Formed By Him – Bird Eggs

August 4, 2011 by Lee

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

So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. (Genesis 1:21-23 NKJV)

On the fifth day of creation when God Created the birds, they were told/commanded “let birds multiply on the earth.” The birds then started obeying that command. When their numbers were reduced to seven pairs of each living avian species, to be saved from the flood in the ark, they were again commanded to be fruitful and multiply when they left the ark. Look at the numerous avian population we have today.

Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth. (Genesis 8:17 NKJV)

The Lord in His wisdom gave the birds the ability to produce their young by laying eggs and then having the young “hatch.” There are many aspects of this, but the way the egg is produced is our focus today.

Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur) ©WikiC with egg

Reading around the “evolution” of the article (see below) “Eggs and Their Evolution” in the Birder’s Handbook, I came across these interesting facts.

“Bird eggs are virtually self-contained life-support systems. All they require for the embryo to develop properly are warmth and oxygen. Oxygen diffuses into the egg through microscopic holes formed by the imperfect packing of the calcium carbonate crystals that compose the eggshell. There are not many of these pores—for example, they make up only about 0.02 percent of the surface of a duck egg. Carbon dioxide and water vapor diffuse outward through the same pores. Birds can lay their eggs in even drier environments than reptiles, because when the fatty yolk is broken down to provide energy for the developing embryo, water is produced as a by-product.” That is fantastic!

Here is an interesting link about the development of a chicken in the egg. Chickscope Click through the different days to see the development.

Different Eggs- Birds and Others – from Wikipedia

Also eggs come in a “wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures” as you can see in the chart above.

From Creation Moments, “BIRDS EGG EVOLUTION”

For she [the ostrich] leaves her eggs on the ground, and warms them in the dust; she forgets that a foot may crush them, or that a wild beast may break them. (Job 39:14 15)

The creation is literally filled with millions of what those who believe in evolution call “happy coincidences.” But when you encounter millions of instances of what appears to be thoughtful design, the obvious conclusion is that there is a Designer. Take the example of bird eggs.

The shape of the egg makes it strong. This strength comes in handy in a busy nest. Mom and dad are coming and going, and they turn the eggs periodically during incubation. But all eggs are not equally egg shaped, and there is a pattern to their shapes. Birds like robins that build a nice, dish shaped nest tend to lay eggs that are more round in shape. Screech owls, which lay their eggs at the bottom of a hole in a tree, also have round shaped eggs. Birds, like the killdeer, barely build any kind of nest and lay eggs on the ground where almost round eggs could roll away. For this reason, birds such as a Kildeer lay much more sharply pointed eggs which are designed to pivot on their small end. Likewise, eggs that are laid where predators are not likely to see them are usually pale or solid in color, but eggs laid out in the open are camouflaged. Moreover, baby birds that hatch in protected nests like the bluebird, tend to be naked, blind and helpless. But the unprotected killdeer hatchlings are ready to leave the nest within minutes of hatching.

All coincidences? It seems more scientific to say that here we have a few of the many fingerprints of our wise Creator!
Prayer:
“I praise You, Father, for how Your glory is reflected in the creation. Amen.”
Notes: Jim Williams, Bird basics: egg size, color and shape, Star Tribune, July 29, 1999, p.8″

Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) egg©©Wong Dermayu

Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) ©©Wong Dermayu (Megapode)

Here are some more interesting facts about bird eggs from the Birder’s Handbook:

“The proportion of yolk differs between altricial and precocial birds. The former, which hatch so undeveloped that they require significant parental care and thus need less stored energy, generally have eggs that contain about 25 percent yolk. Precocial birds, which can walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching, have eggs with about 40 percent yolk (67 percent in megapodes, inhabitants of Australia and Pacific islands which upon hatching are virtually ready to fly). Interestingly, in spite of this difference, and although bird eggs range in weight from about one hundredth of an ounce (small hummingbird) to three and a half pounds (ostrich), all bird eggs lose water amounting to about 15 percent of their original weight during incubation. This careful control is probably a result of the necessity to keep the water content of the developing chick’s tissues constant even though metabolic water is continually being produced.”

Australian Pipit (Anthus australis) ©WikiC

Australian Pipit (Anthus australis) altricial ©WikiC

Birds lay their eggs proportionate to their size, but not what you would think. A wren may lay an egg that weighs about 13% of its weight, while an ostrich egg may only be 2% of its weight. “the parents must “invest” more in the egg to give the chick the energy and materials required for more advanced development within the confines of the shell.”

The book ask this question: “Why have birds not “advanced” beyond egg laying and started to bear their young alive like mammals?” Here is what The Bible says about that.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created. (Psalms 148:5 NKJV)
Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:26-28 NKJV)
That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:20 NKJV)

The Lord created them, just the way, in His Wisdom, that they were to be. He looked on His handiwork and called it, Very Good!

Creation was corrupted because of the curse of sin that all are under.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:20-22 NKJV)

(“Reading around the “evolution” is my term for reading the article and looking at the facts and evidence, but from a Christian perspective. We all are observing the same birds and eggs, but some look at it from a theory of evolution and I look at them from believing that God in His Wisdom designed them to be the way they are.

Here is an example: “The other major group of reptile descendants, the birds, not only have continued the reptilian tradition, but have evolved eggs of an improved design in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.” [from the Birder’s Handbook]

Here is my “reading around evolution”: Birds have eggs, designed through creation, in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. Even simpler, just looking at the facts: Birds have eggs in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures )

Gospel Message

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Double-eyed Fig-Parrot

August 2, 2011 by Ian

Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana) by Ian

I wonder why miniature things are so endearing. Describing something as ‘the smallest’ immediately attracts attention, so here is the smallest parrot in Australia – with one of the longest and strangest names – the Double-eyed Fig-Parrot. Strictly speaking the Cape York race of this species (marshalli) is the smallest with a length of 13cm/5in – shorter than a house sparrow. More accessible and nearly as small (14cm) is the race found in northeastern Queensland (macleayana), quite common around Cairns and on the Atherton Tableland, where the first photo was taken.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana) by Ian

The races and genders are distinguishable by different facial patterns. This is a male macleayana and has a red forehead and cheek separated by a sky-blue patch and an indigo fringe to the red cheek patch. The second photo is also a male macleayana but nearly hidden in the foliage; this is typical and these birds can be hard to see as they creep around mouse-like through fruiting trees in rainforest.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana) by Ian

The female and juvenile macleayana are similar to the male but lacks the red cheek patch, as in the two birds in the third photo.

The fourth photo shows a female of the Cape York race, marshalli, with no red at all. I lack a photo of the male marshalli but it is rather similar to the male macleayana except that the red forehead and cheek patches are contiguous.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma marshalli) by Ian

The third and remaining Australian race, coxeni, is the largest (16cm) and rarest – classified as endangered – and occurs in a few river valleys between Maryborough in southeast Queensland and the Macleay River in northern New South Wales. Both sexes apparently have mainly blue foreheads and small reddish cheek patches.

These three races were originally treated as separate species and known as Macleay’s or Red-browed, Coxen’s or Blue-browed and Marshall’s Fig-Parrots. Later they and five races in Papua New Guinea were lumped into a single species and acquired the common name of the nominate Double-eyed Fig-Parrot of PNG (Cyclopsitta diophthalma diophthalma). This has a dark spot near each eye, giving it its double-eyed appearance, but the name is not descriptive of the races that lack the dark spot, i.e. the three Australian races. Oh well, they got the fig bit right.

Best wishes
Ian
—
Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: 0411 602 737 +61-411 602 737
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:
Those cute little Fig Parrots are in the Parrots – Psittacidae Family of the Psittaciformes Order which not only includes Parrot family, but also the New Zealand Parrots and Cockatoos.

He will bless those who fear the LORD, Both small and great. (Psalms 115:13 NKJV)

Created to Fly

August 1, 2011 by Lee

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:…Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? (Job 12:7, 9)

Here are some excerpts from the Fit for Flight article by Brian Thomas, at the Institute for Creation Research. It is in the August Acts and Facts. To see the whole article, Click Here.

“Birds, for example, were clearly designed for flight and were not formed by any purposeless natural process. The ancient book of Job stated as much: Job 12:7, 9 – above)

Some of the required parts for flying birds are visible from the outside, such as wings and an aerodynamic body shape. Other characteristics are less obvious, but equally important.
Anything that flies must have a specific power-to-weight ratio.
A bird’s center of mass is toward the front, in between its wings.
A small but crucial feature on many birds is the alula feather.
There are many more specific, required features, like retractable landing gear and horizontal stabilizers, not to mention damage repair mechanisms.”

“And this does not even take into account the beauty of bird flight, bird songs, or their various colorful feathers, which constitute art that demands an Artist who can blend high flights of imagination with the most intricate engineering quality.Surely the great Creator deserves credit for His fantastic handiwork!”

Please check out the article, “Fit for Flight” and also check out the other Acts and Facts articles.

Birdwatching at Circle B Bar Reserve – 7/22/11

July 26, 2011 by Lee

Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. (Psalms 104:17 KJV)

I was making a video of a Tricoloered Heron out at Circle B when I caught this interesting sight. I zoomed out to get a view of the pond and as I zoomed back in on the bird, he and I both were surprised to see what was heading toward us. The Heron decided to get his feet out of the water, go stand on a rock, and I decided to stop the video when the alligator started out of the water in my direction.

Wood Stork Tree at Circle B - 7-22-11 by Lee

Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. (Psalms 104:17 KJV)

Circle B Bar Reserve is always fun to bird watch. You never know what might be there. We had been somewhat disappointed in the number of birds and were heading back when I spotted the Heron. The most numerous birds out there were all the Wood Storks up in the trees. We still managed to see 21 birds on a clear, 79 degree morning. Here is a list of the birds spotted or heard.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks – 9
Great Egrets – 25+
Cattle Egrets – 5
Tricolored Heron – 3
Great Blue Herons – 3
Limpkin – 1
Double-crested Cormorants – 5
Anhingas – 2
Wood Storks – 100+
Moorhens -15+
Red-shouldered Hawk – 1
Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures, mixed – 50+
Mourning Doves – 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker – 1
Red-headed Woodpecker – 1
Boat-tailed Grackles – 10
Common Grackles – 5
Blue Jays 2
Uncertain Wren – heard -1
Cardinal – 2

Black-bellied Whistling Duck in Tree at Circle B by Lee

When we left there, we decided to check out Saddle Creek Park since we already had our cameras and binoculars. We got there around 9:40 and it was already 86 degrees by then. Seventeen species of birds decided to let us count them. Most of the birds were the same kind we had seen at the Circle B, but we did pick up some White Ibises, a Fish Crow, Little Blue Heron and Tufted Titmouse.

Great Blue Heron Juvenile at Saddle Creek by Lee

That list was (in the order they were spotted); Cattle Egrets, Blue Jays, Boat-tailed Grackles, Anhinga-female, Moorhens, Great Egret, Fish Crow, Common Grackles, Great Blue Herons, White Ibises, Tricolored Heron, Great Blue Heron-juvenile, Ospreys, Little Blue Heron, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorants, Black Vultures and the Tufted Titmouse.

Always enjoy watching God’s Creation even when they are the same ones we see often. Then again, we have lots of human friends that we enjoy visiting with over and over also.

White-fronted Bee-eater – The Community Developer

July 24, 2011 by a j mithra

White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) by Bob-Nan

White-fronted Bee-eater – The Community Developer ~ by ajmithra

The White-fronted Bee-eater, Merops bullockoides, is a species of bee-eater widely distributed in sub-equatorial Africa. They have a distinctive white forehead, a square tail and a bright red patch on their throat. They nest in small colonies, digging holes in cliffs or earthen banks but can usually be seen in low trees waiting for passing insects from which they hunt either by making quick hawking flights or gliding down before hoveringbriefly to catch insects.

This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird, but with a distinctive black mask, white forehead, square tail and a bright red throat. The upperparts are green, with cinnamon underparts. The call is a deep squeak. White-fronted Bee-eaters are found in the vast savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa. The habitat commonly consists of open country, often near gullies, because this is the region that their food (bees) lives.

Where there are bees, there these bee-eaters are..

We are the inheritors of the kingdom of God, and the working partners of God in building His kingdom…
But, where are we found?
Martha knew this that’s why she chose to sit at the feet of Jesus instead of cooking in the kitchen like Mary….
Look how Mary got frustrated cos of Martha!
She in fact would’ve turned jealous of her and that maybe the reason why she started complaining to Jesus..
When our live revolves around Jesus, we become new..
We will not be jealous and we will never complain..

Its when we start complaining, that we should know that we are in the kitchen like Mary and not sitting in His presence like Martha..

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides) by Africaaddict

Southern Carmine Bee-eaters (Merops nubicoides) on bank by Africaaddict

White-fronted bee-eaters nest in colonies averaging 200 individuals, digging roosting and nesting holes in cliffs or banks of earth. A population of bee-eaters may range across many square kilometres of savannah, but will come to the same colony to roost, socialize, and to breed. White-fronted bee-eaters have one of the most complex family-based social systems found in birds.

Their diet is made up primarily of bees, but they also take other flying insects depending on the season and availability of prey. Two hunting methods have been observed. They either make quick hawking flights from lower branches of shrubs and trees, or glide slowly down from their perch and hover briefly to catch insects.

Colonies comprise socially monogamous, extended family groups with overlapping generations, known as “clans” which exhibit cooperative breeding. Non-breeding individuals become helpers to relatives and assist to raise their brood. In white-fronted bee-eaters, this helping behavior is particularly well developed with helpers assisting in half of all nesting attempts. These helpers may contribute to all aspects of the reproductive attempt, from digging the roosting or nesting chamber, to feeding the female, incubating and feeding the young; and have a large effect on increasing the number of young produced. Only 50% of non-breeders in a colony typically become helpers, and whether or not an individual becomes a helper and to whom it provides aid is heavily dependent on the degree of kinship involved. Non-breeders are most likely to become helpers when breeding pairs are close genetic relatives.

When faced with a choice of potential recipient nests helpers preferential help the breeding pair to who they are most closely related, suggesting that this behaviour may serve to increase the helper’s inclusive fitness …. The life style of these birds reminds us of the early church where everyone shared all that they had among themselves and lived as one large extended family..

When did the church forget to share their blessings?
We say that we are the body of Christ and that Christ is the head of the family, but, We still live either as individuals or as little groups inside the church..
Is that the reason why the church is not able to extend the boundaries of the eternal Kingdom?
How many good Samaritans are still living among us?
Or in other words how many Annanias and Sapphiras are still inside the church?

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11)

White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) by Africaddict

Female White-fronted Bee-eaters leaving their nesting burrows must avoid pursuit by unmated males who may force them to the ground and rape them. Furthermore their unwelcome attentions are preferentially against females who are laying eggs and who thus might lay the eggs of their rapist rather than their mate.

This reminds us of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, who went out alone to have a look around the countryside and how she was defiled and how there was bloodshed among the Hivites..
This reminds the church to cling to the Bridegroom rather than to tradition and custom…
Tradition and custom can never take us further in our pursuit to holiness, but, it is the presence of God in our lives that makes the difference..
Sin was not found among Adam and Eve until they disobeyed and ate the fruit..
Is that why Eve gave birth to Cain who turned into a murderer?
The duty of the bride is to stay close to the bridegroom and that is where she would have protection…

If you have lost your way, find THE WAY and cling on to Him…

It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. (Song of Solomon 3:4)

Jacob didn’t leave God until He blessed him…
Moses didn’t leave God’s presence till he got the answer from God..
Never leave God’s presence until something happens…

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:
Crosstree

ajmithra21

Bee-eaters are in the Meropidae Family.

White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) sitting on a branch, by Keith Blomerley.

Updated To The I.O.C. Version 2.9

July 24, 2011 by Lee

Wood Stork Tree at Circle B – 7-22-11 by Lee

I just finished updating this site to the new I.O.C. Version 2.9 List of Birds. It seems to be a challenge around here to keep up with them, but this one wasn’t so bad. All the changes have been made and the Indexes are all corrected. I separated the Genera names from Species names. That meant making 26 new pages, but it should make it easier to find them.

The IOC now list 10,448 species of birds in the world with this version. Some names were changed and so were some taxonomic revisions made. That means in simple terms that they added 15 species, deleted 5, changed the English names of 16 and shuffled the taxonomy 34 times. Most of us would would not notice, but if you live where that bird is active, then it would concern you.

Actually, they are to be highly commended. There are numerous ornithologists and birding organizations all around the world who contribute to this lists. The IOC World Bird List can be found at Worldbirdnames.Org.

Some of the main pages here:

Birds of the World

Orders

Families

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:12 KJV)

Rare Singing Bird Pistols

July 23, 2011 by Lee

Woodstorks on top of tree at Circle B -7-22-11 by Lee

I received this link from a friend and thought I would share it with the blog. I was amazed at the intricacy of workmanship. Enjoy!

http://www.christies.com/features/singing-bird-pistols-en-1422-3.aspx

P. S. I am feeling somewhat better and appreciate those of you who have been praying for me.

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. (Psalms 35:18 KJV)

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

(Felt good enough to go birdwatching yesterday.)
*

Birds of the Bible – Hovering Birds

July 22, 2011 by Lee

White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) by Ian

Like birds hovering, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it;he will spare and rescue it.” (Isaiah 31:5 ESV)

While searching for “bird” verses, I came across this verse and remembered the many birds that I have seen hovering. Go to the shore and feed Gulls and you will see them “hover over you” while they wait for another morsel to be tossed up to them. Many of the birds of prey (hawks, falcons, osprey, eagles, etc.) will “hover” while trying to catch a pray. Of course Hummingbirds will “hover” in front of flowers while sipping the nectar. We watched a Kingfisher “hover” out at Circle B, one of our favorite birding spots. Birds “hover” over their nest to protect their young. Genesis 1:2 is the only other verse using ‘hovering”, “moving”, or “fluttering.”

Using the “Compare” mode of e-Sword, here are some of the translations of this phrase:

As birds flying…he shall rescue and shall protect
As birds hovering…he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.
Just as birds fly over their nest to protect it…will defend Jerusalem. He will save her. He will “pass over” and save Jerusalem.
Like birds with outstretched wings…he will be a cover and salvation for it, going over it he will keep it from danger.
will protect like a mother bird circling over her nest
Like birds hovering overhead…he will shield and deliver it; and he will pass over and bring it to safety.

As you can see from these and the others not shown, this hovering or flying about is used in the protective mode, protecting their nest and their young. And of course, this verse is referring to the LORD of host defending and protecting Jerusalem. Hebrew H5774 עוּף – ‛ûph, pronounced “oof” is used for flying or hovering. “A primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence (as denominative from H5775) to fly;…”

Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) by Ian

Here are what a few of the commentaries say about this passage. The bolding is mine.

BBC – 31:4-9 “God is like a lion which a multitude of shepherds (Assyria) tries to frighten away. Or, to change the figure, He is like a flock of birds, hovering over Jerusalem; He is ready to defend and deliver the city. When Israel turns back to the Lord, it will throw away its idols. The Assyrians will perish by a direct intervention of the Lord. The destruction of Sennacherib did not exhaust the meaning of these verses, so the prophecy has a future fulfillment as well, that is, in the Tribulation.”

MHCC – Isaiah 31:1-5 “God will oppose the help sought from workers of iniquity. Sinners may be convicted of folly by plain and self-evident truths, which they cannot deny, but will not believe. There is no escaping the judgments of God; and evil pursues sinners. The Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will appear for the defence of his church. And as birds hovering over their young ones to protect them, with such compassion and affection will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. He will so defend it, as to secure its safety.”

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) w chicks by Nikhil Devasar

Barnes – Isaiah 31:5 “As birds flying – This is another comparison indicating substantially the same thing as the former, that Yahweh would protect Jerusalem. The idea here is, that He would do it in the same manner as birds defend their young by hovering over them, securing them under their wings, and leaping forward, if they are suddenly attacked, to defend them. Our Saviour has used a similar figure to indicate his readiness to have defended and saved the same city Mat_23:27, and it is possible that he may have had this passage in his eye. The phrase ‘birds flying,’ may denote the “rapidity” with which birds fly to defend their young, and hence, the rapidity with which God would come to defend Jerusalem; or it may refer to the fact that birds, when their young are attacked, fly, or flutter around them to defend them; they will not leave them.
And passing over – פסוח pâsoach. Lowth renders this, ‘Leaping forward.’ This word, which is usually applied in some of its forms to the Passover Exo_12:13, Exo_12:23, Exo_12:27; Num_9:4; Jos_5:11; 2Ch_30:18, properly means, as a verb, “to pass over,” and hence, to preserve or spare. The idea in the passage is, that Yahweh would protect Jerusalem, as a bird defends its young.”

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Aesthetic Photos

Gill – Isaiah 31:5 “As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem,…. As the preceding metaphor expresses the mighty power of God, this his tenderness and affection, as well as his speed and swiftness in the deliverance of his people. As birds in the air, at a distance, especially the eagle, have their eye upon their nests, and their young ones in them, and when in danger fly to their assistance, and hover over them, and about them, to keep off those that would hurt them, or carry them away; so the Lord, on high, sees his people when in distress, and hastens to help them, and does surround, protect, and defend them: thus the Lord did, when Sennacherib with his army besieged Jerusalem; who boasted, with respect to other nations, that he had “found as a nest the riches of the people”, and that “there was none that moved the wing against him”, Isa_10:14 to which it is thought the allusion is here:”

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10 KJV)

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Tiger Shrike

July 21, 2011 by Ian

Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) by Ian

Newsletter – 7/21/11

The common names of many Australian birds reflect their apparent similarity to European birds, even if they are not closely related, for example Robins, Wrens of various sorts (Fairywrens, Scrubwrens) and Treecreepers. Some names are hybrid, such as Cuckoo-shrike, Shrike-thrush and Shrike-tit, meaning ‘looking like something between the two types’. That’s fine for Europeans and well-travelled birders who know what theses things look like, but some, particularly real shrikes, are almost complete unknown in Australia and the use of these names as qualifiers is of questionable value for the locals. So, I though it might be interesting to have a look at a real shrike and throw some light on the use of its name in Australian birds.

Shrikes, family Laniidae 33 species, are widespread through Eurasia and Africa; a couple of species occur in North America but they are unknown in South America. Two Asian Shrikes, the Tiger and the Brown , have made it to the Australian list as rare vagrants to Christmas Island, though the first Australian record of a Tiger Shrike was a road-killed one found near the port of Fremantle in Western Australia, raising the possibility of being ship-assisted (a black mark for a ‘real’ vagrant). The bird in the these two photographs was photographed in Malaysia.

Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) by Ian

You’ll notice the hooked bill, characteristic of all Shrikes, and an adaption to their predatory way of life. Shrikes capture both invertebrates and – unusually for song-birds – small vertebrates up to the size of small mammals and birds by waiting on a conspicuous perch for something to come within striking distance. They often store their prey on shrubs or impale them on thorns. Shrikes are small for raptors: the Tiger Shrike is 18cm/7in in length and the larger ones such as the Great Grey/Northern and Long-tailed reach only 26cm/10in and 28cm/11in, and a lot of that is tail.

So, for Australian bird names, read ‘hook-billed’ for ‘shrike’. The resemblance is mainly physical: Cuckoo-shrikes and Shrike-thrushes forage for insects and other invertebrates in the foliage of trees and the bills of Shrike-tits are adapted to prising open the bark of trees in search of invertebrates. For behavioural similarities, the also hook-billed Butcherbirds fit the bill, pun unintended but appropriate, as they also prey on small vertebrates and use bushes as larders. It’s a wonder that they didn’t get called Magpie-shrikes. Now, ‘magpie’, there’s another over-used name . . .

Best wishes
Ian

—
Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: 0411 602 737 +61-411 602 737
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:

Another nice lesson from Ian about the birds of Australia and beyond. Also, more neat photos, this time of the Tiger Shrike. Thanks again, Ian, for helping us see and know about your birds “down under.” As he said, the Tiger Shrike is part of the Laniidae Family of the Passeriformes Order.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. (Mark 4:7 KJV)

Birds of the Bible – Isaiah 34:11

July 16, 2011 by Lee

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) at Lake John Rookery, Lakeland, FL By Dan

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 KJV)

This may seem like a simple verse in the middle of a passage telling about the day of the LORD’S vengeance in Isaiah 34:8-17.

Wesley says: “For – This is the time which God hath fixed, to avenge the cause of his persecuted people.”

John Wesley says: “Isaiah 34:11 Dwell – It shall be entirely possessed by those creatures which delight in deserts and waste places…”

Believer’s Bible Commentary: “(34:8) It is the day of the Lord’s vengeance. “The word ‘vengeance’ is of crucial importance. It does not mean getting even with someone, as we use it. It refers to God’s action in carrying out the sentence which He as Judge has justly imposed
(34:9-17) This passage describes Edom’s fate—a blazing inferno, an uninhabited waste, taken over by mysterious birds and wild beasts. God will not stop until it is without form and void. There will be no kingdom, no king, no princes worthy of the name. Its ruins will be overgrown with thorns and it will be a sanctuary for strange creatures (which cannot be identified with certainty). Every weird creature will have a mate, and thus will reproduce, and God has given them the ruins of Edom to possess . . . from generation to generation. Forever in this chapter (vv. 10, 17) means from generation to generation.”

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Dan at Lake Morton

White Ibises at Lake Morton by Dan

That is the “simple” explanation of what the verses are about. It becomes interesting when you compare these verses, again using e-Sword, as to which birds are being referenced. I like the quote about the “mysterious birds” because the translators are not even for sure which birds they are that are going to be inhabiting the place. Let’s investigate the verses.

APB+ – “Birds, and hedgehogs, and ibises, and crows shall dwell in her”
ASV – “The pelican and the porcupine shall possess it; and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein”
BBE – “birds of the waste land will have their place there; it will be a heritage for the bittern and the raven”
Brenton – “and for a long time birds and hedgehogs, and ibises and ravens shall dwell in it:
CEV – “Owls, hawks, and wild animals will make it their home. God will leave it in ruins, merely a pile of rocks.”
Darby – “And the pelican and the bittern shall possess it, and the great owl and the raven shall dwell in it.”
DRB – “The bittern and ericius shall possess it: and the ibis and the raven shall dwell in it:”
ERV – “Birds and small animals will own that land. It will be a home for owls and ravens. God will leave that land in ruins. People will call it “the empty desert.”
ESV – “But the hawk and the porcupine shall possess it, the owl and the raven shall dwell in it.”
GNB – “Owls and ravens will take over the land.”
GW – “Pelicans and herons will take possession of the land. Owls and crows will live there.”
ISV – “But hawks and hedgehogs will possess it; owls and ravens will nest in it.”
JPS – “But the pelican and the bittern shall possess it, and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein;”
KJV – “But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it:”
KJV-1611 – “The cormorant and the bitterne shall possesse it, the owle also and the rauen shall dwell in it,”
LITV – “But the owl and the hedgehog shall possess it; and the eared owl and the raven shall live in it.”
MKJV – “But the pelican and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also, and the raven, shall dwell in it.”
NASB – “But pelican and hedgehog will possess it, And owl and raven will dwell in it;”
NKJV – “But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it, Also the owl and the raven shall dwell in it.”
RV – “But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it; and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein:”
Webster – “But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it”
YLT – “And possess her do pelican and hedge-hog, And owl and raven dwell in her,”

Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) at Lake Morton By Dan’sPix

What caught my interest in this verse was that the Crow came up in a search for possibly some different Birds of the Bible to write about. Not only did I find the Crow, but also Ibises, which we see plenty of in this area. I always find it amazing how much they differ, but yet if you look at the birds and their families, many are related or closely related.

Most of the second half of the quotes mention the “Owl and the Raven.” The Darby uses “Great Owl”, the LITV uses “Eared Owl” and some use “owls.” No problem there. Some though use “Ibis/Ibises or Bittern” (APB, BBE, Brenton, DRB) instead of the “Owl.” The word “yanshûph or yanshôph” H3244- “an unclean (aquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the night heron is meant (compare H5399)): – (great) owl.” Apparently the word is unclear and could go either way. Also, the Ibis is in the Threskiornithidae – Ibises, Spoonbills Family and the Bitterns and Herons (GW) are in the Ardeidae Family, both of which are in the same Pelecaniformes Order. So they are close relatives. Also the Pelican and the Cormorant are mentioned in the first part of the verses. It is easy to figure out which Order the Pelican belongs to and it is in the Pelecanidae – Pelicans Family. The Cormorant is in the next Order which leaves it nearly related. The Suliformes Order has the Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants, shags Family. As a note in passing, up until this year, the Cormorant was in the Pelecainformes Order. Not trying to be too detailed, but just showing that even though the translators used different birds, many are related and it doesn’t change my confidence in God’s Word. He promised to preserve it.

Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus)Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Another point to consider, since I am again working on the newest update to the I.O.C. list of Bird Names (Ver. 2.9), names change and the names we use today, were probably already changed once or twice and the ones we use today will probably be changed down the line. I still say, Adam had it a lot easier than what these organizations do today to keep the names figured out. They are to be commended for all the hard work they do.

Back to our verse. The Crow and the Raven are interchanged in these translations. Again, they are in the same family, the Corvidae Family. In fact, if you scroll down to the Ravens (after clicking link), you will see the Little Crow, then the Australian Raven, then the Pied Crow, the Brown-necked Raven, and the back to a Somali Crow. Again, don’t let the two translations, raven or crow, be a bother.

The only other birds mentioned are the Hawks (CEV, ESV, ISV). They are birds of prey and would “delight in the waste places.” They belong to the Accipitridae – Family (Kites, Hawks & Eagles).

Studying the Bible and “birdwatching” through it keeps one on the alert for neat things in His Word. It works both ways; sometimes looking for a bird will turn up great truths about God’s Promises, in this case, a judgment, other times looking for a fact or promise, you find a bird. No matter which way, you are in the Bible studying His Word.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

Summer 2011 Adventure Updates

July 13, 2011 by Lee

Crested Coua (Coua cristata) by Lee LPZ

Just thought I would update you on varied adventures that we have been traveling through the last few months. I have been dealing with some medical issues that have kept me from doing many of my normal activities and posting here on the blog. Plus other things keep me busy also. Nothing unusual for most people. We all seem to be very involved these days. Then, we sent most of our birds back up north for the summer, so the birdwatching adventures have been limited. And it has been HOT at times. In other words, I have had lots of mini adventures, but not a lot of big ones.

During June we had our Vacation Bible School and Dan and I were involved with that for a week. That was also a blessing and challenge. We had, I think, over 130 children that attended. Our church workers and volunteers did a fantastic job. We were able to use our new building for VBS.

House Finch-Orange Variant thru screen

Most of my birdwatching adventures have been just observing birds flying overhead as we are about or watching them at our feeders. We also made a short trip to the Zoo, (Crested Coua). As I said, it has been HOT. We have spotted several Swallow-tailed Kites and an Eagle flying overhead. One delight has been some House Finches that have been coming to the feeders. Had not had any, but they have been here for over 2 months now. They must have forgot to fly north. There are two pairs of them. One is the normal House Finch and the other is what they call the “orange variant.” Also a family of Red-winged Blackbirds have been feeding here. The immature males were giving me an ID challenge until the 3 of them came in with their dad.

Red-winged Blackbird - Immature - thru screen

Then for another challenge, a new computer has kept me busy getting things transferred. Decided to find the duplicates before moving data. Still do not have everything on the new computer yet. Especially the bird photos. We have also had summer storms and have to keep the computers off from time to time. (Always when I had time and felt like doing something.)

All in all, the Lord has been giving His Blessings as usual and continues to show His Love.

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. (Psalms 89:15 NKJV)

Birds in Hymns – I Chronicles 16

July 10, 2011 by Lee

Song Sparrow

Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. (1 Chronicles 16:7 KJV)

Writer – David

Musicians –

And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. (1 Chronicles 16:4-6 KJV)

Tune – No idea

This psalm, written by David, was given to the singers under Asaph to thank and praise the Lord for all His Wondrous Works. Birds are not mentioned in the hymn or song, but these references to creation merit this song being included here in the Birds in Hymns:

make known his deeds among the people
talk ye of all his wondrous works
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done
his wonders
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth
Declare his glory among the heathen
his marvellous works among all nations
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name
let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein
Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD

Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula) by Ian

1 Chronicles 16:8-36 (KJV)

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;
When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;
He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.
Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
(1 Chronicles 16:8-36 KJV)

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

The Gospel Message

More Birds in Hymns

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Tag Archives: Birds

Formed By Him – Bird Eggs

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Double-eyed Fig-Parrot

Created to Fly

Birdwatching at Circle B Bar Reserve – 7/22/11

White-fronted Bee-eater – The Community Developer

Updated To The I.O.C. Version 2.9

Rare Singing Bird Pistols

Birds of the Bible – Hovering Birds

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Tiger Shrike

Birds of the Bible – Isaiah 34:11

Summer 2011 Adventure Updates

Birds in Hymns – I Chronicles 16

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: