I don’t know if you were glued to your TV when the miners in Chile were taken up from their 69 day entrapment, but I was. I prayed for them that nothing would go wrong as they brought each one up and for them personally to know the Lord.
Today I received an email with a YouTube about the shirts that many were wearing. I too was curious as to what they said. Here is a great video that tells about those “ugly shirts.”
Video by iranmojdeh.
Updated at 8:10 pm
They are all finished. Hope you enjoy reading them.
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Today, instead of doing my regular Birds of the Bible article, I am going to try to finish the Scripture Alphabet of Animals series. I have all the birds finished and am working hard to finish the rest of the animals today. All throughout the day, new articles will be posted as they are completed. I will be updating the index to the article (below) as I finish each one.
I trust you have enjoyed reading them as much as I have as the articles are being “modernized.” Harriet N Cook was a very good writer and trust she would have approved of the way that they are being handled here.
Lee
A Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) chick being fed by a Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia Capensis)
But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; (Job 12:7 NKJV)
Brood parasites are organisms that use the strategy of brood parasitism, found among birds, fish or insects, involving the manipulation and use of host individuals either of the same or different species to raise the young of the brood-parasite. This relieves the parasitic parent from the investment of rearing young or building nests, enabling them to spend more time foraging, producing offspring etc. Additionally, the risk of egg loss to raiders such as raccoons is mitigated, by having distributed the eggs amongst a number of different nests. As this behavior is damaging to the host, it will often result conflict between parasite and host.
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) being raised by a Reed Warbler©WikiC
Interspecific brood-parasites include the Old World Cuckoos in Eurasia and Australia, Cowbirds and Black-headed Ducks in the Americas, and Indigobirds, Whydahs, and the Honeyguides in Africa.
Among specialist avian brood parasites, mimetic eggs are a nearly universal adaptation. There is even some evidence that the generalist Brown-headed Cowbird may have developed an egg coloration mimicking a number of their hosts.
Most avian brood parasites will remove a host egg when they lay one of their own in a nest. Depending upon the species, this can happen either in the same visit to the host nest or in a separate visit before or after the parasitism. This both prevents the host species from realizing their nest has been parasitized and reduces competition for the parasitic nestling once it hatches.
Most avian brood parasites have very short egg incubation periods and rapid nestling growth. This gives the parasitic nestling a head start on growth over its nestmates, allowing it to outcompete them. In cases where the host nestlings are significantly smaller than the parasite nestling, the host nestlings will often starve to death. Some brood parasites will eliminate all their nestmates shortly after hatching, either by ejecting them from the nest or killing them with sharp mandible hooks which fall off after a few days.
Whoa! This is NOT NICE! What is so amazing is that if not detected in time, many times the birds do find the intruding egg and toss it out, but most times, the unsuspecting parents raise this young bird as if it were it’s own.
What can we, as observers of this behavior, learn from the birds? I want to consider the host birds who have quite a challenge to face. They either fix the problem or they could be very “overwhelmed” with situation at hand.
My first thoughts were from a physical need. When faced with a health problem, we pray and visit the doctors and try to remedy the situation. Sometimes the ailment is not cured and we may be faced with an “overwhelming” need. Do we accept whatever the outcome and:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11 NKJV)
Another lesson that could by learned by observing this “overwhelming” task might be in sharing the load. Often in churches, the ones who are willing to serve the Lord become very involved because of others not volunteering or helping. They keep taking on more responsibilities, not complaining, but in time they could become “overwhelmed.” We should find a way to:
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NKJV)
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV)
Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix
The host birds accept the situation and do the best they can to raise the young bird. How do they do that? One worm at a time! When we become “overwhelmed,” that is just what we need do. No! Not by catching worms, but by taking one step at a time and harkening to the following promises:
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 KJV)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9 KJV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)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 40:31 KJV)
(Some information from Wikipedia)
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Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Pair ©©ramendan
Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant… ~ by a j mithra
Rice bird, meadow-wink, skunk blackbird, reed bird, butter bird—these various names for the member of the blackbird family most commonly known as the Bobolink reflect the diversity of ways in which humans have looked upon this gregarious songbird.
Nesting in the prairies and cultivated land of south Canada and the northern United States and wintering in the grasslands and marshes of Argentina, the Bobolink migrates at least 5,000 miles each way.
Bobolink Migration Route©WikiC
The Bobolink is an extraordinary migrant, traveling to south of the equator each autumn and making a round-trip of approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,500 mi). One female, known to be at least 9 years old, presumably made this trip annually, a total distance equal to traveling 4.5 times around the earth at the equator! These birds migrate to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. One bird was tracked flying 12,000 miles (19,000 km) over the course of the year, and up to 1,100 miles (1,800 km) in one day. The vast distance is more impressive in relation to the Bobolink’s diminutive size, averaging 7 inches in length, 11.5 inches in wingspan, and 1.5 ounces. in weight.
God has designed this bird to travel long distances to encourage us that we too can do great and mighty things for God..
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 6:21)
God seems to have a liking to use small things to fulfill great missions..
Here again, this small bird He uses to inspire us to do great things for God..
If this small bird can travel 4.5 times around the world at the equator in its life time, how much more God will expect from us? Most of rely on our strength that is the reason we find it so difficult to travel next door to share the gospel isn’t it?
What sense does it make to say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me when we find it so difficult to stand for God?
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©USFWS
Bobolinks begin their journey northward in South America in early March, reaching Colombia and Venezuela in late April. From there, most take a route over the Caribbean Sea to the Florida peninsula, although some will cross the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to Louisiana and Texas. From there they fan northward and westward, arriving on the breeding grounds in May. These Birds breed in open grasslands and hay fields.
Bobolinks migrate at night. The distinctive “clink” notes of these nocturnal travelers can be heard as they pass overhead in large flocks, apparently using the earth’s magnetic field as a compass and the locations of the stars as a map.
But, these birds use the earth’s magnetic field as compass and locations of the stars as a map…
If God be with us who can be against us? But the million dollar question is, are we with God?
Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (Jeremiah 32:19)
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©WikiC
In summer, Bobolinks feed primarily on insects switching to grain crops as they migrate south. In migration and in winter uses freshwater marshes, grasslands, rice and sorghum fields.
Although the Bobolink typically feeds during the day, in migration, while building fat reserves for its long over water flight, it has been observed feeding in rice fields after dark on bright nights.
We all know that we are on the verge of migrating once and for all to heaven..
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:1-8)
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton
How many times do we read His words in a day? Maybe we should learn from these birds to eat His words even during our dark hours.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Judging by sight or sound, the Bobolink is a bird of distinction. Their song has been vividly described as
We may not be a good singer, yet, God loves to hear us sing. The reason for creating us is to sing, glorify and thank Him. But, we seem to do every other thing except thanking Him… Many of our prayers are unanswered, because, we have failed to thank when we pray..
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
Have a blessed day!
Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra
Please visit us at: Crosstree
The Bobolink is in the Icteridae Family of the Passeriformes Order
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Baudet Donkey – Shaky and Brown
While looking for the quoted thoughts by G. D. Watson, “Others May, You Cannot,” I found the Christian Articles Website. It is loaded with articles by numerous pastors and preachers, but also other Christian writers. That is where I found Harriet N. Cook’s “Scripture Alphabet of Animals.” Her works and the others on that website are in the public domain and usable. I have decided to use her as a guest writer and produce the bird sections (finished) she wrote about. The other sections are being done also. They are listed below. Also, her books are available on Google Books and can be read on the computer or one of the eBook readers.
Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil
Harriet Newell Cook was born in 1814 and died in 1843. In her short 29 years of life she wrote several juvenile books and thought I would share parts of them here. “Her first volume for the young was one of Natural History, calculated to illustrate portions of the Bible, for the young, and entitled, “The Scripture Alphabet of Animals.” Nearly thirty thousand copies of the work have been printed in its English dress, and eight thousand of the German translation. The style of this work is eminently lucid…”
Her last very interesting work for the young —“The Trees, Flowers and Fruits of the Bible“– she was not permitted to finish, by reason of her death. It was completed by Miss F. M. Caulkins…” (From Memoir of Mrs. Harriet Newell Cook By Lydia Howard Sigourney, at Google Books)
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalms 148:10-13 KJV)
It was difficult finding information about her personally. Also, I couldn’t find a picture of her. One thing was for certain, she appears to have loved the Lord greatly and wanted to serve Him through her writing.
See Also:
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Ant
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Ass (Donkey)
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Bear
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Bee
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Camel
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Dog
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Eagle
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Fox or Jackal
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Goat
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Hart and Hind
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Horse
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Ibex or the Wild Goat
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Jerboa or Mouse
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Kite
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Leopard
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Lion
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Locust
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Mole
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Night-Hawk
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Ostrich
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Peacock
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Quail
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Raven
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Roe or Gazelle
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Scorpion
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Sheep
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Stork
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Turtle-Dove
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Unicorn
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Vulture
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Whale
Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Wolf
See:
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The following challenge was on the inside cover of this month’s “Acts & Facts” from the Institute for Creation Research. It is worth sharing and is a challenge for me that I would like to live up to, with the Lord’s help. As Christians, we should strive to live for the Lord. This article was an inspiration for Dr. Henry Morris and has been for others. George Douglas Watson lived from 1845-1924 and the following is in public domain.
If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25)
“If God has called you to be truly like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. He will put on you such demands of obedience that you will not be allowed to follow other Christians. In many ways, He seems to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.
Others who seem to be very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and scheme to carry out their plans, but you cannot. If you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.
Others can brag about themselves, their work, their successes, their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you begin to do so, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
G. D. Watson (1845-1924)
Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or having a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but God may supply you only on a day-to-day basis, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, a helpless dependence on Him and His unseen treasury.
The Lord may let others be honored and put forward while keeping you hidden in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.
God may let others be great, but keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him and get the credit, but He will make you work and toil without knowing how much you are doing. Then, to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done; this to teach you the message of the Cross, humility, and something of the value of being cloaked with His nature.
The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and with a jealous love rebuke you for careless words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.
So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and that He may not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you.
God will take you at your word. If you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and let other people say and do many things that you cannot. Settle it forever; you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue or chaining your hand or closing your eyes in ways which others are not dealt with. However, know this great secret of the Kingdom: When you are so completely possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven, the high calling of God.”
Quote taken from Christian Articles – G.D.Watson page
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South Lake Howard Nature Park, Winter Haven, FL
Saturday, Dan and I were back out birdwatching and enjoying God’s creation. This time we stopped by the South Lake Howard Nature Park in Winter Haven. It was another beautiful “cooler” day like Friday at Circle B.
He put another story before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his field: Which is smaller than all seeds; but when it has come up it is greater than the plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and make their resting-places in its branches. (Matthew 13:31-32 BBE)
Testing Camera on a White Ibis
We were only testing out my camera this time. After missing so many great photos at the Circle B and other outings, we stopped by Marshall’s Camera Shop in Auburndale that afternoon to discuss my camera’s problem. It had been acting up for some time and it wouldn’t auto-focus right. After some adjustments and an attempt to sell me a new Canon, I was satisfied to try some more with my faithful Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot, always on “program” mode or “video” mode camera. (I’ll leave all those f-stops and ISO’s for the photographers who know what there doing, like Dan, Ian, and my great photographers.) I shoot “proof-shots” (I saw it) and “ID shots” (What was that bird?).
White Ibis on Rail at S. Lake Howard
White Ibis on Rail up close
With the camera in hand, we checked out the park and managed to see 18 different species and the camera was behaving much better. The birds we observed were small in number again, like Friday. Not sure why the birds haven’t gotten back down here yet. Hope that big storm that went up the East Coast lately didn’t mess up their migration trips down here.
Tricolored Heron
Bunny at South Lake Howard
Here is a list of what we saw and reported to e-Bird. I didn’t report the bunny rabbit to them.
For more visits to South Lake Howard Nature Park.
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Circle B Bar Reserve View on 10-1-10
Now that the weather is improving and the humidity is becoming bearable, it’s time to go birdwatching again. Actually we have been out several times in the last few week. We made a trip a few weeks ago to Fort Desoto in Pinellas County. I am still trying to figure out which birds we saw at the beach. I’ll save those birds for another blog. It was a delightful day to be out birdwatching.
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. … God is the LORD, And He has given us light; (Psalms 118:24, 27a NKJV)
Yesterday, 10-1-10 we went to the Circle B Bar Reserve to take a look around. We only went about a mile round trip. The same birds were there, but few in number. Apparently the migrants that spend the winter haven’t arrive yet. They are just trickling in slowly. Talking to one of the volunteers out there, he agrees that the birds are behind their normal arrival.
Black Vultures Lining the tree limbs-bad shot by you get the idea
We stopped by “Buzzard Beach” which is on the perimeter of the Reserve, but part of it. There were well over 100 Black Vultures lining the trees and on the ground. Unfortunately, my camera was acting up and my shots were bad.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by Lee at Circle B Bar Reserve 10-1-10
We started around 7:45 and birded for about 2 hours altogether. My prize of the day was the Carolina Wren. I have been hearing them on previous visits, but could not get one in my camera. Yesterday, I finally got a photo. There were two of them and with help from a friend, we both got them in view.
Little Blue Heron immature in a Tree by Dan at Circle B
Another nice find was a Little Blue Heron that was immature and still in it’s White form. The rest of the birds we pretty much what we get most times out at the Circle B this time of the year.
At any rate, here is the list of birds I reported to eBird at http://ebird.org/content/ebird
Number of species: 31
For other birdwatching trips to the Circle B Bar Reserve
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Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at National Aviary by Dan
Last week while Dan and I were visiting the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL, the idea for this article began. We were watching the Birds of Prey show that they have daily. We had also watched the Bird shows at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA back in August.
Both places present some very interesting birds and they are not on leashes. The birds have the freedom to move around on their own, yet they do not run or fly away. They may have been spooked at times, in Pittsburgh, and they may have to go get them, but they eventually get them back. Both places had birds flying over the heads of the spectators and doing stunts, yet they were being controlled by the trainers. In other words, they were “tamed.”
Listening to the trainers, they tell how the birds are trained by “positive reinforcement.” The birds are encouraged to perform for a “reward” for doing it right, but are never “punished” for not doing it right. They are just not given a “treat.” So none of the birds are mistreated.
Lowry Pk Zoo Red-legged Seriema with plastic lizard
Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) by Lee at National Aviary
What they do is encourage the bird to perform something that is already one of its behaviors. For instance, both places brought out the Red-legged Seriema, which is a bird of prey, and gave it a plastic lizard. Both birds picked it up and slung it to the floor several times. This is the normal way they kill their prey. So this was an easy task for the birds, yet the trainers had to “train or tame” the bird to where it would do its behavior on command.
The Serierma was just one of many birds doing “behaviors on command” at the Zoo and the Aviary. I felt the breezes of hawks, owls, and an eagle flying just over my head. Below is a Slide show of some of the “tamed” birds at both places.
The Bible only mentions “tame” or “tamed” in two different places. The first is mentioned in Mark 5:3-4 when a man with an unclean spirit, who dwelt in the tombs, “and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.” Jesus healed him.
For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit! (Mark 5:8 NKJV)
In James, we find the verses that tell about the birds being tamed. When we look around, we all can see many incidences of tamed critters and birds. Have you ever seen a critter tame a person? Man was given dominion over the critters in Genesis. Dominion did not mean what some think of today as subjugation, but it was more of use of, care of, learning from, and protecting them. Yet, God made man in His image, therefore man and woman are higher than the critters (all of them), not equal with them as some teach. Man has a “soul” which is accountable to God, the critters do not have a “soul.”
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)
The one thing that has a problem is the “tongue.” James goes on to say,
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:8-10 NKJV)
These are some of the birds used in the shows or out and about with their trainers.
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Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Male ©WikiC
Swinhoe’s Pheasant – The Secret Agents.. ~ by a j mithra
The Swinhoe’s Pheasant, discovered in 1862 by Robert Swinhoe, is a bird endemic to the undisturbed broadleaf forests of Taiwan below 2,500 meters of elevation. Since then, its numbers have fallen due to destruction of natural habitat, and was listed as endangered in 1966.
The habitat of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant has been recorded as dense forest. However, they can also be seen feeding out in the open along forest trails or on forest edges. The range of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant is from sea level up to 2,500 meters of the Central Mountain Range.
Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC
They live on the floor of a forest with a dense canopy and sparse undergrowth. Occasionally, they may also be found in more mature secondary growth forest, bamboo forest, and mixed forests. Because most of Taiwan’s broadleaf forest has been cleared in the lower elevations, Swinhoe’s Pheasants are mainly found in forests above 1,000 meters elevation. Fragmentation of forests occurring in the upper elevations is a growing threat to populations of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant. Though these birds prefer a higher elevation for a habitat, they still prefer to live on the floor of the forest..
Where are we right now?
Jesus will step into our lives and homes, but, not until we humble ourselves, Our feet planted firmly on the ground…
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Proverbs 29:23)
Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) ©WikiC
The Swinhoe’s Pheasant follow the same feeding route in the forest each day. Along forest trails, there are often visible paths through the vegetation where the pheasants walk in and out every day. These paths are not permanent, however, and the same bird might have several entrances in an area.
This means if he enters your life, he has to open seven doors for you as he flees, because, your life is God’s own domain…
The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. (Deuteronomy 28:7)
Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC
These pheasants feed by digging and their natural diet consists of seeds, plant material, acorns, berries, flower buds, leaves, and occasionally insects such as earthworms, millipedes, termites. They tend to feed in the early morning and late afternoon hours, along trail edges in herbaceous ground cover. The pheasants are most active early dawn and late afternoon, especially in the fog when visibility is low. During the night, pheasants roost in trees, discovered through radio-tracking by researchers.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (Proverbs 3:34)
The nests of Swinhoe’s Pheasants are so well concealed that it is almost impossible to come across unless followed through radio-tracking. The nests are built in highly secretive locations under a large shelter such as logs or rocks where it is safe from rain and predators. Sometimes the nest is built on a tree, where it is well hidden by vegetation.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)
Have a blessed day!
Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra
Please visit us at: Crosstree
The Swinhoe’s Pheasant is part of the Phasianidae Family of the Galliformes Order.
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Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix
I love eagles and I love this song. The song was written by Michael Joncas, in 1979 Unfortunately the words are copyrighted, so I can’t put them here on the blog, but this video has them.
Hope you enjoy the video by mhcaillesrn.
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Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan
Secretary Bird – The Walker ~ by a j mithra
The Secretary bird is a bird of prey, but unlike other raptors it has long legs, wings and a tail.
The single species of its family, the bird gets its name from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers used to tuck behind their ears.
A more recent hypothesis is that “secretary” is borrowed from a French corruption of the Arabic saqr-et-tair or “hunter-bird.” The generic name “Sagittarius” is Latin for “archer,” perhaps likening the Secretary Bird’s “quills” to a quiver of arrows, and the specific epithet “serpentarius” recalls the bird’s skill as a hunter of reptiles This is the only member of the family Sagittariidae.
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) at Lowry Pk Zoo by Lee
The bird is basically dove-grey in color, with black on the wings, thighs and elongated central tail feathers. The short, down-curved bill is backed by an area of bare, red and yellow skin. The Secretary bird stands three feet high.
The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa south of the Sahara. It is found in open areas of plains and savanna country, and often congregates at areas that have been recently burnt, where mammals are deprived of cover and often injured. These birds are basically terrestrial, taking to flight only when hard-pressed. Usually only single birds are found, with members of a pair some distance apart.
The Secretary bird walks well on extremely long legs, and a bird may plod up to twenty miles in a day. When pursued, it relies on its speed to escape.
The Bible says,
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew 5:41)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1)
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan
In addition to finding food with its beak, the Secretary bird will also stamp on grass tussocks with its feet to scare up lizards, grasshoppers, and small mammals or birds.It is a large bird of open country, savannah and steppe, which can be seen stalking across the plains in search of rodents, reptiles, large insects and, famously, snakes…
It has a surprisingly powerful kick which it uses to stamp on larger prey.
Do you remember where God has called us to stamp and walk?
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. (Psalm 91:13)
This privilege is not for everyone, because, God has kept a price tag for every blessing..
The price tag for the above privilege is tied to the first verse and the ninth of the same chapter..
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; (Psalm 91:9)
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 40:30-31)
In addition to its normal “raptor” type diet it is also attracted to bush and grass fires, where it feeds on the small animals which fail to escape the blaze. It finds most of its food on the ground and has a partiality for snakes. It grabs the snake with its strong toes and beats it to death on the ground, while protecting itself from bites with its large wings. Finally, it seizes its prey and hurls it into the air several times to stun it. In South Africa, these birds are kept in captivity to destroy snakes and rats.
Satan thought that he can put an end to Jesus, the Creator, but, Jesus claimed victory on the cross, so that we may live under the protection of His wings forever and ever..
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:18)
Although it is usually seen walking it does have very large, broad wings and is an accomplished flyer, using thermals to gain height and soar across distances. Secretary Birds are territorial, normally occupying areas of around 45-50 square kilometers, Interestingly in Kenya they occupy smaller territories.
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC
Secretary Birds associate in monogamous pairs. During mating season there is heavy competition between males, with birds doing acrobatic flights, climbing high into the sky, then suddenly dropping down..
During courtship, they exhibit a nuptial display by soaring high with undulating flight patterns and calling with guttural croaking. Males and females can also perform a grounded display by chasing each other with their wings up and back, much like the way they chase prey. Once paired up they are devoted and remain together for life… They usually mate on the ground, although some do so in Acacia trees.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mathew 24:13)
If we cannot walk with Him on earth all through our life of may be about eighty years, do you think it is possible for us to live with Him in heaven forever and ever?
So as Secretary birds pair for life, they are remarkably faithful to their nest site too. The nest is generally placed low in the fork of a tree, usually an acacia. The huge bundle of sticks grows year by year in the manner of an eagle’s eyrie. Nests are built at a height of 5–7 m (15–20 feet) on Acacia trees. Both the male and female visit the nest site for almost half a year before egg laying takes place. The nest is around 2.5 m (eight feet) wide and 30 cm (one foot) deep, and is constructed as a relatively flat basin of sticks.
These birds visit their nest site for almost half the year..
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Mathew 25:34)
Secretary Birds occupy an ecological niche similar to that occupied by Peafowl in South and South east Asia, Roadrunners in North and Central America and Seriemas in Soth America.
The Secretary Bird is the National Emblem as well as a prominent feature on the Coat of Arms of Sudan. In Sudan, it is featured in the middle white strip of the Presidential Flag; it is the main object on the Presidential Seal, and features heavily in Sudanese military insignia. The Secretary Bird on the Presidential Flag and Seal has its head turned to the right, with its distinctive crest clearly visible and its wings spread out with a white banner between its outstretched wings reading “Victory is Ours”.
We are the crown of the King of kings and the Lord of lords..
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. (Isaiah 62:3)
We shall be victorious because we have a God who said
And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47)
Yahweh Nissi- The Lord is our banner..
Have a blessed day!
Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra
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Accipitriformes Order of the Sagittariidae Family
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