Thought you might enjoy seeing “Inside A Birdhouse”
A friend sent me a link to this commercial. Couldn’t resist.
Keep an eye out for the Human Clock.
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 AMP)
(A fruit drink called Squash)
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Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) by Reinier Munguia
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)
“Owl” is mentioned in 8 verses in the KJV and the word “Owls” is in 6 verses.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Bob-Nan
The first mention of owls in the Bible is in Leviticus and Deuteronomy that list the unclean birds that are not to be eaten.
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, (Leviticus 11:16-17 KJV)
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
(Deuteronomy 14:15-16 KJV)
Little Owl (Athene noctua) by Raymond Barlow
Owls are divided into two (2) families.
The Barn Owls (Tytonidae Family) are medium to large-sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons (claws). They also differ from the Typical Owls (Strigidae Family) in the sternum (breast) and feet.
They live in a wide range of habitats from deserts to forests, and from temperate latitudes to the tropics. Little is known of many of them. The barn-owls are mostly nocturnal (active at night), and generally non-migratory, living in pairs or singly.
The barn-owls’ main characteristic is the heart-shaped facial disc, formed by stiff feathers which serve to amplify and locate the source of sounds when hunting. Their wing feathers were created to eliminate sound caused by flying, aiding both the hearing of the owl listening for hidden prey and keeping the prey unaware of the owl. Barn-owls overall are darker on the back than the front, usually an orange-brown colour, the front being a paler version of the back or mottled, although there is considerable variation even amongst species. The bay-owls closely resemble the Tyto owls but have a divided facial disc, ear tufts, and tend to be smaller.
Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii)(captive) by Raymond Barlow
The Typical Owls (Strigidae Family) is a large family that comprises around 189 living species in 25 genera. The typical owls have a cosmopolitan distribution and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
While typical owls vary greatly in size, with the smallest species, the Elf Owl, being a hundred times smaller than the largest, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and Blakiston’s Fish Owl, owls generally share an extremely similar body plan. They tend to have large heads, short tails, cryptic plumage and round facial discs around the eyes. The family is generally arboreal (live in trees) (with a few exceptions like the Burrowing Owl) and obtain their food on the wing. The wings are large, broad, rounded and long.
Owls are generally nocturnal and spend much of the day roosting. They are often perceived as tame since they will allow people to approach quite closely before taking flight, but they are instead attempting to avoid detection. The cryptic plumage (help camouflage them) and inconspicuous locations (not likely to be seen or noticed) adopted are an effort to avoid predators and mobbing by small birds.
We will learn more about these beautifully created birds in other Bible Birds – Owls articles.
See:
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Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by Lee at Circle B
When birdwatchers want to identify a bird, many times all they are able to do is hear it. Can you listen to a bird and know what kind it is? Some birders use a help called “mnemonics.”
hen birdwatchers want to identify a bird, many times all they are able to do is hear it. Can you listen to a bird and know what kind it is? Some birders use a help called “mnemonics.”
(Definition of mnemonics from Kids Wordsmyth)
mne·mon·ics
pronunciation: ni ma nihks [or] nih ma nihks
part of speech: plural noun
definition: a process, system, or technique used to aid and improve the memory.
Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) by Raymond Barlow
Many birds say their name, like a Eastern Wood Pewee.
Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) by Daves BirdingPix
Carolina Chickadee – “feebee feebay, chick’adee-dee-dee”
Blue Jay by Dan at Bok Tower
Blue Jay – -“jay”
Another way mnemonics are used is to make up a phrase or saying of what the bird sounds like.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by Quy Tran
Carolina Wren – “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle”
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) by Ray
Eastern Towhee – “drink-your-teeee”
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) ©USFWS
White-Throated Sparrow – “poor Sam Pea’body, Pea’body, Pea’body”
This is just an introduction to using “mnemonics” to help you find out what that neat bird your listening to is called. We will cover more birds later. The Lord has given us so many beautiful birds to watch and listen to. Each bird has it’s own songs and calls, but there are so many. How do we figure out who is who? Using this method is just one more way to help.
Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. (Proverbs 8:33 ESV)
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, (Proverbs 1:5 ESV)
See:
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) – ©WikiC
A Gray Bird Was Flying Overhead.
Jack and Evelyn had been playing circus all day. Jack had been the big man who stands in the middle of the ring and cracks his whip, while Evelyn had turned somersaults and made pretty bows. They told daddy all about it when he came home that evening, so he said:
“As you’re so fond of circus performing I will certainly have to tell you about the circus the animals gave.
“Cub Bear got it all up, and every animal who went to it had to first agree to do something. And it really was a most marvelous circus. They all marched around in a parade, while the little bears beat the drums. The rabbits rode on the backs of the possums, and the monkeys rode on the backs of the elephants. The chipmunks drove chariots which were drawn by the gray squirrels, and the clowns were the frogs. The rest of the animals caught hands and followed in the march. They laughed and shouted and enjoyed themselves immensely.
“Then all took their seats and one by one did some sort of an act. The monkeys won a great deal of applause by their trapeze acting. Cub Bear walked a rope and danced around on his hind legs. The bunnies rode bicycles, but that ended sadly, as one of them—a son of old Peter Rabbit, who was renowned for his bicycle riding—in trying to show off, fell and skinned his nose. All the other animals gathered around to see what they could do, while the bunny moaned and moaned.
“A gray bird flying over the tent heard the sound of moans and cries and flew in to see what the trouble was, for he was a very kind-hearted bird. He saw that the bunny was really more frightened than hurt, and with his wings he wiped off the blood from the rabbit’s face. The blood-stain never got off the wings of the bird, so ever after he and his family became known as the redbirds.
“The bunny fully recovered and once more felt like himself; but, of course, after the accident, the animals didn’t care to go on performing, so they all sat around the center of the tent and had a most glorious picnic. Refreshments of all kinds were passed around.
“They had pink lemonade, peanuts, popcorn, ice-cream cones, and water taffy. After they’d finished eating they sang all the old-time songs and frisked about, playing and dancing. Bunny Rabbit, who felt quite spry again, frisked about too, and the redbird flew overhead, flapping his wings with joy, for he was so glad everything had turned out so merrily.
“The circus proved such a success and the animals were in such high spirits that they then and there decided to have a circus every year.”
Lee’s Addition:
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (Luke 10:33 KJV)
When we see someone in need, do we help them? Do we care enough to get involved?
Summer Tanager by Beedie Savage
We don’t know from the story which kind of “redbird” it was, but Cardinals belong to the Cardinalidae – Grosbeaks, Saltators & Allies Family. If it was a Summer or Scarlet Tanager, then they would have been in the Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies Family which has several “Redbirds.”
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Another Bird Tales
From
Daddy’s Bedtime Bird Stories – Gutenberg ebooks
By
Mary Graham Bonner
With four illustrations in color by
Florence Choate and Elizabeth Curtis
These stories first appeared in the American Press Association Service and the Western Newspaper Union.
Many of the sketches in this volume are the work of Rebecca McCann, creator of the “Cheerful Cherub,” etc.
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Daddy’s Bedtime Bird Stories by Mary Graham Bonner – 1917
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Links:
Cardinalidae – Grosbeaks, Saltators & Allies Family
Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies Family
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The Woodpeckers, by Fannie Hardy Eckstorm
A Project Gutenberg EBook
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Title: The Woodpeckers
Author: Fannie Hardy Eckstorm
Release Date: January 25, 2011 [EBook #35062]
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WOODPECKERS ***
(This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org)
COPYRIGHT, 1900, BY FANNIE HARDY ECKSTORM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
To
MY FATHER
MR. MANLY HARDY
A Lifelong Naturalist
_
Long ago in Greece, the legend runs, a terrible monster called the Sphinx used to waylay travelers to ask them riddles: whoever could not answer these she killed, but the man who did answer them killed her and made an end of her riddling.
To-day there is no Sphinx to fear, yet the world is full of unguessed riddles. No thoughtful man can go far afield but some bird or flower or stone bars his way with a question demanding an answer; and though many men have been diligently spelling out the answers for many years, and we for the most part must study the answers they have proved, and must reply in their words, yet those shrewd old riddlers, the birds and flowers and bees, are always ready for a new victim, putting their heads together over some new enigma (mystery) to bar the road to knowledge till that, too, shall be answered; so that other men’s learning does not always suffice. So much of a man’s pleasure in life, so much of his power, depends on his ability to silence these persistent questioners, that this little book was written with the hope of making clearer the kind of questions Nature asks, and the way to get correct answers.
This is purposely a little book, dealing only with a single group of birds, treating particularly only some of the commoner species of that group, taking up only a few of the problems that present themselves to the naturalist for solution, and aiming rather to make the reader acquainted with the birds than learned about them.
The woodpeckers were selected in preference to any other family because they are patient under observation, easily identified, resident in all parts of the country both in summer and in winter, and because more than any other birds they leave behind them records of their work which may be studied after the birds have flown.
The book provides ample means for identifying every species and subspecies of woodpecker known in North America, though only five of the commonest and most interesting species have been selected for special study. At least three of these five should be found in almost every part of the country. The Californian woodpecker is never seen in the East, nor the red-headed in the far West, but the downy and the hairy are resident nearly everywhere, and some species of the flickers and sapsuckers, if not always the ones chosen for special notice, are visitors in most localities.
Look for the woodpeckers in orchards and along the edges of thickets, among tangles of wild grapes and in patches of low, wild berries, upon which they often feed, among dead trees and in the track of forest fires. Wherever there are boring larvæ, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, the fruit of poison-ivy, dogwood, june-berry, wild cherry or wild grapes, woodpeckers may be confidently looked for if there are any in the neighborhood.
Be patient, persistent, wide-awake, sure that you see what you think you see, careful to remember what you have seen, studious to compare your observations, and keen to hear the questions propounded you. If you do this seven years and a day, you will earn the name of Naturalist; and if you travel the road of the naturalist with curious patience, you may some day become as famous a riddle-reader as was that OEdipus, the king of Thebes, who slew the Sphinx.
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) by Raymond Barlow
Lee’s Addition:
This is the beginning of a series from The Woodpeckers book. Our writer, Fannie Hardy Eckstorm, wrote this in 1901. There are 16 chapters, plus this Forward, which are about the Woodpecker Family here in America. All the chapters can be found on The Woodpeckers page.
Woodpeckers belong to the Picidae – Woodpeckers Family.
Here are the upcoming chapter titles:
| CHAP. | PAGE | |
| Foreword: the Riddlers | ||
| I. | How to know a Woodpecker | |
| II. | How the Woodpecker catches a Grub | |
| III. | How the Woodpecker courts his Mate | |
| IV. | How the Woodpecker makes a House | |
| V. | How a Flicker feeds her Young | |
| VI. | Friend Downy | |
| VII. | Persona non Grata. (Yellow-bellied Sapsucker) | |
| VIII. | El Carpintero. (Californian Woodpecker) | |
| IX. | A Red-headed Cousin. (Red-headed Woodpecker) | |
| X. | A Study of Acquired Habits | |
| XI. | The Woodpecker’s Tools: His Bill | |
| XII. | The Woodpecker’s Tools: His Foot | |
| XIII. | The Woodpecker’s Tools: His Tail | |
| XIV. | The Woodpecker’s Tools: His Tongue | |
| XV. | How each Woodpecker is fitted for his own Kind of Life | |
| XVI. | The Argument from Design |
APPENDIX
A. Key to the Woodpeckers of North America
B. Descriptions of the Woodpeckers of North America
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I trust you will enjoy reading about these fantastic birds and how the Lord has created them to be able to carry out their task.
See:
The Woodpeckers by Fannie Hardy Eckstorm
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Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) by Ian
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 14:23 KJV)
I introduced the Bittern in the first Birds of the Bible – Bittern and now I want to add some more information about them. The Bitterns belong to the Order called Pelecaniformes which includes Ibises, Spoonbills, Herons, Bitterns, Frigatebirds, Hamerkop, Shoebills, Pelicans, Gannets, Boobies, Cormorants, Anhingas, and Darters. All of these birds like to hang out around watery places and are related. Within the Pelecaniformes order, there are different families. The Bittern is in the Ardeidae family. Below is a list of the Bitterns within this family.
Belonging to the Ardeidae family, they also have the usual long legs, long necks, and are wading birds. They are associated with water, especially in breeding season. Whereas the herons and egret stand out in the open, the bitterns like to conceal themselves in cattail and sedge marshes, bulrushes, etc. They also have shorter legs and a heavier body. Their “cryptic plumage and upright poses helps to merge with the brown upright reeds…” I’ve had the privilege to see a few of them, and they are hard to find. God has provided them with this protection and it helps them in finding their food. Fish is their favorite food, but they will also consume frogs, small snakes, and other things that pass by.
Here in North America, we only have the American and Least Bitterns. I sometimes confuse them with the smaller herons, like a Green Heron. You can tell they are in the same family (ardeidae).
Here is the sounds of an American Bittern and a Least Bittern from Stokes Bird Songs
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. (Isaiah 34:11)
CLASS – AVES, Order – PELECANIFORMES, Family – Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns
Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) by Ian
Herons, Bitterns – Ardeidae Family
Zonerodius
Forest Bittern (Zonerodius heliosylus) IBC
Botaurus
Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) – Video
Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) by Ian
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) – Video – Video2
Pinnated Bittern (Botaurus pinnatus) by Daves BirdingPix – Video
Ixobrychus
Stripe-backed Bittern (Ixobrychus involucris) IBC
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) by Jim Fenton – Video
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) by Ian
Black-backed Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius)
New Zealand Bittern (Ixobrychus novaezelandiae †) Extinct ©WikiC Drawing
Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) by Ray Barlow – Video
Von Schrenck’s Bittern (Ixobrychus eurhythmus) ©WikiC
Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) by Phil Kwong – Video
Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) ©WikiC
Dupetor
Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis) by Nikhil Devasar – Video
Different Family
Sunbittern – Eurypygidae Family
Eurypyga
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) – Video – Video2
“Recent DNA evidence suggests that this family may in fact belong to the Pelecaniformes. From Wikipedia They used to be in the Ciconiformes family, where most older guide books still have them. My list are from the IOC’s World Lists, 3.1 version.
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In North America we have the American Bittern (23” with a 42-50” wingspan) and Least Bittern (11-14” with a 16-18” wingspan). Both dwell in marsh or wetland habitats and are very difficult to find. God has designed them with plumage and behavior (standing very still with the head pointing up) that helps camouflage them. They eat frogs, small fish, snakes and bugs, etc.
Today there are 15 Bitterns around the world. The bittern is an interesting find in the Bible.
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) by Daves BirdingPix
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts. (Isa 14:23)
Again judgment is being given and the names of the new inhabitants are given. Only the birds will dwell there.
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. (Isa 34:11)
Ninevah will be barren and the bittern and pelican will be singing from the vacant windows. The herds shall lie down in her midst, Every beast of the nation. Both the pelican and the bittern Shall lodge on the capitals of her pillars; Their voice shall sing in the windows; Desolation shall be at the threshold; For He will lay bare the cedar work. (Zep 2:14)
CLASS – AVES, Order –PELECANIFORMES, Family – Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns
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House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) by Ian
The Wren Who Brought Fire ~ from The Curious Book of Birds
ENTURIES and centuries ago, when men were first made, there was no such thing as fire known in all the world. Folk had no fire with which to cook their food, and so they were obliged to eat it raw; which was very unpleasant, as you may imagine! There were no cheery fireplaces about which to sit and tell stories, or make candy or pop corn. There was no light in the darkness at night except the sun and moon and stars. There were not even candles in those days, to say nothing of gas lamps or electric lights. It is strange to think of such a world where even the grown folks, like the children and the birds, had to go to bed at dusk, because there was nothing else to do.
But the little birds, who lived nearer heaven than men, knew of the fire in the sun, and knew also what a fine thing it would be for the tribes without feathers if they could have some of the magic element.
One day the birds held a solemn meeting, when it was decided that men must have fire. Then some one must fly up to the sun and bring a firebrand thence. Who would undertake this dangerous errand? Already by sad experience the Kingfisher had felt the force of the sun’s heat, while the Eagle and the Wren, in the famous flight which they had taken together, had learned the same thing. The assembly of birds looked at one another, and there was a silence.
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) by W Kwong
“I dare not go,” said the Kingfisher, trembling at the idea; “I have been up there once, and the warning I received was enough to last me for some time.”
Indian Peafowl (Pavocristatus) by Nikhil Devasar
“I cannot go,” said the Peacock, “for my plumage is too precious to risk.”
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) by Nikhil Devasar
“I ought not to go,” said the Lark, “for the heat might injure my pretty voice.”
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) ©USFWS
“I must not go,” said the Stork, “for I have promised to bring a baby to the King’s palace this evening.”
European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) ©WikiC
“I cannot go,” said the Dove, “for I have a nestful of little ones who depend upon me for food.”
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) by Quy Tran
“Nor I,” said the Sparrow, “for I am afraid.” “Nor I!” “Nor I!” “Nor I!” echoed the other birds.
Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii)(captive) by Raymond Barlow
“I will not go,” croaked the Owl, “for I simply do not wish to.”
Then up spoke the little Wren, who had been keeping in the background of late, because he was despised for his attempt to deceive the birds into electing him their king. (see King of the Birds)
Rufous-naped Wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) by Ray
“I will go,” said the Wren. “I will go and bring fire to men. I am of little use here. No one loves me. Every one despises me because of the trick which I played the Eagle, our King. No one will care if I am injured in the attempt. I will go and try.”
“Bravely spoken, little friend,” said the Eagle kindly. “I myself would go but that I am the King, and kings must not risk the lives upon which hangs the welfare of their people. Go you, little Wren, and if you are successful you will win back the respect of your brothers which you have forfeited.”
The brave little bird set out upon his errand without further words. And weak and delicate though he was, he flew and he flew up and up so sturdily that at last he reached the sun, whence he plucked a firebrand and bore it swiftly in his beak back toward the earth. Like a falling star the bright speck flashed through the air, drawing ever nearer and nearer to the cool waters of Birdland and the safety which awaited him there. The other birds gathered in a flock about their king and anxiously watched the Wren’s approach.
Suddenly the Robin cried out, “Alas! He burns! He has caught fire!” And off darted the faithful little friend to help the Wren. Sure enough, a spark from the blazing brand had fallen upon the plumage of the Wren, and his poor little wings were burning as he fluttered piteously down, still holding the fire in his beak.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) by Daves BirdingPix
The Robin flew up to him and said, “Well done, brother! You have succeeded. Now give me the fire and I will relieve you while you drop into the lake below us to quench the flame which threatens your life.”
So the Robin in his turn seized the firebrand in his beak and started down with it. But, like the Wren, he too was soon fluttering in the blaze of his own burning plumage, a little living firework, falling toward the earth.
Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti) by Nikhil Devasar
Then up came the Lark, who had been watching the two unselfish birds. “Give me the brand, brother Robin,” she cried, “for your pretty feathers are all ablaze and your life is in danger.”
So it was the Lark who finally brought the fire safely to the earth and gave it to mankind. But the Robin and the Wren, when they had put out the flame which burned their feathers, appeared in the assembly of the birds, and were greeted with great applause as the heroes of the day. The Robin’s breast was scorched a brilliant red, but the poor, brave little Wren was wholly bare of plumage. All his pretty feathers had been burned away, and he stood before them shivering and piteous.
Bald Eagle (close up) Lowry Park Zoo by Lee
“Bravo! little Wren,” cried King Eagle. “A noble deed you have done this day, and nobly have you won back the respect of your brother birds and earned the everlasting gratitude of men. Now what shall we do to help you in your sorry plight?” After a moment’s thought he turned to the other birds and said, “Who will give a feather to help patch a covering for our brave friend?”
“I!” and “I!” and “I!” and “I!” chorused the generous birds. And in turn each came forward with a plume or a bit of down from his breast. The Robin first, who had shared his peril, brought a feather sadly scorched, but precious; the Lark next, who had helped in the time of need. The Eagle bestowed a kingly feather, the Thrush, the Nightingale,—every bird contributed except the Owl.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Bob-Nan
But the selfish Owl said, “I see no reason why I should give a feather. Hoot! No! The Wren brought me into trouble once, and I will not help him now. Let him go bare, for all my aid.”
“Shame! Shame!” cried the birds indignantly. “Old Master Owl, you ought to be ashamed. But if you are so selfish we will not have you in our society. Go back to your hollow tree!”
“Yes, go back to your hollow tree,” cried the Eagle sternly; “and when winter comes may you shiver with cold as you would have left the brave little Wren to shiver this day. You shall ruffle your feathers as much as you like, but you will always feel cold at heart, because your heart is selfish.”
And indeed, since that day for all his feathers the Owl has never been able to keep warm enough in his lonely hollow tree.
But the Wren became one of the happiest of all the birds, and a favorite both with his feathered brothers and with men, because of his brave deed, and because of the great fire-gift which he had brought from the sun.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by Quy Tran
Lee’s Addition:
In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. (Psalms 78:14 KJV)
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three:… Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. (John 21:9-12 KJV)
Trust you enjoyed this tale from The Curious Book of Birds. These entertaining stories were written 1903 and they are just as delightful and fun to read today.
(Photos added by me.)
Links:
Troglodytidae – Wrens Family
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Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by Ian
The Forgetful Kingfisher ~ from The Curious Book of Birds
N these days the Kingfisher is a sad and solitary bird, caring not to venture far from the water where she finds her food. Up and down the river banks she goes, uttering a peculiar plaintive cry. What is she saying, and why is she so restless? The American Kingfisher is gray, but her cousin of Europe is a bird of brilliant azure with a breast of rusty red. Therefore it must have been the foreign Kingfisher who was forgetful, as you shall hear.
Long, long after the sorrows of Halcyone, the first Kingfisher, were ended, came the great storm which lasted forty days and forty nights, causing the worst flood which the world has ever known. That was a terrible time. When Father Noah hastened to build his ark, inviting the animals and birds to take refuge with him, the Kingfisher herself was glad to go aboard. For even she, protected by Æolus from the fury of winds and waters, was not safe while there was no place in all the world for her to rest foot and weary wing. So the Kingfisher fluttered in with the other birds and animals, a strange company! And there they lived all together, Noah and his arkful of pets, for many weary days, while the waters raged and the winds howled outside, and all the earth was covered fathoms deep out of sight below the waves.
But after long weeks the storm ceased, and Father Noah opened the little window in the ark and sent forth the Dove to see whether or not there was land visible on which the ark might find rest. Now after he had sent out the Dove, Noah looked about him at the other birds and animals which crowded around him eagerly, for they were growing very restless from their long confinement, and he said, “Which of you is bravest, and will dare follow our friend the Dove out into the watery world? Ah, here is the Kingfisher. Little mother, you at least, reared among the winds and waters, will not be afraid. Take wing, O Kingfisher, and see if the earth be visible. Then return quickly and bring me faithful word of what you find out yonder.”
Day was just beginning to dawn when the Kingfisher, who was then as gray as gray, flew out from the little window of the ark whence the Dove had preceded her. But hardly had she left the safe shelter of Father Noah’s floating home, when there came a tremendous whirlwind which blew her about and buffeted her until she was almost beaten into the waves, which rolled endlessly over the face of the whole earth, covering the high hills and the very mountains. The Kingfisher was greatly frightened. She could not go back into the ark, for the little window was closed, and there was no land anywhere on which she could take refuge. Just think for a moment what a dreadful situation it was! There was nothing for her to do but to fly up, straight up, out of reach from the tossing waves and dashing spray.
The Kingfisher was fresh and vigorous, and her wings were strong and powerful, for she had been resting long days in the quiet ark, eating the provisions which Father Noah had thoughtfully prepared for his many guests. So up, up she soared, above the very clouds, on into the blue ether which lies beyond. And lo! as she did so, her sober gray dress became a brilliant blue, the color caught from the azure of those clear heights. Higher and higher she flew, feeling so free and happy after her long captivity, that she quite forgot Father Noah and the errand upon which she had been sent. Up and up she went, higher than the sun, until at last she saw him rising far beneath her, a beautiful ball of fire, more dazzling, more wonderful than she had ever guessed.
“Hola!” she cried, beside herself with joy at the sight. “There is the dear sun, whom I have not seen for many days. And how near, how beautiful he is! I will fly closer still, now that I have come so near. I will observe him in all his splendor, as no other bird, not even the high-flying, sharp-eyed Eagle, has ever seen him.”
And with that the foolish Kingfisher turned her course downward, with such mad, headlong speed that she had scarcely time to feel what terrible, increasing heat shot from the sun’s rays, until she was so close upon him that it was too late to escape. Oh, but that was a dreadful moment! The feathers on her poor little breast were scorched and set afire, and she seemed in danger not only of spoiling her beautiful new blue dress but of being burned into a wretched little cinder. Horribly frightened at her danger, the Kingfisher turned once more, but this time toward the rolling waters which covered the earth. Down, down she swooped, until with the hiss of burning feathers she splashed into the cold wetness, putting out the fire which threatened to consume her. Once, twice, thrice, she dipped into the grateful coolness, flirting the drops from her blue plumage, now alas! sadly scorched.
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) by W Kwong
When the pain of her burns was somewhat relieved she had time to think what next she should do. She longed for rest, for refuge, for Father Noah’s gentle, caressing hand to which she had grown accustomed during those stormy weeks of companionship in the ark. But where was Father Noah? Where was the ark? On all the rolling sea of water there was no movement of life, no sign of any human presence. Then the Kingfisher remembered her errand, and how carelessly she had performed it. She had been bidden to return quickly; but she had wasted many hours—she could not tell how many—in her forgetful flight. And now she was to be punished indeed, if she could not find her master and the ark of refuge.
The poor Kingfisher looked wildly about. She fluttered here and there, backward and forward, over the weary stretch of waves, crying piteously for her master. He did not answer; there was no ark to be found. The sun set and the night came on, but still she sought eagerly from east to west, from north to south, always in vain. She could never find what she had so carelessly lost.
The truth is that during her absence the Dove, who had done her errand faithfully, returned at last with the olive leaf which told of one spot upon the earth’s surface at last uncovered by the waves. Then the ark, blown hither and thither by the same storm which had driven the Kingfisher to fly upward into the ether-blue, had drifted far and far to Mount Ararat, where it ran aground. And Father Noah, disembarking with his family and all the assembled animals, had broken up the ark, intending there to build him a house out of the materials from which it was made. But this was many, many leagues from the place where the poor Kingfisher, lonely and frightened, hovered about, crying piteously for her master.
And even when the waters dried away, uncovering the earth in many places, so that the Kingfisher could alight and build herself a nest, she was never happy nor content, but to this day flies up and down the water-ways of the world piping sadly, looking eagerly for her dear master and for some traces of the ark which sheltered her. And the reflection which she makes in the water below shows an azure-blue body, like a reflection of the sky above, with some of the breast-feathers scorched to a rusty red. And now you know how it all came about.
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) by Nikhil Devasar
Lee’s Addition:
An enjoyable Bird Tale from The Curious Book of Birds. Kingfishers belong to the Alcedinidae – Kingfishers Family.
We know the Lord created Kingfishers and gave them their colors, but it is fun to read stories about them, even if they are make-believe. The flood and the ark were true, but that is not quite how they came to fly up and down the waterways.
That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; (Psalms 78:7 NKJV)
My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; (Proverbs 3:1 NKJV)
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5 NKJV)
Kingfishers have been created by a loving Creator just as we have been. We differ from the birds because we were made in God’s image. Therefore, we need to remember our teachings about God and Christ and not forget them. That also includes what your parents ask you to do also.
(Photos added by me.)
Links:
Alcedinidae – Kingfishers Family
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Blue-naped Mousebird at Cincinnati Zoo)
My son, listen to your father’s discipline, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings, because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a golden chain around your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9 GW)
Nape – An easy definition is the back of the neck.
Blue-naped Mousebird – Blue Nape (Back of Neck)
Parts of Bird – Nape in Blue
There are quite a few birds that have colored napes that help identify them, such as Woodpeckers, Grebes, etc. Our Blue-naped Mousebird is one where the color of the “nape” is used in its name. While learning to bird watch, I kept saying (and still do) that the Lord should have placed little signs on them. That way when we look at them through binoculars, scopes, cameras, or our eyes, that we could just read the sign.
That is not the way it is, but there are many clues do that help us ID the birds. The variety of the birds with their colors and shapes keep us busy, but aren’t we thankful that He didn’t make them all alike. How boring that would be.
Here are the “-naped” birds of the world:
Chestnut-naped Francolin (Pternistis castaneicollis)
Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa)
White-naped Crane (Grus vipio)
Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana)
White-naped Pigeon (Columba albinucha)
Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon (Columba delegorguei)
Western Bronze-naped Pigeon (Columba iriditorques)
Island Bronze-naped Pigeon (Columba malherbii)
Scaly-naped Pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa)
Red-naped Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus dohertyi)
Black-naped Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus melanospilus)
Purple-naped Lory (Lorius domicella)
White-naped Lory (Lorius albidinucha)
Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis)
Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata)
Scaly-naped Amazon (Amazona mercenarius)
White-naped Swift (Streptoprocne semicollaris)
Red-naped Trogon (Harpactes kasumba)
Golden-naped Barbet (Megalaima pulcherrima)
Golden-naped Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysauchen)
Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
White-naped Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes festivus)
Blue-naped Pitta (Hydrornis nipalensis)
Rusty-naped Pitta (Hydrornis oatesi)
Grey-naped Antpitta (Grallaria griseonucha)
Chestnut-naped Antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis)
Ochre-naped Ground Tyrant (Muscisaxicola flavinucha)
Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
White-naped Xenopsaris (Xenopsaris albinucha)
White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus)
Red-naped Bushshrike (Laniarius ruficeps)
Rufous-naped Whistler (Aleadryas rufinucha)
Rufous-naped Greenlet (Hylophilus semibrunneus)
Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
White-naped Monarch (Carterornis pileatus)
Azure-naped Jay (Cyanocorax heilprini)
White-naped Jay (Cyanocorax cyanopogon)
Rufous-naped Tit (Periparus rufonuchalis)
White-naped Tit (Parus nuchalis)
Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana)
White-naped Yuhina (Yuhina bakeri)
Rufous-naped Wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
Chestnut-naped Forktail (Enicurus ruficapillus)
Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)
Golden-naped Weaver (Ploceus aureonucha)
Golden-naped Finch (Pyrrhoplectes epauletta)
Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea)
White-naped Brush Finch (Atlapetes albinucha)
Pale-naped Brush Finch (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Rufous-naped Brush Finch (Atlapetes latinuchus)
Golden-naped Tanager (Tangara ruficervix)
Green-naped Tanager (Tangara fucosa)
White-naped Seedeater (Dolospingus fringilloides)
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You can see by the photos that the “nape” can be narrow or very broad. Other birds have napes that are different colors, but do not have the word “nape” in their names. Some of the Woodpeckers that have napes were include above.
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Child’s Book of Water Birds – Book Cover
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American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) by Robert Scanlon
Update:
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. (John 21:4 ESV)
American Oystercatchers are sometimes called the American Pied Oystercatcher. They are about 19 inches (42-52 cm) long. They were created with a large thick orange or red beak which helps them pry open their food, like oysters, clams, and mussels. They belong to the Oystercatcher Family which has twelve (12) species. They like the coastal areas and nest on the beaches. In winter, they are found in flocks along the coast from central New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico (eastern) or along the Pacific coast from northwestern Baja California southward. (western).
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) Family by Beedie Savage
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See the other five Child’s Book of Water Birds:
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Oystercatcher – Wikipedia
Oystercatcher – All About Birds
Oystercatcher – ARKive
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Back Cover
*** PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHILD'S BOOK OF WATER BIRDS *** *
Child’s Book of Water Birds – Book Cover
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Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) w brood ©USFWS
Update:
Today we use ballpoint pens and the Geese do not need to have their feathers plucked for quill pens. There are many Geese here in America and around the world. They belong to the Ducks, Geese & Swan Family. Many local parks have geese of various kinds. They are larger than Ducks, but smaller than Swans,
The female is called a “goose” and the male is the “gander.” Some of the kinds of geese are: Barnacle, Cackling, Canada, Emperor, Nene, Ross’s and the Snow Goose.
Many geese, like the Snow Goose, have their chicks in summer in the northern parts of America and then fly south in the winter. They gather in huge flocks.
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Even the stork in the heavens knows her times, and the turtledove, swallow, and crane keep the time of their coming, but my people know not the rules of the LORD. (Jer 8:7 ESV)
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See the other five Child’s Book of Water Birds:
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*** PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHILD'S BOOK OF WATER BIRDS *** *
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
