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A Storks on their Nest
THE STORK
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“Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.” Psalm 104:17
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Lee’s Two Words – The Stork
Category Archives: Birdwatching
Lee’s One Word – Drink
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DRINK
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“They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. Psalm 104:11″
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Grass (Plumed) Whistling Duck Family – Video
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(Psalms 23:6 KJV)
Bellamoonnature produced this.
What he posted:
AMAZING FAMILY OF 18 •❥ Feeling excited, the first time I noticed these ducklings cuddled together in the grass… I thought maybe there were 8 or 9 fluffy, beautiful ducklings. When they all popped up to the count of (16) I was amazed… I’d never seen so many in one clutch. They quickly trusted me, therefore becoming part of my treasured extended feathered family.
Every afternoon, I would find them huddled together under the trees, waiting for their daily delivery of wild bird mix, that I was thrilled to deliver. It was truly heartening to see them all survive, and fly around our lakes as one. Eventually, the whistler ducks leave, before returning about six months later. They have all just returned to our local lakes… I wonder if my precious ‘family of 18’ are amongst them?
♥ GRASS WHISTLING DUCK •❥ The plumed whistling duck also called the grass whistling duck, with it’s loud sibilant whistle… is one of two whistling or tree ducks found in Australia. During the day the plumed Whistling-Duck congregates in large numbers with other waterfowl, on the margins of lagoons, swamps and mangrove creeks, for preening and sleeping. At night they fly out, often quite long distances, to feed on grasslands.
Music: Arms of Heaven By Aakash Gandhi
Free to use music from the YouTube Audio Library
We have seen the Plumed Whistling Duck at Zoo Miami. They are really neat to watch. Their feathers are interesting.
Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) by Lee Zoo Miami
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26 KJV)
Newest Articles on the Kid’s Blog
Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee
Our latest trip to Circle B Bar Reserve was rewarded with my first sighting of a wild Barred Owl. We have seen them in Zoos, but never in the wild.
See – Bible Birds – Owl’s Provision
Bible Birds – Holding On With My Feet
Blue-Winged-Teal-Dabbling ©Flyways USFWS
Birdwatching Term – Dabbling Duck
White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera) Cropped ©WikiC
Birdwatching Term – Frontal Shield
Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) by Ian
Jenny Wren Arrives – Chapter 1
Hope you will check these out and if you like them, consider following that blog also. Lots of interesting things to share with your children and grandchildren.
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 KJV)
No, the posts aren’t scripture, but there are always principles to grow and learn by. Enjoy!
Bible Birds – Owl’s Provision
Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee
Barred Owl at Circle B by Lee
“The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” (Isaiah 43:20 KJV)
We were recently out to Circle B Bar Reserve and spotted this Barred Owl. There have been numerous articles here about this Owl, but this is the first time I have seen one in the Wild. I have heard them, but not seen them.
As we were getting our cameras out of the car [and my walker] we spotted a group of birders concentrating on one area. They pointed out a palm tree with a dark figure in it.
Barred Owl in the Palm Tree – Do you see it?
The rest of the photos have been lightened up to see it better. When we first spotted it, it was still, as if asleep. After walking to the marsh and back, I searched for the Owl again. Sure enough, he was still there. This time looking around. [top two photos] It is always enjoyable to spot an owl in the daytime. They are mostly nighttime birds.
“The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls” Why do they honor the Lord their Creator? One reason is because He “give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” The water that is provided for people also provides water for the critters and birds to drink.
May this Barred Owl be a reminder of the love and provisions that the Lord provides for us. He cares about us and wants us to ask for and thank Him for all the good provisions (food, water, house, bed, clothes, parents, etc.) He gives.
“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:” (Job 12:7 KJV)
See:
A Heart Message
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC
“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, … and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 KJV)
Last weekend we had a great Missions Conference. All the missionaries that spoke were real “heroes of the faith.” Of all the Conferences at Faith Baptist Church, here in Florida, this was the best since we have been here. The Theme was For Such A Time As This! My heart was stirred as we listened to the heartbeat of these Christians who have dedicated their lives to go and reach others for Christ. Sometimes I grumble inwardly about having to fix problems on this blog, yet they have so many issues to deal with. They keep looking to the Lord to help them through. All the stories of problems and blessings from the Lord help us to remember that God is in control. Keep On, Keeping On!
On Sunday night, the final speaker was Mrs. Grace Fabian who was with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. She has written a book about all that happened to them while they were there. Her husband was murdered, yet she stayed on to help translate the Bible into the language of that tribe. I found two YouTube videos online that tell much of what she told us.
Check out: Part 1 – https://youtu.be/k5_5UHqwiv4 and Part 2 – https://youtu.be/6wI-FUjtwdg
So, what does all of this have to do with birds? One of the missionaries serves in Togo, West Africa. The Lethers family had on their display table a book of birds from Togo. It was opened to a photo of a Sunbird. Thanks to the Birds of the World blogs that have been here, I was able to immediately put a name on it. [The name was covered]
I was birdwatching at the conference. Most birders, after a while, notice photos or birds no matter where they are. Hopefully, you have become more aware of the birds around you. Whether they are in the wild, a zoo, or even in a book, your eyes will drift that way. Mine do.
Checking the Wikipedia list of birds in Togo, West Africa, there is a huge number of avian wonder in Togo. Here are just a few of them:
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) by Africaddict
Sacred Ibis Lowry Park Zoo
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) ©WikiC
Striated Heron (Butorides striata) by Kent Nickel
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) by Ian 3
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) by Ian 4
Long-tailed Cormorant
Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) by Ian
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) ©WikiC
Goliath Heron
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) by Lee LPZ
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) Lowry Park Zoo
African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) by Africaddict
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) ©Arthur Grosset
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) ©WikiC
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Africaddict
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) ©WikiC
Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) ©WikiC
Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina) (West African) Brevard Zoo by Lee
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) by Lee
Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) by Lee at Jax Zoo
Laughing Dove
Black-billed Wood Dove
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Juv by Nikhil
African Emerald Cuckoo
American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) by Margaret Sloan
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by Peter Ericsson
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by-Phil Kwong
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) by Nikhil Devasar
White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) ©WikiC
African Pied Hornbill (Tockus fasciatus) ©WikiC
Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius) ©WikiC Head
African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) ©Flickr Keats
African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) ©WikiC
Lazy Cisticola (Cisticola aberrans minor) ©WikiC
Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) ©WikiC
Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) ©WikiC
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) by TomTarrant
Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) ©WikiC
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird enjoying a Kniphofia flower ©©Rambling Ocean-Boeta.
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) Male ©WikiC
Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) by Ian
Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) ©WikiC
Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) ©WikiC
Teaching God’s Creatorship to Kids
Dr. James J. S. Johnson
SNOW GEESE at Hagerman N.W.R. (photo by Trent)
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
USING RECREATION TO TEACH GOD’S CREATIONSHIP TO KIDS
Kids grow with imagination,
Kids learn, too, with recreation;
Moth to watch, ducks to feed,
Songs to sing, books to read —
So teach kids about creation!
And, in the process of teaching kids about creation, teach them about God’s Creatorship.
Unless the process is “boring”, most kids like to learn. Furthermore, most young children love to learn about animals — especially mammals and birds.
child feeding ducks (Daily Express photo)
Introducing a young child to birdwatching, therefore, can be one of the most wonderful favors one can do for such a child. In fact, teaching a child about God’s Creatorship is one of the best “inheritances” that a parent — or a grandparent (or a family friend) — can bestow to a child (Proverbs 13:22).
For an example of a child being introduced to birdwatching, see “Attracted to Genesis by Magnets and a Bird Book“, posted at http://www.icr.org/article/attracted-genesis-by-magnets-bird-book — and its uncondensed version at “Appreciating Baltimore Orioles and my First Bird Book“, posted at https://leesbird.com/2015/06/02/appreciating-baltimore-orioles-and-my-first-bird-book/ . (See also “Snow Goose, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and More“.)
Avian and Attributes – Mount [Correction]
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Flying ©WikiC
The link was sent to many of you as https://leesbird.com/2018/02/15/avian-and-attributes-mount/ which was sent accidentally.
This caused a 404 Error.
The correct link is:
Avian And Attributes – Mount
Mount Cameroon Speirops (Zosterops melanocephalus) ©WikiC
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
(Revelation 14:1-2 KJV)And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
(Luke 22:39-42 KJV)
Avian and Attributes – Mount
MOUNT, n. [L. mons, literally a heap or an elevation.]
1. A mass of earth, or earth and rock, rising considerably above the common surface of the surrounding land. Mount is used for an eminence or elevation of earth, indefinite in highth or size, and may be a hillock, hill or mountain. It is applied in Scripture to the small hillocks on which sacrifice was offered as well as to Mount Sinai. Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount or heap of stones raised for a witness between him and Laban. Gen 31.
2. A mound; a bulwark for offense or defense.
Hew ye down trees and cast a mount against Jerusalem. Jer 6.
3. Formerly, a bank or fund of money.
MOUNT, v.i.
1. To rise on high; to ascend; with or without up.
Doth the eagle mount up at thy command? Job 39.
The fire of trees and houses mounts on high.
2. To rise; to ascend; to tower; to be built to a great altitude.
Though Babylon should mount up to heaven. Jer 51.
3. To get on horseback.
4. To leap upon any animal.
5. To amount; to rise in value.
Bring then these blessings to a strict account,
Make fair deductions, see to what they mount.
MOUNT, v.t. To raise aloft; to lift on high.
What power is it which mounts my love so high?
1. To ascend; to climb; to get upon an elevated place; as, to mount a throne.
2. To place one’s self on horseback; as, to mount a horse.
3. To furnish with horses; as, to mount a troop. The dragoons were well mounted.
4. To put on or cover with something; to embellish with ornaments; as, to mount a sword.
5. To carry; to be furnished with; as, a ship of the line mounts seventy four guns; a fort mounts a hundred cannon.
6. To raise and place on a carriage; as, to mount a cannon.
To mount guard, to take the station and do the duty of a sentinel.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow
There are four “Mount” birds, but surprisingly, only one photo available to use. [shown at top]
Mount Cameroon Francolin (Pternistis camerunensis) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found only in Cameroon.
Mount Cameroon Speirops (Zosterops melanocephalus) is a species of bird in the disputed family Zosteropidae, which might be included in the Timaliidae. It is endemic to Cameroon. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Mount Kupe Bushshrike (Telophorus kupeensis) is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is endemic to Cameroon, where it is found in the Bakossi Forest Reserve and in particular on Mount Kupe.
Mount Victoria Babax (Babax woodi) is a species of passerine bird of the family Leiothrichidae typical of the mountains of the northeast of the Indian subcontinent . Previously it was considered a subspecies of Chinese babax .
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Swooping Down ©Netns Wildlifezone
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 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 40:28-31 KJV)
“And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.” (Luke 21:37 KJV)
One of the attributes of Christ, that I think about, is his going up to the Mount to pray. Like us, He became weary in His human body, even though He is 100% God, while on earth, He was also 100% human. Therefore He needed rest and refreshment of body as we do.
Birds whose first name starts with “M”
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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]
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)
Avian And Attributes – Morning
Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35 KJV)
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:” (Mark 13:35 KJV)
“And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.” (John 8:2 KJV)
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16 KJV)
Avian and Attributes – Morning
MORN’ING, n.
1. The first part of the day, beginning at twelve o’clock at night and extending to twelve at noon. Thus we say, a star rises at one o’clock in the morning. In a more limited sense, morning is the time beginning an hour or two before sunrise, or at break of day, and extending to the hour of breakfast and of beginning the labors of the day. Among men of business in large cities, the morning extends to the hour of dining.
2. The first or early part.
In the morning of life, devote yourself to the service of the Most High.
MORN’ING, a. Pertaining to the first part or early part of the day; being in the early part of the day; as morning dew; morning light; morning service.
She looks as clear
As morning roses newly washed with dew.
Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan
Morningbird (Pachycephala tenebrosa)
The Mmorningbird (Pachycephala tenebrosa) is a songbird species in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to the islands of Babelthuap, Koror, Garakayo, Peleliu and Ngabad in Palau. Its natural habitat is deep primary tropical moist lowland forests. The species is non-migratory. It is apparently commoner on the smaller islands in its range.
Morningbirds feed principally on insects, but also take snails, berries, fruit and seeds. They feed on or around the ground.
Birds whose first name starts with “M”
Morningbird – A Voice In The Morning
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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalms 5:3 KJV)
Morris The Finch In The Airport by Emma Foster
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) by Ian
Morris The Finch In The Airport
By Emma Foster
Morris was a small house finch who lived in the sunny state of Florida. He had built a tiny nest for himself and lived in a small forest away from busy streets and people. The only road that was close by was a highway leading to a large building that was about half a mile away. Morris could barely see the building from the top of a high tree in which he lived. Every day Morris would watch incredibly large birds fly to and from the building, but he had no idea what they were. The building was in fact an airport, and the large birds were airplanes, but Morris did not know this.
Eventually, the weather became really hot as spring turned into summer. Morris grew tired of the heat and decided to find a new place to stay, at least for the summer. Morris flew out of his nest into the air and began to search for a cooler place to live.
He slowly reached the giant building in the hot sun. Looking inside, Morris noticed trees that seemed comfortable in the cool air. He tried to find a place to fly in, but every part of the building seemed to be made of windows. After trying to get inside for a long time Morris caught sight of a shuttle zipping inside the building. He followed the shuttle inside into the refreshingly cool air and instantly flew toward a tall tree that stood in the sunlight.
House Finch male ©Glenn Bartley-Wichita StateU
The tree gave Morris a broad view of a wide space were many people were eating. At first, he thought we would be able to handle the noisy people, but as the sun rose higher into the sky more people began to arrive and the building grew louder. Morris tried to ignore it, knowing when the air became colder he could fly back to his nest.
After a few minutes of trying to pull up some branches and twigs to make a new nest, Morris realized that the “tree” was fake, which made him slightly annoyed. Fortunately, he could still make his new home cozy because it was cool and comfortable sitting in the branches and watching the people.
Morris began to grow hungry and decided that he should find some food, though it didn’t look as if there were any worms around. He swooped down to where several people were eating and picked up a few dry crumbs from off the ground. After eating a few pieces Morris was still hungry so he decided to fly back outside to search for some worms.
It felt nice to be away from the noise, but as Morris flew back the way he came, he accidentally flew into the shuttle that carried passengers back and forth. He couldn’t get out before the doors closed. He flew up and down in a frenzy, searching for a way out. People around him screamed, terrified, until finally he was able to fly back outside.
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) by Raymond Barlow
Instead of searching for worms Morris flew straight back to his nest and stayed there for the rest of the day even though it was still hot. That night Morris’s surroundings became cool and Morris was able to sleep peacefully despite the chaos of the morning.
The next morning Morris stayed in his nest, deciding that, despite the heat, he would rather be home than anywhere else. He remembered how quiet it was even with the big birds flying overhead, and decided that no matter how hot it became, he would never fly back into that building again
Lee’s Addition:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV)
Emma has treated us to another interesting story. Not sure if a bird ever went looking for air conditioning, but it sounds logical. But, like us, we are better off being right where the Lord has placed us and with the provisions that have been provided by Him. Thanks again, Emma.
Many More Birds Have Arrived!
Birds of the Bible for Kids is Under Construction
Keep Checking
The dust is thinning out a bit.
Here is the Latest list of pages and articles that have flown over to the Birds of the Bible for Kids site. The ones in blue are the newest arrivals. Wow! I had forgotten about so many of these articles. They are being re-published to current dates.
I trust you will check some of these out. If you have youngsters and/or teenagers, or, grandchildren, you may want to share these with them.
The Bible Bird indexes that are now open are GROWING:
“I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” (Psalms 77:12 KJV)
- Bible Birds – Bitterns
- Bible Birds – Buzzard
- Bible Birds – Chicken/Hen/Roosters
- Bible Birds – Cormorants
- Bible Birds – Cranes
- Bible Birds – Cuckoo
- Bible Birds – Doves and Pigeons
- Bible Birds – Eagles
- Bible Birds – Falcons
- Bible Birds – Glede and Kites
- Bible Birds – Hawks
- Bible Birds – Herons
- Bible Birds – Hoopoe
- Bible Birds – Ibises
- Bible Birds – Lapwing
- Bible Birds – Nighthawks
- Bible Birds – Osprey
- Bible Birds – Ossifrage
- Bible Birds – Ostrich
- Bible Birds – Owls
- Bible Birds – Partridge
- Bible Birds – Peacocks
- Bible Birds – Pelicans
- Bible Birds – Quail
- Bible Birds – Ravens
- Bible Birds – Sea Gulls
- Bible Birds – Sparrows
Waiting
Here are some of the articles that are active again: (reverse order as they were released)
- Bible Birds – Dove and Pigeon Distribution
- Bible Birds – Swallow-tailed Kites
- Bible Birds – Hawk Migration
- Bible Birds – Heron’s Introduction
- Bible Birds – Lessons From The Heron
- Bible Birds – Herons in Tampa Bay
- Hoopoe Chick Looks Out
- Bible Birds – Common Ostrich
- Bible Birds – Facts About Bird Eggs
- Bible Birds – Owl Introduction
- Bible Birds – Peacocks I
- Bible Birds – Ravens I
- Bible Birds – Get Off My Back
- Bible Birds – Sparrows I
- Bible Birds – Dove, Turtledove and Pigeon’s Introduction
- Bible Birds – The Bat?
- Bible Birds – Cranes I
- Bible Birds – Crane’s Introduction
- Introduction to Bible Birds
- Bible Birds – Bittern II
- Bible Birds – Bittern I
- Harriet Newell Cook – Scripture Alphabet of Animals
- Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Whale
- Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Unicorn
- Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Sheep
- Scripture Alphabet of Animals: The Scorpion
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 