“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 AMP)
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)
Racket-tailed Roller (Coracias spatulatus) Houston Zoo 5-6-15 by Lee
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Greater Roadrunner at Living Desert Zoo CA by Lee
In the desert far away, there lived a group of roadrunners. Each of the roadrunners lived in a cactus that he had neatly decorated for himself. One of the roadrunners was named Harold, and he was the smallest roadrunner of all.
Every year, all of the roadrunners would gather together and plan when they would have their special race. This was usually in the third month of the year. This race was incredibly important to all the roadrunners because it was the longest race they ran each year.
Harold usually wasn’t allowed to be in the race because he was so small. This year, however, he decided he was going to prove himself.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Reinier Munguia
When all of the older roadrunners decided on a date for the race, they were sure to tell all of the other roadrunners in their region of the desert. It was a couple of weeks before the race, so Harold decided to start training himself.
Harold ran as fast and as far as he could for two weeks. Every day he would go a little farther and a little faster. Finally, Harold was sure he was ready for the race, but he still didn’t know if he would win because he had seen the other roadrunners run, and they all had longer legs.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) by Daves BirdingPix
On the day of the race, all of the roadrunners gathered around to watch the race. Most of the roadrunners disapproved of Harold being in the race because of his size and how small he was, but Harold still took his place at the starting line. Each of the roadrunners were given a number to wear during the race. One of the roadrunners stood to the side and blew a whistle.
Harold started running as fast as he could. He was actually surprised to see that he was passing other roadrunners. One of the fastest roadrunners was still ahead of him. They were both reaching the halfway point of the race. All of the roadrunners on the sidelines were cheering them on.
Harold was steadily gaining on the other roadrunner. He was getting tired, but he wasn’t about to give up.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) ©©Nathan Davis Bing
The finish line was approaching. In a few minutes Harold and the opposing roadrunner would cross the finish line.
Harold ran as fast as he could. He pushed himself harder as they neared the finish line. The other roadrunner began to pass behind him. The finish line was getting closer. Everyone was cheering. Harold crossed the finish line and all of the roadrunners gathered around to congratulate him.
From that year on, Harold entered the race every year, and he became one of the fastest roadrunners in the desert as he grew up.
Roadrunner – Looney Tunes ”©WikiC
The End
Lee’s Addition:
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.(1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV)
Emma, that is another fantastic story. I was cheering for Harold all the way.
Sorry, but I couldn’t help but put that cartoon roadrunner in. That is one of the benefits of being the editor.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)
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See more of Emma’s delightful stories
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 KJV)
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) by Lee at Honeymoon Is. SP (Harmless as a Dove)
This week-end we are having a Missions Conference and this is the theme verse. This blog is not ashamed to mention the Gospel of Christ as most of the readers are aware. We love birds and birdwatching, but as our subtitle says: Birdwatching From A Christian Perspective.
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Rosy Pipit (Anthus roseatus) by Nikhil Devasar
“He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.” (Psalms 111:4 KJV)
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. There are around 66 species in 6 genera and they include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. The longclaws are entirely restricted to the Afrotropics, and the wagtails are predominantly found in Europe, Africa and Asia, with two species migrating and breeding in Alaska. The pipits have the most cosmopolitan distribution, being found across mostly in the Old World but occurring also in the Americas and oceanic islands such as New Zealand and the Falklands. Two African species, the Yellow-breasted Pipit and Sharpe’s Longclaw are sometimes placed in a separate seventh genus, Hemimacronyx, which is closely related to the longclaws.
Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus) ©WikiC
Wagtails, pipits, and longclaws are slender, small to medium sized passerines, ranging from 14 to 17 centimetres in length, with short necks and long tails. They have long, pale legs with long toes and claws, particularly the hind toe which can be up to 4 cm in length in some longclaws. Overall the robust longclaws are larger than the pipits and wagtails. Longclaws can weigh as much as 64 g, whereas the weight range for pipits and wagtails is 15–31 g. The plumage of most pipits is dull brown and reminiscent of the larks, although some species have brighter plumages, particularly the Golden Pipit of north-east Africa. The adult male longclaws have brightly coloured undersides.
Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) by Nikhil Devasar
The wagtails often have striking plumage, including grey, black, white, and yellow. (Wikipedia with editing)
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“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Matthew 27:39-40 KJV)
“Glorious Love” ~ Choir, Orchestra, Solo by Pastor Jerry
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Motacillidae – Wagtails, Pipits Family
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And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4 KJV)
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) by Michael Woodruff
(I know the Puffin isn’t crying, but he looks sad. We have shed many tears this week and are looking forward to the promise above.)
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My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
(Psalms 5:3 KJV)
Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga albiventer) ©©
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Lesser Double-collared Sunbird enjoying a Kniphofia flower ©©Rambling Ocean-Boeta.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:43 KJV)
In the daily devotional yesterday, I forgot to give you a link to my friend’s website. They gave me permission to use it, but I forgot to give him credit for his beautiful photography.
I have fixed my over-site by providing the link. Our Rumbling Ocean is a site I have been following for some time and have become friends with them. They have a son who is featured very often. We have all been watching him grow up. They live on the East Coast of South Africa and are within 150 m of the ocean. Check out their blogs at:
Our Rumbling Ocean and Having Fun With My Camera
Here are links to the four pictures of the sunbird and the Kniphofia flower:
Now, let me tell you a little bit about that beautiful bird that the Lord created. The scientific name is Cinnyris chalybeus, and as is common, they have several names given to a bird. Locally, there in South Africa, it is known as the Lesser Double-collared Sunbird. The I.O.C. uses the name, Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus).
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC
“The southern double-collared sunbird or lesser double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) is a small passerine bird which breeds in southern South Africa. It is mainly resident, but partially migratory in the north-east of its range.” This Sunbird is part of the Nectariniidae – Sunbirds Family. This family was featured in the Sunday Inspiration – Sunbirds in August.
“This sunbird is common in gardens, fynbos, forests and coastal scrub. The southern double-collared sunbird breeds from April to December, depending on region. The closed oval nest is constructed from grass, lichen and other plant material, bound together with spider webs. It has a side entrance which sometimes has a porch, and is lined with wool, plant down and feathers.”
outhern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC
“The southern double-collared sunbird is 12 cm long. The adult male has a glossy, metallic green head, throat upper breast and back. It has a brilliant red band across the chest, separated from the green breast by a narrow metallic blue band. The rest of the underparts are whitish. When displaying, yellow feather tufts can be seen on the shoulders. As with other sunbirds the bill is long and decurved. The bill, legs and feet are black. The eye is dark brown. The male can be distinguished from the similar greater double-collared sunbird by its smaller size, narrower red chest band and shorter bill.
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) Female ©WikiC
The female southern double-collared sunbird has brown upperparts and yellowish-grey underparts. The juvenile resembles the female. The female is greyer below than the female orange-breasted sunbird, and darker below than the female dusky sunbird.”
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©©Redwood
“The southern double-collared sunbird is usually seen singly or in small groups. Its flight is fast and direct on short wings. It lives mainly on nectar from flowers, but takes some fruit, and, especially when feeding young, insects and spiders. It can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perches to feed most of the time.
The call is a hard chee-chee, and the song is high-pitched jumble of tinkling notes, rising and falling in pitch and tempo for 3–5 seconds or more.” (Quoted material is from Wikipedia with editing.) I also think Rambling Oceans photos are better, but I had only asked permission for the one. :(
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Southern Double-collared Sunbird – Wikipedia
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But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. (Psalms 71:14 KJV)
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird enjoying a Kniphofia flower ©©Rambling Ocean-Boeta.
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Jim with Komono Dragon at Lowry Park Zoo
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 KJV)
Dan and I have been privileged to have close friends over the years. As you move to new locations, the Lord helps you develop more “best friend” relationships. Here, Jim and Phyllis, have become more of our “best friends.” Yesterday, Jim (James) Foster, went home “to be with Our Lord.”
Jim and Phyllis Looking at Baby Gallinule at Lake Hollingsworth
Over the years, Jim and Phyllis have joined us in some of our birdwatching adventures, and so, in honor of those great times together, I’d like to share some of those photos. This is also, to help ease the loss we feel at his “home going.”
Dan, Jim and Phyllis at MacDill AFB Shore
Jim is enjoying the delights of heaven and of being in the presence with the Lord. It is those of us here, that are sad and happy at the same time.
Jim and Emma Foster – Work Day 2011
Also, you are familiar with our great stories from Emma Foster. This is her grandfather. She, and all of her family will appreciate your prayers.
Jim and Phyllis were always ready and willing to volunteer for VBS and other events at church. Most of the time, it was in the kitchen area.
Jim with Pastor Pete and Emma at Window
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 KJV)
Blessings are on the head of the righteous, …. (Proverbs 10:6a NKJV)
Scrub Jay on Photographer’s Head ©Unknown
Wild Wildlife Photographers!
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And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, “Follow me!” And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 KJV)
Mallard Duck and Followers ©WikiC
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Great Horned Owl Youngsters at Circle B Bar Reserve by Lee
“And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,” (Leviticus 11:17 KJV)
This afternoon we were able to go to the Circle B Bar Reserve and watch the latest talk of the birders. Yesterday, our birding friends at church told us about these two youngsters that were stealing all the attention at the park.
It was easy to find the area, because it is roped off to keep everyone at a safe distance from the youngsters. An array of onlookers with binoculars and lots of cameras were watching and waiting for the youngsters to wake up from their naps.
Great Horned Owl Youngsters at Circle B Bar Reserve by Lee
Finally, a fuzzy ball appeared, and then a head popped up. Eventually, two heads were visible.
Notice how their Creator gave them just the right kind of feathers to blend in with their surroundings. Another example of the Lord’s Care for His creation.
Great Horned Owl Youngsters at Circle B Bar Reserve by Lee
Trust you will enjoy these glimpses of them. It was hard trying to catch a decent photo because they were quite a way from us. Trying to hold a zoomed in, hand-held, camera in “program mode” is a challenge. But, I am so thankful for the Lord allowing us to see some of his wonderfully created Great Horn Owl youngsters. These were my first GHO youngsters seen in the wild.
Do You See Them
Let Me Zoo In Some More. .. Do You See Them Now?
Zoomed In More…Do You See Them Now!
Here is a slide show of the photos in fairly decent order of how they were taken.
I was able to shoot some video, but again, it’s a little shaky. Enjoy.
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 