Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardonyx II

August 25, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardonyx. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)

While searching for material on these foundation stones, this article caught my attention. It appears that Cindy had the same questions as we are trying to figure out. I believe her blog is inactive, but this is still posted. Precious Jewels by Cindy. She had this chart with 12 stones of the foundations.

12 Jewels Foundation New Jerusalem ©Sundayswithcindy

“Pretty impressive, isn’t it? Actually, it will exceed far beyond what our human minds can even conceive when we try to imagine the beauty and magnificence of that holy city. I Corinthians 2:9 tells us, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

*
“My curiosity was up, though, when it came to those precious gemstones. What were their colors? How would they look all sandwiched together? I knew I could not begin to imagine the scope of its beauty, but at least I wanted to get some glimpse of what it might appear to be. I mean, we can try to imagine the pearly gates, and even the streets of pure gold although the Bible says the pure gold will be like transparent glass, but the foundation of all those beautifully colored jewels? Ahh—how lovely to have the world at our fingertips via the Internet! In a matter of seconds, my curiosity about the precious gemstones of the foundation was satisfied!” [Bolding added]

Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx) ©WikiC

Through the rest of her article, she discovered what I am finding. Names of those stones are not the same today. So, if these birds aren’t a perfect match, please forgive us.

There are no birds with the name of “sardonyx” in it, but the two tones of red seems interesting enough to try to find some birds like that. All the translations I searched have either Sardonyx or just Onyx. [There are a few birds with ONYX in their scientific name[

Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) ©Flickr Fernando Flores

Here are what some of the study Bibles and commentaries say:

NKJV MacArthur Study Bible – “ sardonyx. A variety of chalcedony with parallel layers of red and white”

KJ Study Bible Notes – ” sardonyx is red and white”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown – “sardonyx — a gem having the redness of the cornelian, and the whiteness of the onyx.”

IBS – “Sardonyx – White stone with red layers.

John Gill – “The fifth, sardonyx,…. Which is partly of the sardian, and partly of the onyx stone, which resembles a man’s nail, from whence it has its name; it is reddish, bordering on white; it may be thought to answer to the onyx in the breastplate, on which was written the name of Joseph.”

Australian Logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii) by Ian

So with all of these, looks like there must be some reddish and white birds around somewhere. Let’s see what we can find:

Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) ©WikiC

I still haven’t found what I was hoping to find. This next bird is getting closer.

Rosy-throated Longclaw (Macronyx ameliae) ©WikiC

But this is the color of most sardonyx they show on the internet:

Red onyx – Handicraft ©WikiC

Have you seen any birds like that? Let me see what we have already shown here on the blog.

Red-throated Twinspot (Hypargos niveoguttatus) ©WikiC

None of these absolutely match our Sardonyx stone, but are they amazing Avian Wonders from their creator?

Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) by Ian

Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) ©Flickr Fernando Flores

Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx) ©WikiC

Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) ©WikiC

Abyssinian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis) ©WikiC

Australian Logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii) by Ian

Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus) ©WikiC

Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) ©WikiC

Cape Longclaw or Orange-throated Longclaw, Macronyx capensis

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton

Rosy-throated Longclaw (Macronyx ameliae) ©WikiC

Red onyx – Handicraft ©WikiC

12 Jewels Foundaion New Jerusalem ©Sundayswithcindy

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER photo credit: Helena Reynolds / Audubon Field Guide

NORTHERN FLICKER (red-shafted form) photo credit: Evergreen State College

Red-cowled Cardinal (Paroaria dominicana) ©WikiC

Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) ©WikiC

Red Warbler (Cardellina rubra) ©WikiC

Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) ©WikiC

Red-crested Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) by Dan

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) ©Bing

Red-crested Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) ©WikiC

Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow

Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) by Bob-Nan

Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) by Ian

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) with Cygnets ©Broadmoor

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) by Ian

Scarlet-and-white Tanager (Chrysothlypis salmoni) ©WikiC

American Flamingo by Dan

Dan’s American Flamingo Gardens Photos

American Flamingo by Maji

Flamingo at Gatorland – 3-8-16 by Lee

*** Articles in this Series so far:

Is There a God?

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Colors II

August 24, 2024 by Lee

[(Repost/Updated) There was/is a second blog, Birds of the Bible for Kids“. Many of these articles were shared over there, but I didn’t usually bring those over here. Why? Because it was “supposed” to be for kids and younger people. Because of time restraints or whatever reason, many times the articles do not get re-written in their terms. Those articles are in the process of transferring them here under the KID’S SECTION]

This time, I have decided to bring an article I had just posted over there here for you to enjoy. It goes along with the series on the 12 Foundational Stones.

Enjoy!

The Precious Stones and Birds posts have been introducing you to colors of the twelve, (12) foundations of the New Jerusalem, which will be our eternal home, if we have invited Christ into our hearts as Savior. [See below to find out how to do that.]

Those posts were mainly copied from our blog, Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus, and may have used words and terms which were harder to understand. Starting with this article and the following, 12 Stones and Birds posts, we are going to try to explain them in easier terms.

In the article, Precious Stones and Birds – Foundation Stones, you were able to see different colors of stones that might be used. Before introducing the 12 different stones and the birds with sort of matching colors, here is an interesting explanation of colors.

Carolina rainbow spotted on Vacation 9-3-2013 by Lee

Most of us have seen a rainbow, and they are very pretty depending how bright the sun is shining through the clouds, or reflecting on the clouds. I have always enjoyed seeing rainbows and once in awhile, see a double rainbow.

Rainbow Across Yellowstone Lake ©David Grimes

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. …” (Ezekiel 1:28a NKJV)

This is from a commentary about these stones: “THE STONES OF FIRE IN THE FOUNDATION
The twelve foundations of the city not only have the names of the twelve apostles, but they are twelve different precious stones. The most beautiful and costly articles known to man are precious stones. These stones express in human terms the magnificence of the city. The superlative degree of gems is used to convey something of the glory of the city to those who now “… see through a glass, darkly …” (1Cor12:11). We are going to see through it clearly someday.

A close examination of these twelve stones in the foundation reveals a polychromed paragon [multicolored example] of beauty; varied hues and tints form a galaxy of rainbow colors. The stones are enumerated as follows:

The foundations of the New Jerusalem are constructed of the flashing brilliance of rich and costly gems. On the inside is Jesus who, when He was here, was the Light of the World. There He will be the Light of the Universe. Astronauts tell us that in space the colors almost entirely are gray and black—but wait until you see the New Jerusalem. It is going to light up God’s new heavens and new earth as they have never been lighted before. I think it is going to be the most breathtaking sight that you have ever seen. … Everything is going to revolve around it, and the light will come from there. It truly will be the Jesus Christ Light and Power Company then. The light will shine out in all these brilliant and beautiful colors.

Light dispersion conceptual waves – Prism ©WikiC

Color is described to us today as dissected light. If you pass a ray of light through a prism, it is broken up into three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. From these three primary colors come all colors and shades of colors. Light is a requirement for color. Where there is no light, there is no color. Objects of color reveal color to the eye because of their ability to absorb or to reject light rays. A red stone absorbs all the color rays except red; it rejects or throws back to the eye the red ray, which gives it the color of red.

Light dispersion of a mercury vapor lamp with a flint glass prism©WikiC

The New Jerusalem is a city of light and a city of color. God is light, and He is there. The city is described as a jasper stone as clear as crystal. All of this color will be coming out and flooding God’s universe. The jasper stone is a sphere, and the city, the New Jerusalem, is within. The light shining from within through the jasper stone, acting as a prism, would give every color and shade of color in the rainbow—colors that you and I have not even thought of yet. …. The presence of the primary colors suggests that every shade and tint is reflected from this city. A rainbow that appears after a summer shower gives only a faint impression of the beauty in the coloring of the city of light. Oh, what a glorious place this is! [J. Vernon McGee Commentary on Revelation21:19-20 – explantions and bolded added]

Rainbow Lorikeet Lowry Park Zoo 12-31-15 by Lee

Did you read what was said about WHO gives the Light? The Bible says that Jesus is the Light of the World.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12 KJV)

Jesus came to earth to provide a way for you to be able to see heaven and spend eternity [forever] with Him and live in the beautiful city where we are writing about. Almost every article here has a link at the bottom to tell how you can believe in Jesus. Please don’t miss heaven and all its beauty, plus, most important being with The Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The ABC’s of the Gospel

*****

As stated above, this is a repost of this article that came from the “Kids” blog version of Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures, but at a younger reading level. Many of the post are still there.

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chalcedony II

August 23, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Chalcedony. The series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Chalcedony (Variety Agate) Quartz ©WikiC

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19 KJV)

The Chalcedony stone in the foundation of the New Jerusalem is really a challenge. I have consulted the internet and my Bible programs, e-Sword and Bible Gateway. Also searched the Latin or scientific terms for names even close to “Chalcedony.” Most to no avail as far as finding birds that have chalcedony or a derivative in their names.

As you will see from the quotes below, most seem to mention white (and milky), gray (grey), blue, or a pearly color. Let me see. Out of over 10,000 birds, surely, I can find a few to share with you.

Lavender Waxbill (Estrilda caerulescens) ©WikiC

Lavendar Blue Chalcedony ©Mineral_net

THE GEMSTONE CHALCEDONY
“Chalcedony is the form of Quartz that is compact and microcrystalline. It occurs in many different forms, colors, and patterns, and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity. In the gemstone trade, the term Chalcedony is often used specifically to describe the white, gray, or blue translucent type of Chalcedony, but its technical term includes all additional varieties.” [Minerals.net]

Chalcedony
“Rev_21:19. With it the third foundation of the wall of New Jerusalem is adorned. An agate-like quartz in modern mineralogy, of pearly luster and transparent, found in the Travascus mine in Cornwall. Cups, plates, knife handles, etc. are formed of it in India. Pliny makes it resemble turquoise; others make it of a light brown. The chalcedony of Theophrastus is called from Chalcedon in ancient Thrace, and was the copper emerald obtained from the mines there.” [Fausset’s Bible Dictionary, emphasis mine]

Polished Agate Portion ©Mineral.net

“Chalcedony. Chalcedony occurs only in Rev_21:19. The name is applied, in modern mineralogy, to one of the varieties of agate. It is generally translucent and exhibits a great variety of colors. So named because, it was found near the ancient Chalcedon, near Constantinople.” [Smith’s Bible Dictionary]

“chalkedon (G5472), the name of a gem, including several varieties, one of which resembles a cornelian, is “supposed to denote a green silicate of copper found in the mines near Chalcedon” (Swete, on the Apocalypse), Rev_21:19.” [Vine’s]

Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) by RScanlon

Chalcedony moss agate gem Mineral.net

“CHALCEDONY, n. A subspecies of quartz, a mineral called also white agate, resembling milk diluted with water, and more or less clouded or opake, with veins, circles and spots. It is used in jewelry.
The varieties of chalcedony are common chalcedony, heliotrope, chrysoprase, plasma, onyx, sard and sardonyx.” [Webster’s Dictionary 1828]

Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) ©©LipKee

Quartz Article_Figure Milky Quartz ©IUBloomingtion

Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) by Raymond Barlow

Agate – Blue Lace – Chalcedony – Nambia ©Stephanie Clifford

“Chalcedony has a waxy luster and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The color of chalcedony sold commercially is often enhanced by dyeing or heating.” [Wikipedia – Chalcedony]

Whatever that third layer is going to look like, it will be spectacular!!!

“The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19b KJV)

*** Articles in this Reposted Series so far:

Wordless Birds – With Hummingbirds

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sapphire II

August 22, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sapphire. This series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Sapphire Gem ©WikiC

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19 KJV)

For now, the first stone – “Jasper,” is being skipped. I am still researching what is the color or colors of the Jasper stone. Some have it all over the color spectrum. Also, there is no bird with the name “Jasper” in it. (Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jasper II)

The Sapphire is beautiful and is typically blue but varies. Sapphire is also the stone used to represent those born in September. Yeah, my birth month. “Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 45th anniversary. A sapphire jubilee occurs after 65 years.” [Wikipedia]

Sapphire-bellied-hummingbird-perched-on-branch ©ARKive

A rare variety of natural sapphire, known as color-change sapphire, exhibits different colors in different light. Color change sapphires are blue in outdoor light and purple under incandescent indoor light, or green to gray-green in daylight and pink to reddish-violet in incandescent light. Color change sapphires come from a variety of locations, including Thailand and Tanzania. The color-change effect is caused by the interaction of the sapphire, which absorbs specific wavelengths of light, and the light-source, whose spectral output varies depending upon the illuminant. Transition-metal impurities in the sapphire, such as chromium and vanadium, are responsible for the color change. [Wikipedia]

Uncut Yellow Sapphire ©Wikipedia

The sapphire is mentioned in nine verses in the King James version of the Bible.

“And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.” (Exodus 24:10 KJV)

Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) ©WikiC

“And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.” [The breastplate of judgment] (Exodus 28:18 and 39:11 KJV)

White-chinned Sapphire (Hylocharis cyanus) by Dario Sanches

“But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.” (Job 28:12-16 KJV)
Unchanged:

Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Amazilia lactea) by Dario Sanches

“And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.” (Ezekiel 1:26 KJV)

Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird ©LauraLFel

“Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.” (Ezekiel 10:1 KJV)

Blue-chinned Sapphire (Chlorestes notata) ©WikiC

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV)

Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) by Michael Woodruff

I trust you enjoyed seeing some of the birds with Sapphire in their name as the various verses about sapphires were given.

Previous Blogs that used Verses with Sapphires in them:

*** Articles in this Repost Series II so far:

Wordless Birds – With Hummingbirds

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jasper II

August 21, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Jasper. This series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Lesser Striped Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica) ©WikiC

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (KJV)

Hit a problem already. No Jasper named birds; first or last name. Now what? Most all the translations of Revelation 21:19 say that the first foundation was jasper or similar.

Tan and Cream Jasper – ©MineralNet

Here are a few exceptions from Bible Gateway’s list of versions:
the first foundation stone was diamond – CJB (Complete Jewish Bible)
“The first foundation was gray quartz” – GW, NOG (God’s Word & Names of God)
“The first stone was red jasper” – WE (Worldwide English)

Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) Male and Female ©WikiC

From my e-Sword Program, here are more different translations:

(clVulgate) Et fundamenta muri civitatis omni lapide pretioso ornata. Fundamentum primum, jaspis: secundum, sapphirus: tertium, calcedonius: quartum, smaragdus:

Vulgate fundamentum primum iaspis

KJV+ uses jasper; G2393

Translit+ uses iaspis G2393

G2393 is iaspiv iaspis

Rev_4:3 Rev_21:11 Rev_21:18-19

Spotted Jasper

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) ©WikiC

Looking at the Dictionaries, these clues from them:

Thayer gives G2393 this:

ἴασπις
iaspis
Thayer Definition:
1) jasper, a precious stone of various colours (for some are purple, others blue, others green, and others the colour of brass)
Part of Speech: noun feminine

NASEC [New American Exhaustive Commentary]

G2393
ἴασπις
iaspis; of Semitic or.; jasper (a translucent stone): – jasper (4).

Strong LXX

G2393
ἴασπις
iaspis
ee’-as-pis
Probably of foreign origin (see [H3471]); “jasper”, a gem: – jasper.

H3471
ישׁפה
yâshphêh
yaw-shef-ay’
From an unused root meaning to polish; a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name): – jasper.

The best clues from all of these seems to be from Thayer and NASEC. “It appears to be: a translucent stone”, and “a precious stone of various colours (for some are purple, others blue, others green, and others the colour of brass).” That could describe thousands of birds.

“Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;” (Revelation 21:11 KJV)

Kaleidoscope Jasper from Oregon ©WikiC

Ringed Teal (Callonetta leucophrys) ©WikiC

Which birds do I show? See the Dilemma? Could use just about any multicolored bird.

Looking on the internet, I found this: “THE GEMSTONE JASPER – Jasper is an opaque variety of Chalcedony, and is usually associated with brown, yellow, or reddish colors, but may be used to describe other opaque colors of Chalcedony such as dark or mottled green, orange, and black. Jasper is almost always multicolored, with unique color patterns and habits.

Bruneau Jasper Stone ©WikiC

The appeal of Jasper is its interesting color patterns and formations. Though it can be a solid color, it is most often mottled, spotted, ringed, or striped. Each Jasper has a unique color or pattern, lending this gemstone much variety. Jasper is an ancient gemstone, and is mentioned in the bible and other classical sources. Though fairly common and affordable today, Jasper in antiquity was regarded as a valuable stone. “[Minerals Net]

That quote makes one think of how we are to the Lord. We are often “mottled, spotted, ringed, or striped.” We are in need of the Savior because we are sinners, but each of us are valuable to the Lord. He gave His life for us on the cross. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:16-19 KJV)

*** Articles in this Repost Series 2024 so far:

Previous Post About Precious Stones

Wordless Birds

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Introduction II

August 20, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of Introduction to the Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds. This series originally appeared in 2019. (With a little dusting and updating they will all be reposted in the coming days. Stay tuned.)

Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) ©WikiC

I am currently attending a ladies Bible study class on Heaven. It is very interesting, and of course, when the mention of the various precious stones, with their beautiful colors came up, birds fluttered to mind. I have been accused of having a “bird brain.” [Always thinking about things in relation to birds.]

A huge question came to mind. Wonder if I could find birds whose names or colors closely reflected the names of those stones? Sounds like a simple premise. Right? Not so fast, as I am finding out.

Asian Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus) by Nikhil Devasar

First some of the verses that we were reading from Revelation Chapter 21:

“10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
¹⁸And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
¹⁹And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
²⁰The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. (KJV) [Yes, pearls are not stones]

Things go well with Gold, Jasper, Sapphire, Emerald, Topaz, Jacinth?, and Amethyst. What about chalcedony, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolyte, beryl [maybe], and chrysoprasus?

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) ©WikiC

King James Study Bible 21:9–21. These verses describe the beauty and glory of the holy Jerusalem. It is called Christ’s bride (cf. v. 2), a reference perhaps to the church as the city’s principal inhabitant. It is an expression of the glory of God. The wall shows its security and protection. Its gates show accessibility. Saved Israel is also present. It has dimensions of approximately 1,500 miles cubed. The gold and precious stones may be earthly materials glorified (cf. 1 Cor. 15:50–54). They depict the glory, beauty, and eternal quality of the city. Jasper is green, sapphire is blue, chalcedonyis green, emerald is green, sardonyx is red and white, sardius is bloodred, chrysolyte is yellow or gold, beryl is green, topaz is greenish gold or yellow, chrysoprasus is green, jacinth is bluish purple, and amethyst is purple quartz. The effect is a magnificent city of brilliant gold adorned with gems of every color. There appears to be only one street (cf. 22:2), also made of pure, radiant gold.

Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus_amethysticollis) ©WikiC

Stones, Precious
“Precious stones are frequently alluded to in Scriptures; they were known and very highly valued in the earliest times. The Tyrians traded in precious stones supplied by Syria. Eze_27:16. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah in south Arabia, and , doubtless, India and Ceylon, supplied the markets of Tyre with various precious stones. The art of engraving on precious stones was known from the very earliest times. Gen_38:18.
The twelve stones of the breastplate were engraved, each one, with the name of one of the tribes. Exo_28:17-21. It is an undecided question whether the diamond was known to the early nations of antiquity. The Authorized Version gives it as the rendering of the Hebrew word, yahalom, but it is probable that the jasper is intended.
Precious stones are used in Scripture, in a figurative sense, to signify value, beauty durability, etc., in those objects with which they are compared. See Son_5:14; Isa_54:11-12; Lam_4:7; Rev_4:3; Rev_21:10; Rev_21:21. [Smith’s Bible Dictionary]

Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus) ©WikiC

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this of Revelation 21:19-21″

“The decorations of the foundations (with the apostles’ names inscribed on them) include 12 stones involving different colors. The color of the jasper is not indicated. The sapphire was probably blue; the chalcedony comes from Chalcedon, Turkey and is basically blue with stripes of other colors. The emerald is a bright green; the sardonyx is red and white; and the carnelian, called a “sardius” in the NASB, is usually ruby-red in color, though it sometimes has an amber or honey color. In Rev_4:3 the carnelian stone is coupled with the jasper to reflect the glory of God. The chrysolyte is a golden color, probably different from the modern chrysolyte stone which is pale green. The beryl is a sea green; the topaz is a transparent yellow-green; the chrysoprase is also green; the jacinth is violet in color; and the amethyst is purple. The stones together provide a brilliant array of beautiful colors. The gates resemble huge, single pearls, and the street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass (cf. Rev_21:18).
While the beauty of the city may have symbolic meaning, no clue is given as to the precise interpretation. Since it is reasonable to assume that the saints will dwell in the city, it is best to take the city as a literal future dwelling place of the saints and angels.”

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) Breeding Room by Lee

As you can see, it is going to take a while to figure out some of these colors to find possible matching bird colors and names. A friend mentioned that the colors were maybe the same as the ones in the rainbow. Sounds reasonable. When the Lord created the birds, He knew about the rainbow that was going to be given as a promise after the flood. He also knew the colors of the foundations of the New Jerusalem. So, why would he not use those colors in birds when He created them?

“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)

Stay Tuned!

See:

Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Foundation Stones II

August 19, 2024 by Lee

This is a repost of the original that appeared on (February 22, 2019)

Precious Stone

“O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:9 NASB)

Before matching the bird’s colors to the Foundation Stones, here are some facts and photos to help us understand the colors of the twelve foundations, if that is possible with our human minds. If the stones are this beautiful now, what will they be like in heaven?

Very interesting article about The 12 Foundation Stones in New Jerusalem gives fact about these gems. “In the past century, it has been discovered that gems can be classified as either anisotropic or isotropic, and only recently have scientists discovered cross polarized light, which can be used to identify whether a gem is anisotropic or isotropic. When viewed in crossed-polarised light (similar to “pure” light), anisotropic stones produce a colourful array- reflecting all the colours of the rainbow, whereas isotropic stones lose all of their colour and appear black.”

There are some words in there that are new to me, like, anisotropic or isotropic, cross polarized light. Yet the next paragraph, is really informative:

“It’s interesting that, in Revelation chapter 21, there are 12 gems mentioned to be inlaid for decoration of the New Jerusalem, and ALL of these 12 gems are anisotropic gems, i.e., gems that can show colourful patterns under pure light…

Twelve Stones of Revelation 21 from Christian Evidence

We normally think of the colors of these stones as:

New Jerusalem Gemstones

It will be worth your time to read the article, especially, “What are the odds? The 12 Foundation Stones in New Jerusalem,

Here is a video showing the colors of these stones. [music can be muted]

“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” (Revelation 21:18-20 KJV)

I am aware that the seven colors of the rainbow are not necessarily the order of the foundation, but this article is also worth reading:

The Colors of the Rainbow

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

August 18, 2024 by Lee

Lee with Laughing Kookabura at Brevard Zoo by Dan

” O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? (5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. (6) You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

When I was asked to do some articles about birds, way back in 2008, I never imagined that today, Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures (now with WordPress) would have:

2,513,166 visits as of today
3,857 articles posted

The Lord has truly blessed these efforts. But now? After prayer and much thought, A decision has been made!!

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Hopping on the camera

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Hopping on Dan’s camera

LET’S CONTINE ON!!!!

I’ve paid the fees to continue. The Lord is about to allow me to turn 81 in a little over a week. Thank You Lord. We already have several great writers and photographer that can still add new articles here. The wealth of articles makes great resources for those seeking information about birds, especially home school students and others.

Golden Eagle and Dr Jim – Circle B by Lee

Dr. James J.S. Johnson from Institute for Creation Research,

William Wise a great photographer and writer, and

Golden Eagle, a.k.a. Dr. Baron Brown, are still birding.

ME?? I am planning to review and repost many of the great series of previous posts. I’ll check for broken link and missing photos.

In fact, tomorrow, the Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Foundation Stones series will begin. It’s one of my favorites.

Thank you for all the visits over the years and trust you’ll continue checking out these “oldies but goodies.” At my age, I forget things. :)

Praise the Lord for all these blessings that He has allowed us the share.

Stay Tuned!

The Wise Owl

Merlin, the Squealing-Laughter Falcon of Saskatchewan

August 15, 2024 by JJSJ

Merlin, the Squealing-Laughter Falcon of Saskatchewan

Dr. James J. S. Johnson

MERLIN perching (Animalia-life.club photo credit)

These things be of (the) fowls which ye shall not eat, and shall be eschewed of you (and shall be shunned by you); an eagle, and a gripe [i.e., gryphon], [and] an aliet [or “merlyon”, as in some early Wycliffite Bible copies of the late AD1380s]… (Leviticus 11:13)

Merlin chasing Blue Jay (Wikipedia/John Harrison photo credit)

Saskatchewan (an interior province of Canada) is mostly a grassland, prairies (dominated by agriculture) with occasional hills and trees, here and there punctuated by lakes, ponds, and rivers – a wonderful habitat for birds — such as falcons.

Earlier this month (August 2-7^th AD2024), by God’s grace, my wife and I attended a Christian family camp in Saskatchewan (near Fort Qu’Appelle), and the most memorable bird that I observed (on the 6th of August, AD2024), there, was a Merlin (Falco columbarius), a resident falcon also known as the Pigeon Hawk, who was circuitously flying near the lakeshore; it eventually landed upon a shoreline tree’s branch, conveniently perching there for me to see it, almost as if it was politely and patiently posing for me (as I compared its shape and plumage to my Saskatchewan bird chart).

MERLINS portrayed in the wild (public domain image)

The merlin’s squeaking laughter-like call, which I heard on multiple days at that family camp property in Saskatchewan, reminded me of seagull laughter, although the Merlin’s calls seemed more repetitive – a staccato laughter — almost like rhythmic squealing.

The fancy scientific name for the Merlin is Falco columbarius, meaning “dove falcon” – perhaps because the Merlin is a falcon shaped (and colored) somewhat like an over-sized mourning dove or pigeon. The males have wingspans almost 2 feet wide; the females are slightly larger.

MERLIN juvenile (Wikipedia image credit)

But, from the perspective of prey seized by this falcon’s sickle-shaped talons, the Merlin is no laughing matter.

Merlins — like other falcons (e.g., peregrines), hawks, and kites — are feathered predators, zooming down upon their next meal with sudden bursts of aerial speed. Like “sparrow-hawks” (i.e., kestrels, which are also a type of falcon), merlins ambush and seize smaller birds, for food, some as little as sparrows and others as large as grouse. In the same cluster of trees, by the lakeside where the Merlin was perching, I repeatedly saw an American Robin, as well as several gulls (perhaps they were Ring-billed Gulls?). Hopefully that robin escaped the merlin’s hungry hunting.

Merlins are flexible in adapting to various ranges, with different biome habitats.

Merlins are often found in northern forests and grasslands, including birch scrubland country (e.g., in Saskatchewan’s birch-studded prairies) and willow-prominent wet woods, from sea level to timberline. Many of their summer breeding ranges are in North America’s boreal forests and prairies, as well as in Eurasia’s taiga forests and steppes. Most merlins migrate, seasonally, with warm winter ranges in mild grasslands, woodlands, and coastlands.

SUMMER & WINTER RANGES of Merlin migrants.

Laughter makes life more livable. And seeing a squealing-laughter-calling Merlin, as a “lifer”, while attending a precious Christian family camp in rural Saskatchewan, was an unexpected blessing, to say the least. (So was visiting the fish hatchery that serves Fort Qu’Appelle – but I digress.)

The Lord has many beautiful places on earth, plus many beautiful birds therein – and Saskatchewan’s Merlin illustrates that beauty. No surprise, because the ultimate source of all beauty is God Himself (Psalm 27:4).

MERLIN in flight (U.S. National Park Service photo credit)

Seagull Recovery: A Time to Laugh

July 23, 2024 by JJSJ

Dr. James J. S. Johnson

LAUGHING GULL at tidewater shore, Virgin Islands (Wikipedia image)

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh….
(Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 3:4a)

When you think about seagull conservation, you might feel like laughing.

Years ago, in AD2015, I wrote about an avian conservation success, the comeback of the Trumpeter Swan—specifically, increasing the American population of Trumpeter Swans from less than 70 to well beyond 46,000! (See “Trumpeter Swans: Trumpeting a Wildlife Conservation Comeback”, posted at https://leesbird.com/2015/08/21/trumpeting-a-wildlife-conservation-comeback/ .)

Today, however, we can also appreciate another such avian conservation success, the Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), now well-populated in coastlands of both North and South America. This seagull is recognized by its laughter-like call, as well as (during summer) by its black-hooded head and its white eye-liner-like crescents (above and below its eyes); otherwise, this gull’s plumage is mostly white below and mostly grey above.

RANGE of **LAUGHING GULL** (Wikipedia image credit)

Alonso Abugattas, writing for the CHESAPEAKE BAY JOURNAL [volume, 34, issue 5, page 39 (July-August 2024)], notes this Laughing Gull population rebound:

By the late 1800s and very early 1900s, the coast-hugging laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) had been all but wiped out by hunters and poachers who profited from their feathers and eggs. At the beginning of the new [20^th] century, a series of federal laws—the 1900 Lacy Act, followed in 1913 by the Weeks-McLean Act and finally the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918—afforded enough protection to laughing gulls that they gradually recovered. Fast forward to this [21^st] century, and the [Laughing Gulls] are no longer threatened but have become the most abundant seabirds breeding in the eastern U.S., with 528,000—538,000 breeding pairs, according to the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. . . .

Laughing gulls have recovered extremely well. They are quite adaptable, can feed on so many things besides fish or mollusks, and have no trouble living near people. Indeed, for many of us, they are the soundtrack of a day at the beach. [Quoting Alonso Abugattas, cited above]

Population recovery success, and then some!

And that fetches happy memories of dozens of times at the beach, in Florida, near St. Petersburg (where Laughing Gulls reside, year-round), when I would visit those white-sandy beaches with Chaplain Bob and Marcia Webel, who now reside in Missouri. Happy memories!

As the Irish say, you need to laugh to keep from crying. That’s often true; yet it’s also true that it’s good to laugh at other times (Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 126:2), even if you don’t feel like weeping. As Solomon observed, in Ecclesiastes 3:4a (quoted above), sometimes it’s just a good time to laugh.

**LAUGHING GULL in summer plumage** (Ben Keen photograph, via Wikipedia)

What’s Its Name? – “cristatus”

June 6, 2024 by Lee

“And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head.” (Esther 6:7-8 NKJV)

There are various Latin/scientific names for the “Crested” birds. The birds featured here use the term “christus” and we may check out more Crested birds in another article. Most are really gorgeous when the display that crest. What a Creator! Enjoy!

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) at Cincinnati Zoo by Lee

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

Crested Hornero (Furnarius cristatus)

Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus) by Dario Sanches

Flame-crested Tanager (Loriotus cristatus) by Dario Sanches

Flame-crested Tanager (Loriotus cristatus)

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) by Ian

Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus)

Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (Sakesphorus cristatus) by A Grosset

Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (Sakesphoroides cristatus)

Here are the rest of these beautiful Avian Wonders “Crested” cristatus birds. They are in the order that the Birds of the World site lists them when you enter “crisstatus”:

Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Sakesphorus cristatus)

Crested Bobwhite (Colinus cristatus)

Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus)

Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)

Sharpbill (Oxyruncus cristatus)

Chirruping Wedgebill (Psophodes cristatus)

Piping Bellbird (Ornorectes cristatus)

Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)

Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

There are more Crested birds, but they use different Scientific/Latin names such as “cristata“, and “cristatellus”

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) by Nikhil Devasar

We will take a look at them in another post, like the Crested Lark. Stay tuned!

WOW!!! WHAT A CREATOR!!

Formed By Him

Good News

What’s Its Name? – “elegans”

May 18, 2024 by Lee

In this post let’s investigate the name of “elegans.” Before I reveal what that means, let’s look at a few birds with “elegans” in its Scientific/Latin name.

??? (Eudromia elegans) Cloud Forest at Zoo Miami by Lee

Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura elegans) ©©kibuyu

??? (Rallus elegans) Viera Wetlands 12-26-17 by Lee

That’s enough to give a view of some of the “elegans.” Just looking at the variety, I have no clue as to what “elegans” means. :)

This photo by Ian gives the whole birds name. Maybe it means “Elegant”?

“Yellow” Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans flaveolus) by Ian

Here are links to the birds above in order presented:

Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)

Red-winged Fairywren (Malurus elegans)

Elegant Crested-Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)

Southern Martin (Progne elegans)

Yellow-throated Bunting (Emberiza elegans)

Elegant Crested-Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)

Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura elegans)

King Rail (Rallus elegans)

After seeing all these beautiful Avian Wonders from the Lord, whatever the term means, I’m voting for ELEGANT!!!

“And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ ” (Genesis 1:22 NKJV)