Here is a Video from Creation Moments about bird migration that you might find interesting. Our amazing Creator continues to show His marvelous Omniscience.
Here’s Wikipedia’s information about the Manx Shearwater
Manx Shearwaters
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But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? (Job 12:7-10 NKJV)
Introduction to Birds of the Bible
Foundation #1
Foundation #2
Foundation #3
Foundation #4
Foundation #5
Pelicans Pelican Study
Pigeon
Quail
Raven
Sparrows I Sparrow II House Sparrows
Storks
Swallows
Swan
Swift
Vultures
Solomon’s Birds
Bird Idols
Thoughts on the Birds of the Bible Series
Favorites
None
For His Pleasure I, For His Pleasure II
Study Tips
Speckled Bird
Birds of the Bible – Paraiba, Brazil
Birds of the Bible – Niami, Niger, West Africa
Other Articles and Videos about Birds
Be Still And Know That He is God
Birds
Bird Feeder I
Clean vs Unclean
Deuteronomy 14:11-18 Visualized
God’s Care For Birds
Pacific Golden Plover
Under His Wing
U. S. Navy Emblem
Today is Veteran’s Day here in the United States and we would like to say “Thank You Very Much” for serving. Some have given their all and many of our living veterans are still carrying their pains and scars. Our thanks and prayers are with you as today you can celebrate that you have helped keep our country free. To those who are active now, our prayers are with you daily for your protection and wisdom as you serve our great country. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
U. S. Air Force Emblem
Some may be wondering how I can do a Veteran’s Day tribute on my Birdwatching blog. Well, it’s easy.
1. Many of the Units and Aircraft, Ships have a bird names, such as:
U. S. Marine Emblem
Eagles: Screaming Eagles, Navy Eagles, Flying Eagles, Legal Eagles, Lone Eagle, War Eagle, Blackeagle, Raider Eagle, Strike Eagle, Eagle of the Sea, Echo Eagle
Falcons: USS Falcon, F-16 Fighting Falcon Fanatics, White Falcons, Black Falcons, Blue Falcons, Red Falcons,
Hawks: Hawk Squadron, Sparrow Hawks, Bluehawks, Firehawks, Blackhawks, Seahawks, Nighthawks, Redhawks, Sabrehawks, Knighthawks, Warhawks, Phantomhawks, Tomahawks, Lady Tomahawks
Osprey: USS Osprey – MSCO28 and MHC51, USS American Osprey, USCGC Osprey
U. S. Coast Guard Emblem
U. S. Army Emblem
Bird: USS Frigate Bird, USS Surfbird, USS Blue Bird, USS Mockingbird, USS Blue Bird, USS Hummingbird, USS Kingbird, Air Force Thunderbirds, Screwbirds, USS Sunbird, Old Firebirds VA304
I am sure there are many other birds names that were used. If you know of others, please leave a comment with them. Thanks.
2. Many of the Military Emblems have the Bald Eagle in them: Here is a link to the United States Military Emblems and their history.
3. Dan, spent 30 years in the Navy, active and reserve, and retired as a Master Chief Gunnersmate. I spent about 2 years in the Navy reserve as a Radioman. Our fathers were both in the Military, as were many of our forefathers.
4. Last of all, this is my blog and I can do what I want. Part of having the “PLUS” in the name, gives me the freedom to do as I see fit, as long as the Lord is honored.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (2Ti 2:3-5 KJV)
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A foll’wer of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
Must I be carried to the skies
On flow’ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed thro’ bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight, if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.
This week’s Birds of the Bible brings us to the end of the specifically named birds of the Bible. Since February, I have tried to present a different bird each week. I have been given the privilege to continue on with non-specific named birds and to repeat birds with different facts on our church blog.
Our Hen and the Rooster or Cock are domesticated and most have seen and heard them. So, since they are so diverse, I am only going to cover the verses that relate to them. The hen or female chicken is very protective when she has her young about her. Under her wings she provides warmth, security, and love. Christ made reference to that fact when He had been talking to the “scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” in Matthew 23 when He said:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Mat 23:37 NKJV)
The Lord wants to protect us and take care of us, and what a blessing it is when we let Him provide. Unfortunately, many did not let Him then or now provide the shelter and care only He can give.
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” (Mat 26:34 NKJV)
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. (Mat 26:74-75 NKJV)
Most of us know the story of how Peter was so sure he would never fail the Lord and deny Him, but Christ knew that before that very night was over by the time the rooster would wake up and crow, what would take place. Peter repented and went on to be a great apostle the rest of his life. Did he ever slip and fall again, I’m sure he did, like those of us who are saved by grace. Just maybe, Peter remembered the Lord’s illustration of the Hen protecting her chicks and sought the protection, security, and love only Christ can provide.
Gary Bird?
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17)
Last Friday evening (Halloween) our church, Faith Baptist Church, had a Fall Festival. They had “Trunk or Treat” for the kids to get goodies from. We went to see the activities and being a true birdwatcher, always on the lookout for birds, I came across an unknown bird. So, we got its picture. Now it could be a Gary Bird or a Halloween Bird, I am not sure. After looking through my many bird books at home, I could not find one like it. If anyone knows, please leave a comment.
It really was a great evening. We had other activities besides the trunks. One of our pastors, Pastor Pete, managed to get himself dunked many times.
Halloween Bird?
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Co 10:31)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Col 3:23)
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Wood Storks
Yesterday, they re-opened the Circle B Bar Reserve and had a good time birding. I didn’t get more than about a quarter mile into marsh and back, but was able to ID 37 birds in about an hour and half. We got there at 8:30 and was able to park near the marsh. It was a one day only chance to park that close. In the future, we will have to park up by the new nature center and walk from there. That will present a problem for me since I have a walking problem.
The new nature center is very nice and they have provided classrooms and exhibits. This will help make a great setting for education and training. I was very impressed with it.
Here is what I was able to observe yesterday, mostly at the marsh: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe , Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Cattle Egret, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Common Moorhen, American Coot, Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle. There were others I heard and saw that I couldn’t ID. It was not a good photography day. It was fully overcast.
Wood Stork Just Landing
For other birdwatching trips to the Circle B Bar Reserve
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Osprey Eating Lunch in Titusville 2
And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey,
(Lev 11:13 KJV)
But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey,
(Deu 14:12 KJV)
The Osprey is another bird on the “Do Not Eat” list. Here in central Florida, we see Ospreys quite frequently. Their nest are usually noticeable on platforms placed for them. On a road between Eagle Lake and Bartow, (which I have renamed “Osprey Road”) there is a nest in the V structure of almost every power distribution pole. There are at least 15-20 nests in about a mile or so. The Ospreys will show up after the first of the year and stay for about 4 months while they breed and raise their young.
Osprey Eating Lunch in Titusville
Osprey Catching Fish – Viera Wetlands
The Osprey is in a family by itself. They widely distributed around the world. They are closely related to the Hawk and the Falcon. They are 21-24 inches long with a wingspan of 54-72 inches. The females are slightly larger and both look alike. Their diet is almost entirely fish, but they do eat small rodents and birds. When fishing, they fly 30 to 100 feet above the water and will hover when they find a fish. They will plunge into the water with their feet under them to catch the fish. “Rises from water with fish gripped in both feet, pauses in midair to shake water from plumage, and to arrange fish with head pointed forward, which reduces its resistance to air, flies with it to” perch or nest to feed young. Can carry up to four or more pounds.
Osprey Eating – Viera Wetlands
God has designed the Osprey with several interesting features. Their feet have four equal length toes with “long, strong claws, curved about one third of a circle, and completely round.” “The lower surface, or pads, of the toes are covered with spicules, which help it hold slippery fishes; also, it is the only hawk that has outer toe reversible as in owls; this enables it to grasp it prey with two toes in front, tow in back. Its plumage is compact, which helps blunt its impact and reduces wetting when it plunges in the water.”
All quotes from (The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds) and photos by Dan.
See the Osprey Page for more information on the Osprey including Photos and Videos.
Black-necked Stilt at Circle B Bar Reserve
I can hardly wait for the Circle B Bar Reserve to let me in to go birdwatching. Seems like forever since it closed. They opened it for a half-day in May. I have observed over 50 species in the two times we visited there. See Circle B Bar Ranch Reserve. I am including an excerpt I received today from the Bird Listing Service, “BRDBRAIN”, that I receive reports from.
After being closed for 1 1/2 years for construction of a nature center and restoration of the marsh system Circle B Bar Reserve is re-opening.
On Nov. 1, come celebrate all things natural at Water, Wings & Wild Things, Polk NatureFest 2008, in conjunction with the opening of Polk County’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve. Polk NatureFest 2008, which will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is a free event featuring native Florida animals, nature-based art vendors, wildlife and plant workshops and hands-on activities — such as tree climbing, kite-making, butterflies and more! As you and your family celebrate nature, get the first glimpse of Polk County’s Nature Discovery Center which will offer a variety of nature-based activities, wildlife viewing platform, exhibits highlighting various habitats, nature workshops and guided tours of the reserve. Circle B Bar Reserve is located just off Hwy 540 between Winter Haven and Lakeland. For more information, contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing at (863) 534-2500 or visit www.visitcentralflorida.org.
Update Octorber 30th:
Was able to look around in the Reserve today for just a little while. I was able to observe the following birds in about 20 minutes. Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Tri-colored Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Snipes, Black and Turkey Vultues, Wood Stork, Common Gallinule, Whistling Duck, Catbird plus others I couldn’t ID. We really didn’t have any gear with us, as we were just passing by and saw the gate open.
While thinking about bird feeders and how birds approach them to eat, I started comparing that to how we approach the Word of God.
Goldfinch on Feeder
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1Pe 2:2)
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. (Psa 119:140)
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. (Psa 119:162)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psa 119:105)
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psa 119:103)
Here are some of my thought about birds at my feeders:
Hummingbird Feeders (Hummingbirds and Orioles)
Hummer at Feeder, Camp Carlson, KY
Suet Feeders (Woodpeckers, Titmice, Nuthatches, etc
Regular Feeders (Most birds)
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psa 19:7-11 KJV)
All pictures taken by Dan.
Just found some interesting videos from YouTube. Thought I would share them here on the blog.
Be Still And Know I Am God
Pacific Golden Plover Defies Evolution Here on Blog
Dragonfly Defies Evolution Here on Blog
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Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: (Job 12:7 KJV) Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? (Job 35:11 KJV)
God has promised that He will watch over the birds of the air to see that they are fed.
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41 KJV)
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. (Psa 147:9 KJV)
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luk 12:6-7 KJV)
Let the Birds of the Air teach us to put our trust in the Lord especially with the difficult times that are facing us today. With the economy, finances, jobs, problems, health, and other pressures pressing on us, look to the Lord, our Saviour, King, Ruler, Creator, and the All Mighty God who cares about every aspect of our lives and wants to provide all for us. He loves the birds, but He loves and cares so much more about us.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Mat 6:25-34 KJV)
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God Will Take Care of You
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Thro’ ev’ry day, O’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Trust Him, and you will be satisfied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
See Birds in Hymns – God Will Take Care of You
Psalm 63:7
Author: Civilla D. Martin, 1869-1948
Musician: W. Stillman Martin, 1862-1935
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Hawks are roughly divided into two groups: Buteos and Accipiters. The “Buteos are chunky hawks with broad wings and short, wide tails. They may soar for hours…with hardly a flap of their wings, and often perch in the open.” “Accipiters are slim hawks with relatively short rounded wings and long tails. They are in the woods, and “pursue prey with stealth and agility.” Quotes from p.108, Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America.
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, (Lev 11:16 and Deu 14:15 KJVR)
“Large hawks were numerous in Palestine. The largest were 2 ft. long, have flat heads, hooked beaks, strong talons and eyes appearing the keenest and most comprehensive of any bird. They can sail the length or breadth of the Holy Land many times a day. It is a fact worth knowing that mist and clouds interfere with the vision of birds and they hide, and hungry and silent wait for fair weather, so you will see them sailing and soaring on clear days only. These large hawks and the glede are of eagle-like nature, nesting on Carmel and on the hills of Galilee, in large trees and on mountain crags. They flock near Beersheba, and live in untold numbers in the wilderness of the Dead Sea.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
The Buteos in North America are:
Red-tailed Hawk (19″, wingspan 50″, with a red tail)
Rough-legged Hawk (21″, wingspan 53″)
Ferruginous Hawk (23″, wingspan 56″, our largest buteo)
Broad-winged Hawk (16″, wingspan 34″, crow-sized, soars with wings flat)
Red-shouldered Hawk (17″, wingspan 40″, red shoulders and chest)
Gray Hawk (17″, wingspan 36″ )
Swainson’s Hawk (19″, wingspan 51″, brown chest-band)
White-tailed Hawk (20″, wingspan 51″, soars with wings in a V)
Short-tailed Hawk (16″, wingspan 36″, small with big-headed look)
Harris Hawk (21″, wingspan 46″, black tail with white base and tip)
Zone-tailed Hawk (20″, wingspan 51″, broad white band on tail)
Common Black Hawk (20″, wingspan 50″, very broad wings)
Accipiters (‘built for agility and burst of speed”) are:
Sharp-shinned Hawk (12″, wingspan 25″)
Cooper’s Hawk (18″, wingspan 32″)
Northern Goshawk (22″, wingspan 43″)
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 