Tag Archives: A. J. Mithra

Coppersmith Barbet – The Fruit-giver

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Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by MAMuin

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by MAMuin

Coppersmith Barbet – The Fruit-giver ~ by a j mithra

The Coppersmith Barbet or Crimson-breasted Barbet or Coppersmith (Megalaima haemacephala) is a bird with crimson forehead and throat which is best known for its metronomic call that has been likened to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer.

It is a resident found in South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia. Throughout their wide range they are found in gardens, groves and sparse woodland. Habitats with trees having dead wood suitable for excavation is said to be important but these birds nest and roost in cavities too. In the Palni Hills of southern India it is said to occur below 4000 feet. In the Himalayas it is found mainly in the valleys of the outer Himalayas up to 3000 feet. They are rare in the dry desert zones and the very wet forests.

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

Keeps solitary, pairs, or small groups; larger parties occasionally on abundantly fruiting Ficus trees.

Fond of sunning themselves in the morning on bare top branches of tall trees, often flitting about to sit next to each other.

  • These birds are fond of sun and they never miss sitting in the sun every morning at an appointed time…
  • We know that His grace is new every morning….
  • But do we have an appointed time with the Sun of Righteousness each morning?

…..and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17

The flight is straight, with rapid flaps. They compete with other cavity nesting birds and frugivores.

Megalaima asiatica have been noted to evict them from their nest holes, while Red-vented Bullbuls have been seen to indulge in Kleptoparasitism robbing the male of berries brought to the female at the nest.

  • The devil is out there to steal our fruit, to bring division between God and man…
  • Let us stand firm in prayer and praise to ward of the devil’s plan in our lives..
  • Prayer brings protection and praise brings the Protector Himself…

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:33

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

The nest holes are also used for roosting and some birds roost alone in cavities and these often roost during part of the day. Immatures will roost with the parents but often return to roost early so as not to be prevented by the parents from entering the roost cavity.

The younger ones often return early, so that their parents do not prevent them from entering their home..

Here is something for the younger generation to learn from these birds…

  • Returning home late has become a practice for the nex-gen…
  • They do not understand how worried their parents would be, if they don’t return early from school or college or even work for that matter…
  • They never seem to realize how dangerous it is to stay away late from home…

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. Proverbs 27:8

Dinah went out all alone from her house to see the land but, what happened later, brought shame to her whole family… That story is told in Genesis chapter 34..

Most youngsters go late night outing with friends after work and some even after school or college without the knowledge of their parents..

  • It is during one of these outing that they get into drugs and fall into pre-marital sex and even commit murder..
  • Poor parents think, that their children are so innocent..
  • Parents too are to be held responsible…
  • How many parents spend quality time with their children…

Remember, children are a gift from God…

  • Are we handling those gifts with love and care..
  • They don’t need your money, all that they need is your loving care dear parents..
  • Most crime takes place in the dark, so let us protect our children from darkness and lead them to eternal life…
Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) by Clement Francis

The Bible also says,

Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. Psalm 104:19-23

The call is a loud rather metallic tuk…tuk…tuk (or tunk), reminiscent of a copper sheet being beaten, giving the bird its name. Repeated monotonously for long periods, starting with a subdued tuk and building up to an even volume and tempo, the latter varying from 108 to 121 per minute and can continue with as many as 204 notes. They are silent and do not call in winter. The beak remains shut during each call – a patch of bare skin on both sides of the throat inflates and collapses with each tuk like a rubber bulb and the head is bobbed.

Prefers Banyan, Peepul, and other wild figs, various drupes and berries, and the occasional insect, caught in aerial sallies. Petals of flowers may also be included in their diet. They eat nearly 1.5 to nearly 3 times their body weight in berries each day.

Courtship involves singing, puffing of the throat, bobbing of the head, flicking of the tail, ritual feeding and allopreening. They breed through much of the year with local variation. The breeding season is mainly February to April in India and December to September in Sri Lanka.

Both sexes excavate the nest on the underside of a narrow horizontal branch. They may also roost inside the nest holes. Three or four eggs are laid and like in many hole nesting birds the incubation period is not well known but has been estimated to be about 2 weeks. Both sexes incubate. Often two broods are raised in quick succession.

During courtship the male bird offers a fruit and if the female receives it, they raise a family..

Imagine if the same rule is set for us, how many of us God would accept as His bride?

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Mathew 21:43

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Luke 3:8

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The Coppersmith Barbet is in the Asian Barbets – Megalimidae Family of the Piciformes Order.

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The Smooth-billed Ani – The Corporates…

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Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Daves BirdingPix

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Daves BirdingPix

The Smooth-billed Ani – The Corporates… ~ by a j mithra

The Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a large near passerine bird in the cuckoo family. It is a resident breeding species from southern Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, parts of Central America, south to western Ecuador, Brazil, and northern Argentina. This ani is found in open and semi-open country and areas under cultivation.

The Smooth-billed Ani is about 33 cm (13 in) long and weighs 95 g (3.4 oz). The adult is mainly flat black, with a long tail, deep ridged black bill and a brown iris. The flight is weak and wobbly, but the bird runs well and usually feeds on the ground. This bird’s flight maybe weak, but, God had created it to run well..

  • You may not be able to do what other can do…
  • At the same time, you have realize that you too can do something what the other can’t do..
  • God had not created anyone like you.. You are unique..
  • David did not know how to use a sword, but still, God gave him victory over the giant,
  • with what he had..

You may have very little to offer, but, remember that, you have an awesome God..

Go with what little you have, cos, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you…

All things are possible with God…

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Ian

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Ian

This is a very gregarious species, always found in noisy groups. Smooth-billed Ani is often seen in pairs or in small groups. They climb and flutter in bushes, hop on the ground with loosely cocked tail. When they roost together during cold nights, they perform mutual preening during long moments.

One member of a Smooth-billed Ani group often sits on a high perch and watches for danger while the rest forage. These birds know the importance togetherness..

  • Did not the Bible ask us to be in peace with one another?
  • Did not the Bible advocate brotherhood?

Look at these birds, they take time to preen one another and take turns to watch out for danger..

We say that the churches are the body of Christ…

  • Does one church care for another?
  • Does the church practice what it preaches?

We are the church, who needs to change our attitude and care for our fellow being…

Unless churches unite together as one, it would be hard to defeat satan..

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4 :9-12

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) ©ArthurGrosset

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) ©ArthurGrosset

The nest of the Smooth-billed Ani is built communally by several pairs. Eggs are laid by several females, deposited in layers separated by leaves or grass. Several Smooth-billed Ani females typically lay eggs and incubate in the same nest. Late-laying females bury the eggs of early-laying females with twigs and leaves, which can create a number of layers of eggs; only the top layer eventually hatches. As many as 36 eggs may be found in a single nest.

This bird species is a classic example of corporate living… Communal nest building, communal incubation, communal feeding, communal preening and communal territorial guarding is not seen among many species..

  • We as church have so much differences in faith, worship, teaching and so on..
  • Corporate worship and corporate prayer has brought victories to the early church…
  • We say that we are the church but, are we as powerful as the early church?
  • It’s time to switch on the search lights to see where we went wrong…

A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.  Psalm 133

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA, a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Tasty household…

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Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) ©WikiC

Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) ©WikiC

Tasty household… ~ by a j mithra

Edible-nests Swiftlets
build their nests
with their saliva..

Edible-nest Swiftlets - Swiftlet Bird Nests©WikiC

Edible-nest Swiftlets - Swiftlet Bird Nests©WikiC

Its nests are considered
as the costliest delicacy
in the world..
The nests are known
for its nutrients…
How do we build our nests?
Do people find
that our household
nutrient and tasty?
Does our household
reflect the Love of JESUS?

‘We are fearfully
and
wonderfully made by GOD…”
But,
the question is,
how wonderful is our household,
our Nest for people around us?

…:but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

 

The Edible-Nest Swiftlet is in the Apodidae Family of the Apodiformes Order.

 

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Mysterious Sungrebe…

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Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) by Robert Scanlan

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) by Robert Scanlan

Mysterious Sungrebe… ~ by a j mithra

Sungrebe, common name for a tropical, mainly aquatic bird of the family Heliornithidae. Sungrebes, also called finfoots, are remarkable for their colorful, puffy-toed, webbed feet, which may serve as lures for fish and other aquatic animals.

The Sungrebe is a small slim-bodied water bird, typically 28-31 cm long and weighing 130 g.

African Finfoot with puffy feet ©WikiC

African Finfoot with puffy feet ©WikiC

Once widely distributed, they (Heliornithidae) are now limited to three species.

The largest of these is the Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personata) measuring up to 20 in. (51 cm) in length, and found from Bengal to Malaya and Sumatra. Its body is olive-brown above, with a black head and throat, a yellow bill, and bright green legs with white stripes.

At 16 in. (41 cm), the African Finfoot (Podica senegalis) is dark brown with black and white spots above, a white belly, and bright red feet and legs. It is thought to be more of a climber than the other species.

Only a third to a quarter as bulky as the Asian Sungrebe and measuring less than 12 in. (30 cm) in length is the Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) of South and Central America. its plumage is colored similarly to that of the Asian sun grebe, but it is scarlet-billed with yellow, black-striped legs.

All three species are marked by a white band running from eye to neck. Sun grebes are classified in the phylum Chordata subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves, order Gruiformes, family Heliornithidae. It is mainly brown, with a long neck and blackish tail, and a long red bill. The crown and neck are strikingly patterned with black and white stripe, and the feet are black and yellow.

The sexes differ in the colour of the cheeks, buff in the female and white for the male. Sungrebes are shy birds rarely seen by people. They usually swim close to cover and may hide either in vegetation or in the water, with their bodies underwater and their heads lowered, when they are disturbed.

What do we do when we are disturbed in life?

  • Look up towards mortal men or the immortal God?
  • These birds teach us the best way to turn our focus from a mess to a message…
  • Instead of facing the problem, it would be better to get immersed in to the Living water…
  • As long as Peter’s focus was on the Lord, he was able to walk over the water…
  • Once he shifted his focus from the Lord to the water, he sunk…
  • Let our focus be on the One whose focus is always on us…

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Psalm 18:10)

They are not just good swimmers but capable walkers and climbers too. Sungrebes tend to roost, or spend the night, in trees or bushes. This bird is unique that it is able to do everything; fly, swim, walk and climb..

We are unique too, for, God has created us in His image..

So, lets stop talking low of ourselves and start praising God for His purpose in our lives..

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personatus) Wikipedia

Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personatus) ©Wikipedia

Sungrebes may be solitary, that is, may live by themselves, or are found in pairs, generally male and female breeding partners, or family groups. Sungrebes are permanently territorial, meaning they defend their territories from other individuals of the same species during the breeding season as well as the nonbreeding season.

Although all three sungrebe species have distinctive calls, these are not often heard. The African Finfoot makes a loud booming sound during breeding. The Masked Finfoot has a bubbling call. The Sungrebe has a “eeyoo” call that it makes to warn other sungrebes away from its territory.

Though these birds have distinctive calls, they are not often heard..

Our grumbling and complaining is heard ever so often, which makes it easier for satan to locate us easily..

The Bible says,

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

God did not ask us to open our mouth to complain and grumble, but, to sing praises…

  • The next time you feel like a looser and want to grumble or complain, just remember that, you are giving away your location to satan…
  • Our praises has the power to vacate God from heaven, to dwell with us..
  • At the same time grumble and complaints has the power to bring satan among us…
  • Remember, Israelites grumbled and fell dead in the wilderness…
  • But, Joshua and Caleb worshiped their way into the land of milk and honey…

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)

African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis) Wikipedia

African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis) Wikipedia

Sungrebes feed primarily on insects, particularly midgets, mayflies, and dragonflies. They may also eat beetles, grasshoppers, and flies, as well as some mollusks, crustaceans, worms, millipedes, and spiders. Occasionally they can eat larger animals such as frogs, tadpoles, or small fish. Sungrebes are also known to eat a small amount of plant material, such as seeds and leaves. Most of their food is found on the water surface, but Sungrebes also forage in overhanging vegetation or along banks.

It nests from August to April building a bowl shaped nest from reeds, course grass and shiny leaves which it places on a sloping branch overhanging the water often in driftwood caught in branches. The eggs are pale buffy green streaked with brown and purple and 1 to 2 are laid and incubated for about eleven days. The chicks hatch naked, blind, and defenseless.

When our dwelling place is near the Living waters, we have providence in abundance and protection and deliverance..

Where are we planted?

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Sungrebe is already very strange in having a very short incubation period (10-11 days, matching some small passerines) but has an astonishing behavior entirely unique in the bird world: the male Sungrebe is able to transport these helpless offspring, even in flight! The male has a shallow pocket under each wing into which the two young can fit. The pocket is formed by a pleat of skin, and made more secure by the feathers on the side of the body just below. The heads of the chicks could be seen from below as the bird flew. This adaptation is unique among birds: in no other species is there any mechanism whereby altricial young can be transported.

Our God not only carries us under His mighty wings but has carved us in His palms too…

  • But, most of us seem to find the temporary comforts of the world better suited for us…
  • Maybe that is the reason we are unable to be successful in life…
  • As long as Eve was with Adam, the serpent couldn’t be near her..
  • The day she went alone around the garden of Eden, she was deceived by satan..
  • Where are we right now?
  • It’s time for us to get back to our basics, our first love…

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: (Deuteronomy 32:11)

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) ©Wikipedia

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) ©Wikipedia

Of course, the precocial young of some swans and grebes may hitch rides on their swimming parents’ backs, and a male jaçana can transport his chicks about holding them between his wings and body, but neither of these cases applies when the adults are in flight….

The transport system of the Sungrebe raises numerous further questions. How do the chicks get into the pocket? Are they put in by the male? Does he feed them in there? Do they stay inside, or get in and out? Why does the female not have similar pockets? …

Yes, the Sungrebe and the Finfoots are mystery birds indeed…

Our God is not mysterious but His ways are…

  • He makes ways only where there seems to be no way….
  • He makes ways over the waters and over the sky…
  • He brings waters in the wilderness and rivers into the desert…
  • You may not see rain or wind yet, He is capable of bring rain….
  • He can win a battle with a pebble..
  • He can even win a war without a fight…
  • He can make the waters stand up tall and mighty walls to lie flat..

Our God is able…

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (Jeremiah 32:19)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Heliornithidae Family

Gruiformes Order

Light Rain…

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Nicobar Pigeon sunbathing at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Nicobar Pigeon sunbathing at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Light Rain… by a j mithra

Numerous Bird species
know that

Great Blue Heron sunning by Dan

Great Blue Heron sunning by Dan

Sun light and heavy rains
would support
a tremendous food source
for all of them…
That’s the reason
we can see lots of birds
having sunbath
just after rains….
Most of us
have failed to realize that,
it is impossible
to survive
without THE LIGHT
of the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
and
the rain of THE HOLY SPIRIT…
JESUS had told that
HE will pour the latter rain
on all flesh..
Thank GOD we are made of flesh
so,
lets get soaked in the rain
and walk in THE LIGHT…

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. (Zechariah 10:1)

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

Wordless Birds

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Launching pad…

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Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Launching pad… ~ a j mithra

Brant Geese (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Brant Geese (Branta bernicla) by Ian

The small Arctic Goose
called Brant Goose,
would wait
for the storm system
to come,
so that,
it would catch
the storm’s tail wind
and
migrate during winter…
GOD doesn’t give
the storm to destroy you,
but,
to take you
to a better place…
Remember,
storm is surely
a launching pad…

The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3)

Have a blessed day!

A thought from ~ a j mithra

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Mrs. Mom…

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Northern Wren by Peter Ericsson

Northern Wren by Peter Ericsson

Mrs. Mom… ~ by a j mithra

Scientists have found
that mother Wrens

Winter Wren Female and chick ©Wikipedia

Winter Wren Female and chick ©Wikipedia

make at least 1200 visits
to its nest
to feed its chicks…
Amazing isn’t it?
If a small little bird
could take
so much care
of its chicks,
how much would
our LORD,
who gave HIS life
care for you and me?
If the creation is
so amazing,
what would you say
about the CREATOR?

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. (Psalm 27:10)

Have a Blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

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Seeker…

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Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) ©Flickr Scott Heron

Seeker… ~ by a j mithra

A small
North American bird,
the size of a sparrow
called the Blackpoll Warbler,
flies about 2,500 miles
on a nonstop 90 hr.
journey during migration
every year..

Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) female by Kent Nickell

Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) female by Kent Nickell

If such a small little bird
could fly that long
and that far,
How far
and how long
should we seek the presence
of the LORD?

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Mathew 6:33)

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant…

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Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Pair ©©ramendan

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Pair ©©ramendan

Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant… ~ by a j mithra

Rice bird, meadow-wink, skunk blackbird, reed bird, butter bird—these various names for the member of the blackbird family most commonly known as the Bobolink reflect the diversity of ways in which humans have looked upon this gregarious songbird.

Nesting in the prairies and cultivated land of south Canada and the northern United States and wintering in the grasslands and marshes of Argentina, the Bobolink migrates at least 5,000 miles each way.

Bobolink Migration Route©WikiC

Bobolink Migration Route©WikiC

The Bobolink is an extraordinary migrant, traveling to south of the equator each autumn and making a round-trip of approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,500 mi). One female, known to be at least 9 years old, presumably made this trip annually, a total distance equal to traveling 4.5 times around the earth at the equator! These birds migrate to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. One bird was tracked flying 12,000 miles (19,000 km) over the course of the year, and up to 1,100 miles (1,800 km) in one day. The vast distance is more impressive in relation to the Bobolink’s diminutive size, averaging 7 inches in length, 11.5 inches in wingspan, and 1.5 ounces. in weight.

  • Feeling small?
  • Get ready to do greater things for God…
  • You know, God does not use boulders to stop the waves of the sea from entering the land..
  • But, He uses tiny grains of sand to do it..

God has designed this bird to travel long distances to encourage us that we too can do great and mighty things for God..

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 6:21)

God seems to have a liking to use small things to fulfill great missions..

  • He chose the small Miriam to find a way to take care of Moses..
  • He chose a small slave girl to bring healing to a Commander of an army..
  • He chose a little shepherd boy David to bring down a mighty giant..
  • He chose a small boy to feed the multitudes…

Here again, this small bird He uses to inspire us to do great things for God..

If this small bird can travel 4.5 times around the world at the equator in its life time, how much more God will expect from us? Most of rely on our strength that is the reason we find it so difficult to travel next door to share the gospel isn’t it?

What sense does it make to say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me when we find it so difficult to stand for God?

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©USFWS

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©USFWS

Bobolinks begin their journey northward in South America in early March, reaching Colombia and Venezuela in late April. From there, most take a route over the Caribbean Sea to the Florida peninsula, although some will cross the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to Louisiana and Texas. From there they fan northward and westward, arriving on the breeding grounds in May. These Birds breed in open grasslands and hay fields.

Bobolinks migrate at night. The distinctive “clink” notes of these nocturnal travelers can be heard as they pass overhead in large flocks, apparently using the earth’s magnetic field as a compass and the locations of the stars as a map.

  • Human race boasts about technology, innovation and inventions…
  • We feel great pride in finding unknown routes with the help of satellites and compass…

But, these birds use the earth’s magnetic field as compass and locations of the stars as a map…

  • How difficult it is for us to tread on unknown path?
  • When we worship in church we feel so good to call Jesus as the Brightest Morning Star…
  • Do we really turn towards this Morning Star to seek direction in life?
  • Who is our inspiration in life?

If God be with us who can be against us? But the million dollar question is, are we with God?

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (Jeremiah 32:19)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©WikiC

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©WikiC

In summer, Bobolinks feed primarily on insects switching to grain crops as they migrate south. In migration and in winter uses freshwater marshes, grasslands, rice and sorghum fields.

Although the Bobolink typically feeds during the day, in migration, while building fat reserves for its long over water flight, it has been observed feeding in rice fields after dark on bright nights.

We all know that we are on the verge of migrating once and for all to heaven..

  • Have we stored reserves to migrate that long?
  • His words has the power to heal the broken and strengthen the weak…
  • His words shall never return empty…

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:1-8)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton

How many times do we read His words in a day? Maybe we should learn from these birds to eat His words even during our dark hours.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Judging by sight or sound, the Bobolink is a bird of distinction. Their song has been vividly described as

  • “a bubbling delirium of ecstatic music that flows from the gifted throat of the bird like sparkling champagne,”
  • “a mad, reckless song-fantasia, and outbreak of pent-up, irrepressible glee,” and as
  • “a tinkle of fairy music, like the strains of an old Greek harp.”

We may not be a good singer, yet, God loves to hear us sing. The reason for creating us is to sing, glorify and thank Him.  But, we seem to do every other thing except thanking Him…  Many of our prayers are unanswered, because, we have failed to thank when we pray..

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

The Bobolink is in the Icteridae Family of the Passeriformes Order

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Swinhoe’s Pheasant – The Secret Agents..

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Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Male ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Male ©WikiC

Swinhoe’s Pheasant – The Secret Agents.. ~ by a j mithra

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant, discovered in 1862 by Robert Swinhoe, is a bird endemic to the undisturbed broadleaf forests of Taiwan below 2,500 meters of elevation. Since then, its numbers have fallen due to destruction of natural habitat, and was listed as endangered in 1966.

The habitat of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant has been recorded as dense forest. However, they can also be seen feeding out in the open along forest trails or on forest edges. The range of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant is from sea level up to 2,500 meters of the Central Mountain Range.

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

They live on the floor of a forest with a dense canopy and sparse undergrowth. Occasionally, they may also be found in more mature secondary growth forest, bamboo forest, and mixed forests. Because most of Taiwan’s broadleaf forest has been cleared in the lower elevations, Swinhoe’s Pheasants are mainly found in forests above 1,000 meters elevation. Fragmentation of forests occurring in the upper elevations is a growing threat to populations of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant. Though these birds prefer a higher elevation for a habitat, they still prefer to live on the floor of the forest..

  • Zacchaeus was a tax collector and must have been a rich man,,,
  • We all know that he climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus…
  • And how Jesus went to his house only after he obeyed and came down from the tree..

Where are we right now?

Jesus will step into our lives and homes, but, not until we humble ourselves, Our feet planted firmly on the ground…

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Proverbs 29:23)

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) ©WikiC

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant follow the same feeding route in the forest each day. Along forest trails, there are often visible paths through the vegetation where the pheasants walk in and out every day. These paths are not permanent, however, and the same bird might have several entrances in an area.

  • When satan closes one door our God opens several entrances for us…
  • But, most of us just keep staring and grumbling at the closed road instead of looking at the other doors which God had opened for us…
  • One night, Peter’s door was closed and he returned with an empty boat..
  • But, Jesus had different plans after Peter willingly gave his boat to Him…
  • He opened the door so wide that, Peter’s boat overflowed into his friend’s boat too.
  • Instead of staring and grumbling at the closed door, give your life to Jesus and He shall open doors for you and yours too…
  • Well, satan may come through one way but he surely has to flee through seven ways.

This means if he enters your life, he has to open seven doors for you as he flees, because, your life is God’s own domain…

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. (Deuteronomy 28:7)

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

These pheasants feed by digging and their natural diet consists of seeds, plant material, acorns, berries,  flower buds, leaves, and occasionally insects such as earthworms, millipedes, termites. They tend to feed in the early morning and late afternoon hours, along trail edges in herbaceous ground cover. The pheasants are most active early dawn and late afternoon, especially in the fog when visibility is low. During the night, pheasants roost in trees, discovered through radio-tracking by researchers.

  • If not for His grace and mercy, neither I wouldn’t have written this article nor you would be reading this..
  • All of us would like to see more of His grace and mercy in our lives, but, we fail to comprehend that His grace is not for everyone..
  • We know that His mercy is like morning dew, but how many of us seek Him at dawn?
  • His grace is for the humble, but are we humble?

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (Proverbs 3:34)

The nests of Swinhoe’s Pheasants are so well concealed that it is almost impossible to come across unless followed through radio-tracking. The nests are built in highly secretive locations under a large shelter such as logs or rocks where it is safe from rain and predators. Sometimes the nest is built on a tree, where it is well hidden by vegetation.

  • When Jesus becomes the head of our house, satan will never be able to see us…
  • Remember how God smote the Syrian horses and chariots with blindness and led them to a wrong place?
  • He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow…
  • He is not only the God of Elijah but ours too..
  • If He can do it for Elijah, He can do it for us too, provided we are as faithful as Prophet Elijah….

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

  • His protection is there for us since we entered our mother’s womb..
  • But, are we still worthy to have this fool-proof protection?
  • If not, it is time for us to regain lost ground by completely submitting our lives..

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:  Crosstree

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant is part of the Phasianidae Family of the Galliformes Order.

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Secretary Bird – The Walker

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Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretary Bird – The Walker ~ by a j mithra

The Secretary bird is a bird of prey, but unlike other raptors it has long legs, wings and a tail.

The single species of its family, the bird gets its name from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers used to tuck behind their ears.

A more recent hypothesis is that “secretary” is borrowed from a French corruption of the Arabic saqr-et-tair or “hunter-bird.” The generic name “Sagittarius” is Latin for “archer,” perhaps likening the Secretary Bird’s “quills” to a quiver of arrows, and the specific epithet “serpentarius” recalls the bird’s skill as a hunter of reptiles This is the only member of the family Sagittariidae.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) at Lowry Pk Zoo by Lee

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) at Lowry Pk Zoo by Lee

The bird is basically dove-grey in color, with black on the wings, thighs and elongated central tail feathers. The short, down-curved bill is backed by an area of bare, red and yellow skin. The Secretary bird stands three feet high.

The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa south of the Sahara. It is found in open areas of plains and savanna country, and often congregates at areas that have been recently burnt, where mammals are deprived of cover and often injured. These birds are basically terrestrial, taking to flight only when hard-pressed. Usually only single birds are found, with members of a pair some distance apart.

The Secretary bird walks well on extremely long legs, and a bird may plod up to twenty miles in a day. When pursued, it relies on its speed to escape.

  • If these birds can walk twenty miles a day, how far do we walk for the Lord?

The Bible says,

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew 5:41)

  • Jesus has never compelled us to walk with Him, did He?
  • Unless we walk in THE WAY, to fly high like an eagle can never be possible..
  • His rod and His staff, they comfort those who walk through the valley of the shadow of death..
  • He is the light to those who walk in the darkness..
  • He is the shield to those who walk through the fire..
  • He is the spring of joy to those who walk through the valley of tears…

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1)

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

In addition to finding food with its beak, the Secretary bird will also stamp on grass tussocks with its feet to scare up lizards, grasshoppers, and small mammals or birds.It is a large bird of open country, savannah and steppe, which can be seen stalking across the plains in search of rodents, reptiles, large insects and, famously, snakes…

It has a surprisingly powerful kick which it uses to stamp on larger prey.

Do you remember where God has called us to stamp and walk?

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. (Psalm 91:13)

This privilege is not for everyone, because, God has kept a price tag for every blessing..

The price tag for the above privilege is tied to the first verse and the ninth of the same chapter..

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; (Psalm 91:9)

  • Where is your secret place, your refuge and your habitation?
  • When you make Jesus your habitation, you know what will happen?

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

In addition to its normal “raptor” type diet it is also attracted to bush and grass fires, where it feeds on the small animals which fail to escape the blaze. It finds most of its food on the ground and has a partiality for snakes. It grabs the snake with its strong toes and beats it to death on the ground, while protecting itself from bites with its large wings. Finally, it seizes its prey and hurls it into the air several times to stun it. In South Africa, these birds are kept in captivity to destroy snakes and rats.

Satan thought that he can put an end to Jesus, the Creator, but, Jesus claimed victory on the cross, so that we may live under the protection of His wings forever and ever..

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:18)

Although it is usually seen walking it does have very large, broad wings and is an accomplished flyer, using thermals to gain height and soar across distances. Secretary Birds are territorial, normally occupying areas of around 45-50 square kilometers, Interestingly in Kenya they occupy smaller territories.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC

Secretary Birds associate in monogamous pairs. During mating season there is heavy competition between males, with birds doing acrobatic flights, climbing high into the sky, then suddenly dropping down..

During courtship, they exhibit a nuptial display by soaring high with undulating flight patterns and calling with guttural croaking. Males and females can also perform a grounded display by chasing each other with their wings up and back, much like the way they chase prey. Once paired up they are devoted and remain together for life…  They usually mate on the ground, although some do so in Acacia trees.

  • Jesus gave His life so that we may remain devoted, loyal and remain together for life…
  • He knew that we would walk away from Him from time to time..
  • Is that the reason why He said,

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mathew 24:13)

If we cannot walk with Him on earth all through our life of may be about eighty years, do you think it is possible for us to live with Him in heaven forever and ever?

So as Secretary birds pair for life, they are remarkably faithful to their nest site too. The nest is generally placed low in the fork of a tree, usually an acacia. The huge bundle of sticks grows year by year in the manner of an eagle’s eyrie. Nests are built at a height of 5–7 m (15–20 feet) on Acacia trees. Both the male and female visit the nest site for almost half a year before egg laying takes place. The nest is around 2.5 m (eight feet) wide and 30 cm (one foot) deep, and is constructed as a relatively flat basin of sticks.

  • God is remarkable faithful to finish the good work which He has started in you..
  • But, how faithful are we to Him?

These birds visit their nest site for almost half the year..

  • You know, Jesus is preparing a kingdom for us since the foundation of the world..
  • What a loving God we have!!!!

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Mathew 25:34)

Secretary Birds occupy an ecological niche similar to that occupied by Peafowl in South and South east Asia, Roadrunners in North and Central America and Seriemas in Soth America.

The Secretary Bird is the National Emblem as well as a prominent feature on the Coat of Arms of Sudan. In Sudan, it is featured in the middle white strip of the Presidential Flag; it is the main object on the Presidential Seal, and features heavily in Sudanese military insignia. The Secretary Bird on the Presidential Flag and Seal has its head turned to the right, with its distinctive crest clearly visible and its wings spread out with a white banner between its outstretched wings reading “Victory is Ours”.

We are the crown of the King of kings and the Lord of lords..

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. (Isaiah 62:3)

We shall be victorious because we have a God who said

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47)

Yahweh Nissi- The Lord is our banner..

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:  Crosstree

Accipitriformes Order of the Sagittariidae Family

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Birds – The Engineers..

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Birds – The Engineers.. ~ by a j mithra

Birds are capable of grand engineering feats. But are they engineers?  Not in the way you might think. Just as birds know how to fly, they know how to build a nest without instructions or apprenticeship. It’s a matter of instinct. Birds craft their nests without consciously thinking about it. How then did some species of birds develop such well-engineered, elaborate nests?

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) Nest w/eggs by Nikhil Devasar

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) Nest w/eggs by Nikhil Devasar

Horned Larks nests showed a significant northern bias in orientation angle and were 49% shaded in the early afternoon, the hottest part of the day. A northern nest orientation ensures maximal shading by the grass tuft to the south, may protect nests from cool evening winds, and provides increased daytime ventilation of the nest through exposure to prevailing winds. In addition, shade may also help conceal nests from predators.

  • From where did these birds learn to choose the location to build their nests?
  • Have we ever thought about the direction in which we need to have the front door of our house?
  • Is our choice based on location or direction of the house?

When JESUS becomes our direction, HE gives the best location..

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9)

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) ©WikiC

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) ©WikiC

Pectoral Sandpipers nest on the arctic tundra, often near water. The nest is lined with grass, moss and lichens. They do not use lining materials according to local availability. Instead, relative use was correlated with a material’s insulative quality when wet and they therefore use lining materials appropriate to minimizing heat loss given their damp breeding environment.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) by Robert Scanlon

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) by Robert Scanlon

Female Blue Tits gather lavender, yarrow, curry, mint and other scented plants for their nests shortly after laying eggs, and continue to do so until the chicks leave home. They are real botanists and do a great job exploiting their environment to protect their chicks. The birds make a pot-pourri of 10 aromatic plants from the 250 species in their habitat. Many of the chemicals in these plants ward off bacteria,
viruses, parasites, fungi and insects.

Our nest is covered by the blood of JESUS and no harm shall enter…

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13)

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) by Daves BirdingPix

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) by Daves BirdingPix

Common Waxbills are small African finches select carnivore scat as a material to include in, on, and around their nests to reduce predation risk…

A South American Ovenbird may take months to fashion one nest from clay or mud mixed with bits of straw, hair, and fibers. The tropical sun bakes the walls brick-hard.

Bald Eagles, which use sticks, some two inches thick and several feet long, to make nests sturdy enough to support a human adult.

Chimney Swift using saliva as glue to help support its nest.

 

Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) by Nikhil Devasar

Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) by Nikhil Devasar

Baya Weaver nests in colonies of up to 20-30 pairs, usually in trees near freshwater and open ground. Their nests hang from a branch and look like an upside-down flask. A long tube leads to a side entrance,  making it difficult even for snakes to enter the nest. Nests are made entirely out of strips of grass
that the birds collect by cutting a notch in some tall grass, then stripping off a 30-60 cm long piece. A newly-made nest is green with fresh grass and turns brown as the grass dries. A bird may make up to 500 trips to complete a nest.

  • GOD has given us a home and a family with a purpose….
  • Most of us are trying hard to be like others and to live like others…
  • HE loves us as we are so; let us live the way HE wants us to live…

Sparrows never try to live like Eagles. Do they? If we are a sparrow, so be it and if we are an Eagle, so be it. After all, a sparrow cannot live like an Eagle and an Eagle cannot live like a Sparrow…

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. (Isaiah 13:12)

Bird nests vary from a simple accumulation of materials on the ground to elaborate refuges in or on secluded and elevated substrates. Nest construction and placement are correlated with flight ability. Some birds create a simple depression in the ground to harbor their incubating eggs. The progression of nest complexity moves from cryptic ground nests to simple elevated nests. Birds which construct elevated nests in a bush or tree or on a cliff or rock ledge tend to be better fliers than simple ground nesters.

  • You may be wondering why GOD has placed you as a ground nester while you desire to be an elevated nester…
  • You may be wondering why you have not got a place you feel that you deserve…
  • May be GOD feels that you would get hurt if you are an elevated nester..
  • Or maybe HE feels that you are not best equipped to be in a higher place…

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (1Peter 5:6)

  • GOD had HIS nest in heaven and because HE loved us so much,
  • HE stirred up HIS nest and wandered without a nest to be crucified for our sins…
  • So that HE may nest in us…
  • HE needs a nest that is why HE is knocking at the door of your heart….
  • Do you have a place for HIM to nest?

Please do not forget that HE is building an eternal nest for us live with HIM forever and ever.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:2)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

See:
Gospel Message

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible – Nests

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