Seek Me, And Find Me

May 31, 2019 by Lee

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) ©Flickr Wayne Butterworth

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

As many bird watchers are aware, we spend considerable time searching for a bird that we know is near. That can be so frustrating at times. Other times you see a glimpse of the bird, and then when the camera is aimed, it’s not there. Oh, the joys and frustration of looking for God’s Avian Wonders.

One of the most challenging bird I ever searched for was the Tawny Frogmouth. We were at the Aviary in Zoo Miami and were told he was there. We searched high and low with no luck. When we asked the keeper, he pointed him out to us. We had walked right by the bird. It was in plain sight.

Caught Dan on the Boardwalk trying to find a bird

The Tawny, one of my favorite birds to have to hunt for, is not the only bird that can get away from you. Some of those little jobs are so fast that they are hard to get a photo of also.

Downy Woodpecker by Lee LPP

The little woodpeckers can move quite speedily while chasing bugs.

Cactus Wren by Dan at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Wrens can also cause you to search and seek. But, I still think these Frogmouths and Potoos were designed by the Creator to blend in with their surroundings. Therefore, giving birdwatchers and photographers a challenge.

Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) ©Jullan Iondono

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) at Wings of Asia by Lee

With all this searching and finding, there is a good principle here for us to follow. The Lord gave a promise to the Israelites, and that applies to us today.

^“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
^“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”
^“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
^“And I will be found of you, saith the Lord:...” (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)

Green-tailed Sunbird – Wordless Bird

May 30, 2019 by Lee

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

The green-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) or Nepal yellow-backed sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.

It is found in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, stretching eastwards into parts of Southeast Asia.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. In southeast Szechwan and Yunnan, it lives in open mountain woods with moss-covered trees, from 1825 to 3350 meters elevation.

When viewing this bird, the Wordless Book/Wordless Birds came to mind. Let’s see if we can find all the colors need.

There is definitely Gold/yellow on this beautifully created Sunbird from our Creator.

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) ©WikiC male

“This GOLD bird reminds us of Heaven. The Bible tells us Heaven has a street of gold! But the best part about Heaven is that God, who created you and me, lives there. The Bible, God’s Word, says: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 Jesus, God the Son, is in Heaven preparing a place for all who put their trust in Him. (John 14:2-3) God is holy and perfect. He cannot allow anything in Heaven that is less than perfect, so there’s one thing that can never be in Heaven. Can you think of what that might be?”

Black/Dark is the next color in the Wordless Book/Birds

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) ©WikiC male

It is sin! That is what this DARK bird reminds us of. Sin is anything you think, say, or do that does not please God, like lying, cheating, being selfish, or hurting others. The Bible says: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 That means everyone, big or little, young or old! No matter where you live or who you are, you have sinned. Everyone is born with a “want to” to do wrong. God says that sin must be punished (Romans 6:23), and the punishment for sin is to be separated from God forever in a place of suffering….a place called Hell. But God has a wonderful plan so that you will not have to be punished for your sin!

Red is next which stands for Sin

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

God sent Jesus Christ, His perfect Son, to be born as a little baby. Jesus lived a perfect life….He never sinned. When He was grown, wicked men nailed Him to a cross. This bird is RED reminding us of Jesus’ blood. The Bible says that without the giving of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). So Jesus Christ willingly died to take your sin punishment. “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.“— 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Now, because of what Jesus has done for you, you can have your sins forgiven. Read on to see how!

White is a little harder to find on the Green-backed Sunbird, but this Lovely Sunbird has plenty of white. It is in the same family.

Lovely Sunbird (Aethopyga shelleyi) ©WikiC

The Bible says: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on His name.” — John 1:12 The WHITE bird reminds us of a CLEAN heart. How can you have a clean heart? A = Admit to God you are a sinner and want to turn away from those sins. B = Believe in Jesus Christ, that He is God’s perfect Son who died for your sin, was buried, and rose again. C = Call on Him to save you from your sin. Would you like to do that right now? He has promised to hear, and once you are His child, He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Take a moment and talk to God right now. It will change your life forever. Only one more color! What can it mean?

Green is for Growth after you accept the Lord as your personal Savior.

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

The GREEN bird stands for things that grow. When you ask God to forgive you and save you, you become His child. God wants you to get to know Him better and to grow to become more like Him. These four things will help you grow:

1. PRAY (talk to God every day)
2. READ & OBEY THE BIBLE (to know what He says, then do it)
3. TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS
4. GO TO A BIBLE-BELIEVING CHURCH (where you can learn more about pleasing Him)

As a child of God, if you should sin again, stop and tell Him about it. He promises in His Word… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 Ask God to help you live a life to please Him! Share the Good News of this story with someone else.

The Wordless Book has been used for many years by CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). These words are from CEF.

See more Wordless Birds

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush and the Lesser

May 29, 2019 by Lee

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) ©WikiC at San Diego Zoo

“So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. …” (Genesis 2:20a NKJV)

While posting Emma Foster’s latest tale about birds, the Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) was used. I picked this bird because of the “necklaced” part of its name. Where actually do they live and what can we find out about them?

I have always enjoyed the Laughingthrush every since we saw the ones in Zoo Miami’s Aviary.

Red-tailed Laughingthrush by Dan at Wings of Asia Zoo Miami

The Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush doesn’t have much written about it in Wikipedia. Here is their information:

The Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus pectoralis) is a species of passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. It is introduced to the United States. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

This species was formerly placed in the genus Garrulax but following the publication of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study in 2018, it was moved to the resurrected genus Pterorhinus.

Greater necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax pectoralis (formerly; Ianthocincla pectoralis ), also known as the necklaced laughingthrush or the black-gorgeted laughingthrush, photographed at Hong Kong, China.

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) ©WikiC

The Handbook of Birds of the World gives us a few more facts:

Size is – 26·5–34·5 cm; 105–170 g. Very like G. monileger, but larger, eye dark, necklace often bolder, dark primary coverts. Nominate race has crown…

Voice – Apparent song types include repeated, clear, ringing, slightly descending and diminishing sequence…

Diet – Mostly insects; also some fruits. In Hong Kong study, of ten faecal samples Aug–May, seven contained insects, and all contained fruit…

Breeding – Feb–Aug; multi-brooded. Nest a large, broad, bulky, rather shallow cup or saucer, made of dead bamboo or other leaves, roots, moss,…

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) ©WikiC

Here is how The Guardian describes this bird:

An adult Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, (Garrulax pectoralis). This species can be identified by the silvery streaked ear coverts encircled by a black band. This distinguishes it from the similarly-appearing Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush (but that species is pale and has none of the ear covert markings).

The Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush is a member of a large family of passerines known as the the Old World babblers (Timaliidae). This family is quite diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage — a really lame way to classify them, in my opinion, since there’s a LOT of passerines with “soft fluffy plumage” that are not included in this taxonomic family. Ho-hum.

One weird fact: the American wrentit was recently placed into the Old World babblers but that enigmatic species probably doesn’t belong there.

Another weird fact: there are two groups of birds in the world that are known as “babblers”: the timaliids are one and the other is the (unrelated) Australasian babblers of the family, Pomatostomidae. The pomatostomids are now sometimes known as the pseudo-babblers, because they deceived naturalists, ornithologists and birders for so bloody long.

From the The Guardian.com

Video of the Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes of Bann Song Nok, south of Bangkok. By Wazooland

Just found a great link for the Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush

Okay, so what about these Lesser Necklaced? They look so similar that you really need to look hard to distinguish them. Look real close, and then notice the color of the eyes. Which is which? Lesser has a yellow eye and the greater has a black eye. Oh, and the “necklace” is supposed to be narrower. It is hard to tell that. The “ear covert markings” help, but those eyes are the clincher!

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax monileger) ©WikiC

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax …) ©WikiC

“They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the LORD.” (Exodus 35:22 NKJV)

Leiothrichidae – Laughingthrushes & allies

Timaliidae – Babblers, Scimitar Babblers

Wordless Birds

The Locket in the Woods by Emma Foster

May 28, 2019 by GuestWriter

The Locket in the Woods

By Emma Foster

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) ©WikiC

Nora lived in the middle of a sunny wood beside a river that flowed under a small bridge. She spent most of her time building her nest, searching for food, and watching people walk across the bridge. Because Nora lived on a forest preserve, she didn’t have to worry about having to find a new home in case people chopped down her tree. Throughout the day, Nora watched groups of people walk along the many trails that were strewn along the forest preserve.

One day Nora was busy collecting some worms near the river as it rushed by. She looked up at the bridge to see a group of girls walking across and taking pictures of the trees. Nora hopped closer and watched them pass by, but when they left, she spotted something shiny in the bushes near her.

Nora rifled through the bushes and eventually found a small necklace with a heart-shaped locket on the end. Picking it up in her beak, Nora immediately started searching for the group of girls.

Locket

Unfortunately, Nora couldn’t find them anywhere. She followed the path, but it became a fork in the road, and she wasn’t sure which way she should go. It would be difficult to fly ahead because so many trees blocked her view. Nora finally decided to go left, hoping she would eventually find them.

Along the path she found an elderly couple who were biking along the trail and a couple of alligators sleeping in the water, but she didn’t find the girls. Nora decided to cut through the trees and head out to the other path.

After flying for a few minutes with the heavy locket in her beak, Nora rested on a tree in the middle of the woods. A small creek flowed near the tree she sat on. The sun shone down on Nora, making her very hot. Because of the heat and the weight, Nora accidentally dropped the locket into the small creek!

Nora raced after the locket, but the locket tumbled away down the river. Eventually, the bushes surrounding the creek became too thick for her to fly through them. Just as she was about to give up, however, a fish swam upstream with the locket in his mouth, and when Nora told him who the locket was for, he explained that he had seen the girls pass by on the other path. Nora thanked him then flew away with the locket.

When Nora finally caught up with the girls, she placed the locket on the path where they could easily see it. The girl who had lost it was glad to have found it, though she had no idea how it had gotten there. Nora, happy that she had accomplished her mission, flew back to her nest and took a well-deserved nap in the shade of her tree by the river.

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.” (Psalms 72:12 NKJV)

“…For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8b NKJV)

Lee’s Addition:

Since Emma didn’t indicate what type of bird the story is about, I am using my imagination. Besides, this bird wears a Necklace. :)

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) ©WikiC

Or, it could be a Raven. They like to collect things.

Raven holding key on chain ©Pixabay

Thanks, Emma, for another interesting tale about the birds. Now, we even have a talking fish. I love your stories. Keep on writing them for us.

More of Emma Foster’s Stories

Wordless Birds

Avian and Attributes – Stephen

May 23, 2019 by Lee

Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps stephani) ©Pinterest

This is a change from the normal Avian and Attributes. Normally, it is the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ and a similar named bird. This time, I found two birds with the names of Stephan’s Emerald and Stephen’s Lorikeet.

Stephen, was a well respected Christian, who was martyred for his faith in the Lord. Acts 6:8 says that Stephen was “full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” (KJV) He was called before the council in Jerusalem for his beliefs.

When he appeared before them,:

“And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:12-15 KJV)

Stephen had many good attributes of a Christian. He was teaching about Jesus, and they didn’t like what he was saying. Acts 6 and 7 tell this story. After he showed them how they were wrong about the Lord Jesus Christ being their Messiah, they became incensed and stoned him.

The two birds, I am sure, were not named after Stephen, but you might enjoy getting to meet them.

Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps stephani)

Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps stephani) Lower bird ©Drawing WikiC

The Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps stephani) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae (Doves). It is found in Sulawesi, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It is often called Stephan’s Dove. (Wikipedia) It’s call is like a “woooah” sound. They like “humid evergreen forest interior and dry secondary coastal forest in Sulawesi…” HBA

They seem to be ground feeders and eat fruit that has fallen and also like insects. They also seem to act like nomads.

Stephen’s Lorikeet (Vini stepheni)

Stephen’s Lorikeet (Vini stepheni) Drawing WikiC

The Stephen’s Lorikeet (Vini stepheni), also known as the Henderson lorikeet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Islands of the South Pacific.

Stephen’s Lorikeet (Vini stepheni) ©PInteest

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. (Wikipedia)

More Avian and Attributes

Good News

Penguin Disappearing – Creation Moments

May 21, 2019 by Lee

King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) 5 by Ian

King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) by Ian

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26

Penguins are disappearing. Don’t worry – it’s not all of them that are disappearing. But the world’s largest colony of king penguins appears to be only 10% the size it was 50 years ago.

The colony, which lives on Île aux Cochons in the southern Indian Ocean, is quite difficult to count. Nevertheless, surveys over the years have shown that it has shrunk dramatically. Reasons given for the decimation include climate change and outbreaks of diseases such as avian cholera.

Penguins are among our favorite animals. Many of us, when we go to the zoo, will make our way quickly to see the penguins. We love to see the endearing, adorable way they walk and then marvel at their grace as they “fly” through the water. Some species of penguins have remarkable habits. One unsubstantiated urban myth about penguins in the Falkland Islands suggests that they watch the overflying planes of the Royal Air Force so intently that they eventually fall over backwards! One comedian complained about the Emperor Penguins, saying that they have the ability to make us feel complete failures as fathers.

Of course, not all penguins are dying out. We are referring to one colony of one species. But does it matter? The answer must be that, yes, we ought to have a concern. We are used to opposing climate change mythology and, therefore, sometimes go to the other extreme, forgetting that God gave us a stewardship to look after this world and protect it.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the stewardship that You gave the human race over creation. We pray for those involved in conservation, that You would raise up those whose work is guided fully by You. Amen.

Ref: CNRS. “Largest king penguin colony has shrunk nearly 90%.” ScienceDaily, 30 July 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730120408.htm>. Image: CC BY-SA 3.0.

Penguins – Gentoo Front – King Middle – Rockhoopers Back by Lee

Disappearing Penguins – Creation Moments

Penguin Eggs Tragedy by Dr. Johnson

Ian’s Bird of the Week – King Penguin

Bird of the Bible Photos – Hoopoe

May 19, 2019 by Lee

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) by Nikhil Devasar

“The stork, the heron of any variety, the hoopoe, and the bat.” (Deuteronomy 14:18 AMP)

Hoopoe Feeding Young ©©Dvir Lotan from Israel

“The stork, all kinds of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.” (Leviticus 11:19 AMP)

This bird is on the “Do Not Eat List.”

Birds of the Bible – Hoopoe

Birds of the Bible

Wordless Birds

Rabbit Chasing Sandhill Crane

May 16, 2019 by Lee

Sandhill Cranes in side yard – The Guard Sandhill watching

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)

Dan and I have been re-reading “Things I Have Learned” by Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. One of his messages was about “Rabbit Chasers.” It has to do with a “Possum” dog getting sidetracked by a Rabbit. [More about that later.]

The day after reading that part, I was looking out our kitchen window and spotted the four Sandhill Cranes in our side yard. They come by frequently. It is a mom, dad, and two juveniles.

About that time a rabbit appeared close to the house next door. [He was in our front yard on Easter Morning when we back out on the way to church. Yeah! The Easter Bunny!, I told Dan.] The rabbit was minding his own business when the “guard” Sandhill took out after him. Now, I call that Sandhill a “rabbit chaser.”

Sandhill Crane with Wings Spread – Threatening ©Maria Michell Pixabay

This is not the first time we have watched a Sandhill take-off after an animal. Years, ago, we were watching several Sandhill Cranes walking through the travel-trailer park where we were staying. A small kitten, thought he would “take on” one of these tall birds. The Sandhill opened up his wings, making him look “really big” and took two steps toward the small cat. Haven’t seen a cat run that fast in a long time. :)

Back to the book and the “Rabbit Chasers.” To shorten the message, it was about what a good “Possum” dog does, compared to a “Rabbit Chaser.” A good dog will go over hill and dale, through water, etc. and never gets off of the trail until he either trees his opossum, or he loses it. On the other hand, a dog that starts on the scent of his prey, comes across the trail of a rabbit, and changes course to follow the rabbit, is a “Rabbit Chaser.”

This Dog Adopted His Opossum. Back to the drawing board.

Dr. Bob takes that story and tells the students in chapel, to finish what they started. [“Finish The Job” was another of his saying.] The student starts college and then they meet a girl or boy, they start wavering about finishing. There are other things to get us off-track also. [Sound familiar] He mentions other things, but basically, he was challenging the students to stay on course and finish what they started. A very good lesson for all of us. I had hoped to find an online version to share a link to, but it doesn’t seem to be available. The book is still available. Things I Have Learned at the school.

“The Son of God came all the way from heaven to this earth. I am speaking reverently. He got on the trail of His Father’s will. Everything tried to stop Him, but He stayed on the trail.” … “One day He hung on the cross in agony and blood. After awhile He cried, ‘It is finished.’ He stayed on the trail. He never got off. He said, ‘I came to do My Father’s will, and now it is done.’ He died for us. And my Bible says, ‘He shall see the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.’ ..”You will never be happy off the trail.” [From Things I Have Learned, p106.]

There is much more I would love to share about that message, but, I’ll leave you to read the book if you would like.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24 KJV)

Here are some of his many sayings that Dr Bob Jones Sr. shared with students [of which we both were at one time].

“It is a sin to do less than your best.”
“The door to the room of success swings on the hinges of opposition.”
“It is no disgrace to fail; it is a disgrace to do less than your best to keep from failing.”
“God will not do for you what He has given you strength to do for yourself.”
“Don’t sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.”

Wholesome Words – Chapel Sayings

Wholesome Words

Sharing The Gospel

Avian – Happy Mother’s Day

May 12, 2019 by Lee

Today is Mother’s Day here in America. I wonder if the beautiful, hard-working avian mother’s have a special day. Maybe, it is the day the little one fledge and finally have “Flown The Coop.”

Seriously, I would like to wish all of my readers a Happy Mother’s Day with this little tribute.

First, the Momma bird lays her eggs:

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Eggs ©WikiC

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) Eggs ©WikiC

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus) Eggs ©WikiC

Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) eggs ©WikiC

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Eggs ©WikiC

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) Eggs ©WikiC

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) eggs ©WikiC

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) Nest w eggs by Nikhil Devasar

Eider Down Nest (in Iceland) with Eggs / photo credit: Ice Ice Baby

Robin Egg in Nest ©Lorl L Stalterl

Domesticated Guineafowl Eggs ©WikiC

Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) Nest with Eggs ©WikiC

Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea) Eggs ©WikiC

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) Egg in Eastern Phoebe Nest ©WikiC

African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus) Eggs ©Wiki

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) nest w eggs by Nikhil Devasar

“Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:25 NKJV)

Second, momma has to sit on the eggs for awhile:

Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula) Female in nest by Ian

AMERICAN COOT on nest (photo credit: MDC Discover Nature)

Pale-blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella) Female on nest ©WikiC

Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee

Great Egret on Nest at Gatorland

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) Female on nest ©WikiC

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) on nest by Nikhil Devasar

Muscovy Duck on nest at Lake Morton by Lee

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis) on nest by Ian

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) on nest by Nikhil Devasar

Costa’s Hummingbird on Nest (Calypte costae) by Bob-Nan

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50 NKJV)

Third, the little ones start to appear:

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) chick-egg nest ©USFWS

Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) chicks ©USFWS

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) Chick and Egg ©USFWS

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Chicks in nest ©WikiC

Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) Newly Hatched in Nest ©WikiC

Raven Chicks

Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee

Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in nest ready to eat WikiC

Baby Chick with Easter Eggs

Baby Chicken with colorful easter eggs ©Colorbox

“Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 19:19 KJV)

Fourth, those little birds get hungry:

BlackSkimmer-feeding-youngJimGray-Audubon

Great Blue Heron-nest. Naturally Curious-Mary Holland

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) Chick in Nest ©WikiC

Wood Thrush. nest ©Audubon Society

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Chicks in nest ©WikiC

Raven Chicks

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) at Nest 1 by Anthony747

Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum) by Ian

Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Dan

Snowy Egret in Nest with babies by Lee

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) with young in nest

Great Horned Owl Chick in Nest From Pinterest

Mockingbird-feeding-young.AmericanArtifacts

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) Feedingby Nikhil Devasar

Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) feeding a chick ©WikiC

Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope) Female feeding insects to chicks ©WikiC

Little Grassbird (Megalurus gramineus) Adult Feeding Juvenile©WikiC

Indian Spotted Creeper (Salpornis) Feeding by ©WikiC

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) ©WikiC Feeding Young

Woodpeckar Feeding Chicks From Pinterest

Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) Feeding at Nest WikiC

Hoopoe Feeding Young ©©Dvir Lotan from Israel

Kingfisher Feeding Young by Phil Kwong

“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” (Ephesians 6:2 KJV)

Fifth, they mature (juveniles) and eventually Fly The Coop:

Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) Juvenile by Ian

Unspotted Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius ridgwayi) Juvenile ©Chris Jimenez – Macaulay Library

Nazca Booby (Sula granti) Juvenile ©WikiC

Black Spotted Barbet (Capito niger) Juvenile at Zoo Miami by Lee 10-2016

Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) Juveniles ©WikiC

Nene (Branta sandvicensis) Juvenile ©WikiC

Greyish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens) Juvenile WikiC

White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) Juvenile ©BirdPhotos.com

Yellow-billed Cardinal (Paroaria capitata) Juvenile ©WikiC

Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) Juvenile ©WikiC

Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) Juvenile ©WikiC

Little Raven (Corvus mellori) Juvenile Calling to be fed the grub its mother just caught WikiC

Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna) Juvenile by MAMuin

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) Juvenile Lowry Park Zoo

Limpkin Juvenile at Lake Morton by Lee

Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) Juvenile ©WikiC

Barn Swallow (juvenile)

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) (juvenile) ©USFWS

Eastern Nicator (Nicator gularis) Juvenile Begging ©WikiC

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) juvenile ©WikiC

Wreathed Hornbill Juvenile Male CF Zoo by Lee

Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor palmerstoni) Juvenile by Ian

African Penguin Juvenile

Galapagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) ©WikiC Juvenile

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) at Cincinnati Zoo by Lee Second walk

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Juvenile at Cincinnati Zoo by Lee

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) Juvenile ©WikiC

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Juvenile by Nikhil

Sandhill Cranes – Adult and Juvenile in yard 8/27/10

Sandhill juvenile

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) with 2 juveniles by Lee

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) at Lake Ashton by Lee

Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) by Ian 4 juvenile

Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) by Ian juvenile

Great Blue Heron Juvenile at Saddle Creek by Lee

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) juvenile by Quy Tran

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Juvenile by Ian

Juvenile in Flight by Anthony

Avian mother’s are finished with that batch. Unlike human mothers whose work has just begun, and will continue through every stage of their children’s lives, even into their grandchildren’s lives.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

“Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.” (Proverbs 23:22 NKJV)

“A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.” (Proverbs 15:20 NKJV)

Birdman of Chennai India – BBC

May 8, 2019 by Lee

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) In Chennai India

My friend, Pastor Pete, sent me this video and thought I would share it. Chennai has been written about before by our beloved a j mithra, who has gone on to heaven. He was from Chennai. I wonder whether he knew about this. Most likely, since he loved birds and birdwatching.

This gentleman in India spends about 40% of his income to feed the birds. Many of them that feed are the Rose-ringed Parakeets. I am sure the word has gotten out and other species of parakeets come to this buffet.

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26 NKJV)

Dominion does not mean control over the birds, but to watch out for them. That is what this man is doing to help these birds.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) In Chennai India

Hope you enjoyed watching this video. You might stop by A J Mithra’s part of the blog and read some of his articles. He loved birds and most of all, he loved the Lord. Below are just a few of his articles:

a j mithra – List of all

The Feet
World Sparrow Days
Azores Bullfinch and the Holly Tree…
Hermit Warbler – The Worshiper..
Worthen’s Sparrow – Lost, but found..
Ovenbirds – Ground Singers
Master Builder’s Master Builders

Avian and Attributes – Step

May 3, 2019 by Lee

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Nikhil Devasar

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalms 37:23 KJV)

STEP, v.i. [Gr., the foot. The sense is to set, as the foot, or move probably to open or part, to stretch or extend.]
1. To move the foot; to advance or recede by a movement of the foot or feet; as, to step forward, or to step backward.
2. To go; to walk a little distance; as, to step to one of the neighbors.
3. To walk gravely, slowly or resolutely.
To step forth, to move or come forth.
To step in or into,
1. To walk or advance into a place or state; or to advance suddenly in John 5.
2. To enter for a short time. I just stepped into the house for a moment.

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalms 119:133 KJV)

STEP, v.t.
1. To set, as the foot.

“My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” (Job 23:11 KJV)

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Africaddict

STEP, n. [G., to form a step or ledge.]
1. A pace; an advance or movement made by one removal of the foot.
6. Gradation; degree. We advance improvement step by step, or by steps.
7. Progression; act of advancing.
8. Footstep; print or impression of the foot; track.
9. Gait; manner of walking. The approach of a man is often known by his step.
10. Proceeding; measure; action.
The reputation of a man depends of the first steps he makes in the world.

Steppe Eagle

STEP, STEPP, n. In Russ, an uncultivated desert of large extent. [Webster Dictionary 1828, with editing]

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is a bird of prey. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. It was once considered to be closely related to the non-migratory tawny eagle (Aquila rapax) and the two forms have previously been treated as conspecific.

It is:

about 62–81 cm (24–32 in) in length
wingspan of 1.65–2.15 m (5.4–7.1 ft).
Females, weighing 2.3–4.9 kg (5.1–10.8 lb), are slightly larger than males
Males, 2–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lb)

This is a large eagle with brown upperparts and blackish flight feathers and tail. This species is larger and darker than the tawny eagle, and it has a pale throat which is lacking in that species. Immature birds are less contrasted than adults, but both show a range of variation in plumage colour. The eastern subspecies A. n. nipalensis is larger and darker than the European and Central Asian A. n. orientalis.

The call of the steppe eagle sounds like a crow barking, but it is rather a silent bird.

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Nikhil Devasar

The steppe eagle breeds from Romania east through the south Russian and Central Asian steppes to Mongolia. The European and Central Asian birds winter in Africa, and the eastern birds in India. It lays 1–3 eggs in a stick nest in a tree. Throughout its range it favours open dry habitats, such as desert, semi-desert, steppes, or savannah.

It is found in south-eastern Pakistan especially in Karachi. Large numbers are seen at certain places such as Khare in Nepal during migration.

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Nikhil Devasar

The steppe eagle’s diet is largely fresh carrion of all kinds, but it will kill rodents and other small mammals up to the size of a hare, and birds up to the size of partridges. It will also steal food from other raptors. Like other species, the steppe eagle has a crop in its throat allowing it to store food for several hours before being moved to the stomach. [Wikipedia, with editing]

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24 KJV)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose first name starts with “S”

Good News

Heaven’s Crowns and Birds With Crowns

April 29, 2019 by Lee

Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina) (West African) Brevard Zoo by Lee

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:10-11 KJV)

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) ©Wiki

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown,….” (Revelation 14:14 KJV)

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12 KJV)

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) by BirdingPix

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
(1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV)

Red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) by Daves BirdingPix

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV)

Green-crowned Brilliant and Purple-throated Mountain-Gem by Ray

“But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:” (Hebrews 2:6-7 KJV)

Grey-crowned Rosy Finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) by Ian

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4 KJV)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) by Dan

With all these birds with crowns, maybe the Lord wants to remind us to think about these verses, and do what they say. Then we will have some crowns to cast at Jesus’ feet when we get to heaven.

And a few more birds with crowns: