre-breasted Brushfinch (Atlapetes semirufus) ©WikiC
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10 KJV)
We finally come to the last birds in the Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies Family. This is the first family that we split up into four articles. With 181 species in this very common family, this gave you a chance to see more of them.
So, today, we will finish up the family by showing you last group of the “allies.” There is a Large-footed Finch in the Peropetes genus, the only one in the genus actually. Then the Atlapetes genus will be the bulk of the birds (31) and they are all Brushfinches, two finches from the Pselliophorus genus, a Yellow Cardinal from the Gubernatrix, and finish it off with 9 Bush Tanagers in the Chlorospingus genus. Forty-four amazing avian wonders from their Creator for us to enjoy.
Large-footed Finch (Pezopetes capitalis) ©WikiC
The Large-footed Finch is found in the undergrowth of mountain forests, second growth, bamboo clumps, and scrubby pastures from 2150 m altitude to the scrubby páramo at 3350 m. It has a slender bill, a modestly sized tail and very large and powerful feet and legs.
White-naped Brushfinch (Atlapetes albinucha) by Kent Nickell
The next genus, the Atlapetes with their Brushfinches are rather interesting and colorful. Most are found in forest in subtropical or tropical areas. The range from Mexico, Central America and throughout South America.
White-rimmed Brushfinch (Atlapetes leucopis)
©Dusan M Brinkhuizen
Looks like the Lord created that White-rimmed Brushfinch with glasses, which it is not wearing. I’m sure it has very good eyesight.
Yellow-thighed Finch (Pselliophorus tibialis) by Ian
The Yellow-thighed Finch and the Yellow-green Finch of the Pselliophorus genus look like they are wearing short leggings on the top of their legs.
Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) ©WikiC
The Yellow Cardinal is another neat avian creation, Looks just like our Northern Cardinal, but is yellow and in a different family altogether.
Sooty-capped Bush Tanager (Chlorospingus pileatus) by Ian
The last genus in this family, is the Chlorospingus and contains 9 Bush Tanagers. With this last group, we finish up the Emberizidae Family. Trust you enjoyed seeing most of the 181 members over the last few weeks.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
“Worthy The Lamb” ~ Choir and Orchestra at Faith Baptist Church (May 15, 1916)
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Sunday Inspiration – Emberizidae’s – Buntings – #1
Sunday Inspiration – Emberizidae – Part II – #2
Sunday Inspiration – Emberizidae Family Allies I – #3
Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies Family
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Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 6/11/16
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AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST
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“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 KJV)
Birds At Sunrise ©PixelFantasies-by Lars Clausen
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Lee’s Five Word Friday – 6/10/16
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HE SHALL BE CHASED AWAY
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“He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.” (Job 20:8)
Western Osprey Being Chased Away ©Flickr John Dunstan
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An Elegant Quilt of Relationships – Creation Moments
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) Passing Berries ©WikiC
“The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.” (Psalm 104:16-17)
There are many incredible designs around us that are unlikely to exist if everything is the result of mindless chance. Many birds eat insects through the summer. While such high protein diets like this are good in mating and reproductive season, they do not prepare the birds to survive the cold weather of winter.
An Elegant Quilt of Relationships – Alaska Wild Berries ©WikiC
What they need to do is build a layer of fat both for calorie storage as well as insulation. So, as winter nears, the berries that have been growing and ripening all summer on various shrubs become more numerous. The high sugar content of the berries’ juice helps the birds to quickly build up fat. The freeze on cold fall mornings even helps to increase the sugar concentration in the berries. Even more amazing is that the various types of berries eaten by the birds ripen in a staggered fashion so that berry season is long and the supplies are always available. For example, as the elderberry supply is just about consumed, highbush cranberries are in production. Often, the summer’s hatchlings’ plumage doesn’t reach full color until they eat the various pigments in the berries, and those pigments are incorporated into the new feathers. In exchange, the birds spread the seeds in the berries.
Cranberries ©Pixabay
All of these complex, interrelated systems depend on each other in an elegant, fine-tuned design.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the beauty and song of the birds which bless and enrich our lives. Amen.
Notes:
Val Cunningham, “Why bushes are better for birds.”
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Lee’s Four Word Thursday – 6/9/16
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MY FOOT HATH HELD
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“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” (Job 23:10-11 KJV)
Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) by Bob-Nan
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During Tropical Storm “Colin”, a young Red-footed Booby got blown off course and into a city. Unfortunately it was injured, and when sent to a rehab center, it did not survive.
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Lee’s Three Word Wednesday – 6/8/16
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IN THE VALLEY
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“And they of Beth-Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.” (1st Samuel 6:13)
Flock of Birds In The Valley – Bird Garden in Ninh Binh ©Crossingtravel
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The Sun Is Finally Back Out!
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) by Lee at Ding Darling NWR
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:39-40 KJV)
Here in central Florida, we have been dealing with Tropical Storm Colin for the last few days. In fact, we had 3.31 inches of rain this morning and with yesterday’s count, we have had 4 inches of rain in two days. Our birds have been rather wet. Also, I stayed off of the computer because of the lightning in the rain storms. These are not my reports, because I have been home, out of the rain, still fighting my bronchitis.
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) ©WikiC
But, what I want to tell you about, is the reports that are coming in about sightings of Frigatebirds. Florida has a listing service where people report sightings of birds. Usually they are rare sightings. When storms like Colin are in the area, birds get blown off course and birdwatchers get the joy of seeing more rare birds. Many are pelagic, which means they normally fly out over the gulf and oceans. They are rarely seen in towns.
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) ©WikiC
“Saw a lone Frigatebird at 9:30 am on B. B. Downes below Cross Creek Blvd. Storm blown!” that is from a birder in North Hillsborough County, basically, North Tampa area. Here’s another report, “25 counted over Dunedin Causeway late yesterday afternoon between bands of rain. So cool they were flying at eye level on the bridge. M.R., Dunedin” Magnificent Frigatebirds report in Hernando and Pasco counties. And one more, “While stopped at the traffic light at Nebraska and Fowler. I noticed a group of ten frigatebirds circling just to the North about 8:30 this morning..”
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) ©USFWS
Across the state several sea-going birds were spotted. A Fea’s Petrel off Miami, European Storm-Petrel, and a Promarine Jaeger. Needless to say, there are some happy, though wet birdwatchers that have enjoyed these spottings.
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Drinking Water ©WikiC
Back to the Frigatebirds. The top photo was one of the few times I have had the privilege of seeing one of the Frigatebirds. Frigatebirds are members of the Fregatidae Family of the Suliformes Order.
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Male ©WikiC
“All have predominantly black plumage, long, deeply forked tails and long hooked bills. Females have white underbellies and males have a distinctive red gular pouch, which they inflate during the breeding season to attract females. Their wings are long and pointed and can span up to 2.3 metres (7.5 ft), the largest wing area to body weight ratio of any bird.” (Wikipedia)
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Female ©WikiC
“Able to soar for days on wind currents, frigatebirds spend most of the day in flight hunting for food, and roost on trees or cliffs at night. Their main prey are fish and squid, caught when chased to the water surface by large predators such as tuna. Frigatebirds are referred to as kleptoparasites as they occasionally rob other seabirds for food, and are known to snatch seabird chicks from the nest. Seasonally monogamous, frigatebirds nest colonially. A rough nest is constructed in low trees or on the ground on remote islands. A single egg is laid each breeding season. The duration of parental care is among the longest of any bird species; frigatebirds are only able to breed every other year.” (Wikipedia)
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) by Ian
“The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 217–244 cm (85–96 in) and weighs 1,100–1,590 grams (2.43–3.51 lb).[12] Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. Although the feathers are black, the scapular feathers produce a purple iridescence when they reflect sunlight, in contrast to the male great frigatebird’s green sheen. Females are black, but have a white breast and lower neck sides, a brown band on the wings, and a blue eye-ring that is diagnostic of the female of the species. Immature birds have a white head and underparts.” (Wikipedia)
These magnificent creations from the Lord, their Creator, have been written about before. Just wanted to share them again. Even though we have storms in life, “Colin”, the Lord always seems to give us blessings, if our eyes and heart are open to Him.
Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:28-31 KJV)
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Our Daily Bread – Life’s Storm-Tossed Sea
SULIFORMES – Gannets, Cormorants, Frigatebirds, Anhingas
Fregatidae-Frigatebirds Family
MagnificentFrigatebird – Wikipedia
Suliformes Order – Wikipedia
Lee’s Two Word Tuesday – 6/7/16
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NOT EMPTY
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“And they said, “If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return Him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why His hand is not removed from you.” (1st Samuel 6:3)
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) Egg in Eastern Phoebe Nest ©WikiC
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 