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

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.

Birds of the Bible – Ibises

July 29, 2011 by Lee

Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) by Dan at LPZoo

and for a long time birds and hedgehogs, and ibises and ravens shall dwell in it: and the measuring line of desolation shall be cast over it, and satyrs shall dwell in it. (Isaiah 34:11 Brenton)

While working on Birds of the Bible – Isaiah 34:11, I was pointing out how the different versions of the Bible translated that verse. One of the birds that appeared in those verses was the Ibis. After searching through e-Sword, “Ibis/Ibises” showed up in four different Scriptures. The Ibis is being added as a Bird of the Bible and will have it’s own page, Ibises.

Of course the Isaiah 34:11 verse, quoted above, has “ibises” in the Brenton and the ABP+ (Apostolic Bible Polyglot w/Strongs Numbers).
(ABP+) Birds, and hedgehogs, and ibises, and crows shall dwell in her; and [shall be put upon her cord a surveying of desolation]; and satyrs shall live in her.
(Brenton) and for a long time birds and hedgehogs, and ibises and ravens shall dwell in it: and the measuring line of desolation shall be cast over it, and satyrs shall dwell in it.

Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 both have the list of clean and unclean birds that the Israelites were to observe.

Leviticus 11:17
(ABP+) And long-eared owl, and cormorant, and ibis,
(Darby) and the owl, and the gannet, and the ibis,
(DRB) The screech owl, and the cormorant, and the ibis.
(ISV) owl, cormorant, ibis,

Deuteronomy 14:16
(ABP+) and heron, and swan, and ibis,
(Darby) the owl, and the ibis and the swan,

There is one other reference to an “ibis” and that is in the GNB (Good News Bible) which I totally disagree with its translation.
(GNB) Who tells the ibis when the Nile will flood, or who tells the rooster that rain will fall?

Here is what the verse says in several other translations:
(KJV) Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
(NASB) “Who has put wisdom in the innermost being Or given understanding to the mind?
(ESV) Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?

The way it reads, there is no mention of a any kind of a bird or an ibis.

Wikipedia has this to say about the Ibis (edited) “The ibises (collective plural ibis; classical plurals ibides and ibes) are a group of long-legged wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae of the Pelicaniformes Order.
They all have long down curved bills, and usually feed as a group, probing mud for food items, usually crustaceans. In Florida, they probe around in yards looking for insects or whatever. Most species nest in trees, often with spoonbills or herons.
The word ibis comes from Greek and Latin, and probably from the Ancient Egyptian. According to Josephus, Moses employed ibes against serpents during a desert campaign into Ethiopia in his early life. Pliny the Elder also recounted, “The Egyptians invoked [ibes] against the serpents.”

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) by Dan at LPZoo

In culture

The Sacred Ibis was an object of religious veneration in ancient Egypt, particularly associated with the god, Thoth. At the town of Hermopolis, ibises were reared specifically for sacrificial purposes and in the Serapeum at Saqqara, archaeologists found the mummies of one and a half million ibises and hundreds of thousands of falcons.
According to local legend in the Birecik area, the Northern Bald Ibis was one of the first birds that Noah released from the Ark as a symbol of fertility, and a lingering religious sentiment in Turkey helped the colonies there to survive long after the demise of the species in Europe. (Not found in Scripture)
The mascot of the University of Miami is an American White Ibis. The ibis was selected as the school mascot because of its legendary bravery during hurricanes. The ibis is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to reappear once the storm has passed. By the same token, the short story The Scarlet Ibis used the hearty bird’s appearance and untimely demise inland to foreshadow one of the central character’s death.
The Sacred Ibis is the unit symbol of the Israeli Special Forces unit known as Unit 212 or Maglan in Hebrew: מגלן.”

Bare-faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus) by Robert Scanlon

Here is a list of the Ibises, by their genera

Threskiornis
African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) by Lee at Lowry Park Zoo
Malagasy Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis bernieri)
Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) – by Nikhil Devasar
Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca) by Ian
Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis)
Pseudibis
Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa)
White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) ARK
Giant Ibis (Pseudibis gigantea) ARK
Geronticus
Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)
Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) by Dan at L P Zoo
Nipponia
Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon)
Bostrychia
Olive Ibis (Bostrychia olivacea) IBC
Sao Tome Ibis (Bostrychia bocagei)
Spot-breasted Ibis (Bostrychia rara)
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata)
Theristicus
Plumbeous Ibis (Theristicus caerulescens)
Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus) by Dario Sanches
Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis) b
Cercibis
Sharp-tailed Ibis (Cercibis oxycerca) IBC
Mesembrinibis
Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Phimosus
Bare-faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus) by Robert Scanlon
Eudocimus
American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) by Dan at Lake Morton
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) by Dan at L P Zoo
Plegadis
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) by Dan at Circle B
White-fa ced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) ©USFWS
Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi)
Lophotibis
Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata)

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.

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)

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

Birds of the Bible – Timid Birds

July 9, 2011 by Lee

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus) ©WikiC

Easton’s Bible Dictionary says this about the verse: “Their (birds) timidity is alluded to in (Hosea 11:11)”

they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD. (Hosea 11:11 ESV)

Do birds tremble? Why? Interesting questions. Let’s see what we can find out about this passage and about “timid birds.

Instincts of: “Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. (Proverbs 1:17 KJV)”

Nave’s Topical Bible says:

Man’s dominion over –

“Gen 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. (Genesis 9:2-3 NKJV)

For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! (Psalms 8:5-9 NKJV)

and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold. (Daniel 2:38 NKJV)

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)

Torrey’s New Topical Textbook also alludes to those verses quoted above:

Power over given to man – Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:8;
Instinctively fear man – Genesis 9:2;
Can all be tamed – James 3:7;
Given as food to man – Genesis 9:2-3;
Taken in snares or nets – Proverbs 1:17;

Confinement of, in cages alluded to – “As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become great and grown rich.” (Jeremiah 5:27 NKJV)

Sparrow Snack Anyone?

(From Birds of the Bible – Sparrow I)

There are many more commentary notes that could be quoted, but I think you get the idea that birds do have a reason to be timid. Just because man was given dominion over the birds doesn’t mean that he has to be cruel to them. Many birds are tamed, not by torture, but by love and patience. Forcing the birds definitely will cause them to be timid. Out in nature, many birds are shy or timid because of other birds attacking them and so they are cautious, and rightly so.

Reading some of the internet articles about timid birds, they even do research to find out about this timidity. Animal Planet produced an interesting article about research on 22 Goldfinches.

Back to our original passage of Scripture. For now we are concentrating on the timid or frightened bird, not necessarily about the dove.

Eurasian-collared Dove in Israel

Barnes says, “Hosea 11:11
They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt – The West denoted Europe; Egypt and Assyria stand, each for all the lands beyond them, and so for Africa and Asia; all together comprise the three quarters of the world, from where converts have chiefly come to Christ. These are likened to birds, chiefly for the swiftness with which they shall then haste to the call of God, who now turned away the more, the more they were called. The dove, especially, was a bird of Palestine, proverbial for the swiftness of its flight, easily aftrighted, and flying the more rapidly, the more it was frightened, and returning to its cot from any distance where it might be carried; from where Isaiah also says of the converts, “Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?” Isa_60:8. “The Hebrews,” says Jerome, “refer this to the coming of the Christ, who, they hope, will come; we shew that it hath taken place already. For both from Egypt and Aasyria, i. e., from East and West, from North and South, have they come, and daily do they come, who sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Clarke says, “They shall tremble as a bird – Those of them that are in Egypt shall also be called thence, and shall speed hither as a bird. Those in Assyria shall also be called to return, and they shall flee as doves to their windows. All shall, in the fullness of time, return to their own land.”

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) by Dans Pix

(A hard bird to capture on camera. They are very timid and evasive.)

Gill says, “Hosea 11:11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt,…. They shall come from thence with fear and trembling; which may allude to the trembling of birds at the roaring of a lion, or to the trembling motion of their wings in flying; and denotes the swiftness of the motion of the Israelites and Jews to Christ, and to his church and people, and to their own land, under divine influence and direction: or “shall come with honour” (k); with all readiness and cheerfulness, in the obedience of faith: ”
“and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; which is expressive of the same things, the dove being both a timorous and swift creature. Birds in common are very timorous, and tremble at any noise, and fearful of everything that disturbs them, and therefore make all the haste and speed they can to get out of the way, and to do which they are naturally provided; and more especially the dove is always represented as very fearful and trembling, especially when pursued by the hawk, as the poet (l) observes. Though, it may be, these figures may only signify, as the weak and impotent state of the Jews, considered in themselves at this time, so the quick speed and haste they shall make to their own land.”
(So much for not concentrating on the dove.)

The next quote seems to wrap up what is being said here in Hosea 11. God is calling His trembling people home to Him because of His mercy, “Christ has purchased the pardon” for them.

Matthew Henry says, “Hosea 11:8-12
God is slow to anger, and is loth to abandon a people to utter ruin, who have been called by his name. When God was to give a sacrifice for sin, and a Saviour for sinners, he spared not his own Son, that he might spare us. This is the language of the day of his patience; but when men sin that away, then the great day of his wrath comes. Man’s compassions are nothing in comparison with the tender mercies of our God, whose thoughts and ways, in receiving returning sinners, are as much above ours as heaven is above the earth. God knows how to pardon poor sinners. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and therein declares his righteousness, now Christ has purchased the pardon, and he has promised it. Holy trembling at the word of Christ will draw us to him, not drive us from him, the children tremble, and flee to him. And all that come at the gospel call, shall have a place and a name in the gospel church. The religious service of Israel were mere hypocrisy, but in Judah regard was had to God’s laws, and the people followed their pious forefathers. Let us be faithful: those who thus honour God, he will honour, but such us despise Him shall be lightly esteemed.”

Wordless Birds

More Birds of the Bible

(Commentary notes from e-Sword Bible program.)
*

American Goldfinch – The Latecomers…

July 7, 2011 by a j mithra

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) by Daves BirdingPix

Goldfinch – The Latecomers… ~ by ajmithra

Hello everyone,

This morning I happened to read an article on Goldfinch in http://www.wild.enature.com, and that inspired me to write about these amazing late nesters.. Having just entered into the month of July, I thought it would be apt to just ponder over these awe inspiring July nesters..

By July, most songbirds are in the final stages of raising their young, but not the American Goldfinches. These appealing, colorful birds are just getting started. Notoriously late nesters, goldfinches have been waiting for the thistles to bloom.

Do we wait for God’s timing in our lives?

We may feel bad when everyone is moving ahead of us.

But, God’s plan for our lives is not as same as it is for the others…

David was anointed by Samuel when he was just a kid..
He did not turn into a King immediately after the anointing..
He had to wait for more than thirty years..
He did wait without grumbling, always rejoicing in the Lord and you know what?
David is still considered the greatest king ever lived..
So great that God chose to be born in his family tree..

Wait for God’s plan to bloom, like how these Goldfinches wait for the thistles to bloom..

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) on Thistle by Fenton

When this happens in July, it signals the goldfinches that they can start building their nests which are made primarily of the silver fibers and down of thistle blooms. Generally, the nest is built in the fork of a horizontal tree limb, 4 to 14 feet above the ground. The female builds a durable, neat cup of thistle and cattail fibers, so dense that it will hold water.Medieval writers believed that thistle can heal headaches, plague, canker, sores, vertigo, and jaundice. Do these birds know the thistles’ medicinal value?

God expects His bride to build a church that is durable and so dense, so that it can hold The Living Water…
God has promised to pour His spirit on all flesh during the last days and we do know that we are in the last days…
God pours so much anointing in every service in church, but we still haven’t reached the unreached yet. Why?
Is it because of the leak that is found in our spirit?

Are these female birds showing us how to build our nest so as to hold The Living Water?

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) by Lee thru window

In it she lays 4 to 6 pale blue to white eggs and then she incubates them for 12 to 14 days, until they hatch. The attentive male often feeds his mate while she sits on the nest. By the time the eggs hatch, the thistle has gone to seed, which is perfect timing for feeding young goldfinches.

God’s timing is awesome..

See how well the birds know that the nest material will also become food for their chicks, And they don’t have to wander in search of food..

That is God’s timing..

We tend to think that God is late, but we fail to understand that He is always on time.. There are so many instances where God has asked His servants to look out for His timing..

Joseph had to wait for God’s time to become a Prime Minister..
Moses had to wait for God’s time to become a leader..
Sometimes God even asks us to wait for nature’s signal, like how he asks David to wait for the mulberry leaves to quiver before he falls over the enemy camp..
Do we wait or wilt under pressure..
Do not wait for a man or for an opportunity, just wait for the Lord..

Waiting to the Lord releases super power…You know?

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 40:31)

The parents nourish this chicks by consuming the thistle seed themselves, and then regurgitating the partially digested, milk like cereal into the mouths of their nestlings. This is as close as birds come to mammals that feed their young milk from mammary glands.

Baby goldfinches are fully feathered and out of the nest 10 to 16 days later. Almost immediately, they join their parents at bird feeders across America. That’s when many people suddenly notice so many goldfinches as the summer progresses. If these birds were normal nesters like the other song birds, they would’ve faced a sever threat on their existence, which is based upon the thistle….

Masterpieces are not made overnight.. It may take weeks, months or even years to make one..

Do you want people to take notice of you?
Just wait…
You are destined to be the Master’s masterpiece, so just wait….

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14)

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:
Crosstree

ajmithra21

Lee’s Addition:

See a j’s other articles – Click Here

The American Goldfinch is in the Finches – Fringillidae Family of the Passeriformes Order.

Formed By Him – Coua

July 5, 2011 by Lee

Crested Coua (Coua cristata) by Lee LPZ

Dan and I stopped by the Lowry Park Zoo on the Fourth of July for a few minutes. We only had a few minutes and with a yearly pass, it made it easy to “duck-in” for a visit. The Aviary is just inside the gate, so we visited there as usual. I have been trying to get a decent photo of the Crested Coua. It is difficult because they are kept behind fine wire that gives me a fit trying to shoot through it. You would not want to know how many great photos of wire that have been deleted. Not only did I get a fair photo, but they were the most active I have seen them. They are beautiful birds and I love the way the Lord created them and especially their eyes. The eyes remind me of:

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1 Peter 3:12 KJV)

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18 KJV)

The Crested Coua, Coua cristata, is a medium-sized, approximately 17.3 in/44cm long, greenish-grey coua with grey crest, blue bare orbital skin, rufous breast, brown iris, black bill and legs, white belly and long white-tipped purplish-blue tail feathers.

Crested Coua (Coua cristata) Pair by Lee LPZ

The Crested Coua is distributed and endemic to forests, savanna and brushland of Madagascar. Widespread and a common species throughout its large habitat range. It is found from sea-level to altitude of 2,950 ft/900 metres. They feature brightly colored bare skin around the eyes. Some resemble Coucals in their habit of clambering through plant tangles while foraging, while the arboreal species move between tree canopies with gliding flight. Four species occur(red) in rainforests while the remaining six are found in the dry forests of western and southern Madagascar.The diet consists mainly of various insects, fruits, berries, seeds, snails and chameleons.

Crested Coua Video by J. del Hoya at IBC

They were created with large feet, with a reversible third toe like all cuckoos. The female usually lays two white eggs in nest made from twigs. Couas build their own nests and lay white eggs. The Crested coua is notable for the highly unusual markings that chicks display on their inner beaks, video of which can be seen on the Zoo’s YouTube channel. Coua Chick Mouth Markings. Cuckoos are know for placing their eggs in other bird species’ nests. It appears that this Coua chick may even imitate the mouth markings of the host chicks. The Lord commanded the birds to multiply and fill the earth. It appears, some even in the cuckoo family, are taking this to the limit.

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. (Genesis 1:22 ESV)

Couas’ calls are short series of evenly spaced notes, which are sometimes answered by other individuals.

Other Coua are the Verreaux’s, Blue, Red-capped, Red-fronted, Coquerel’s, Running, Giant, and Red-breasted Couas. They are members of the Cuculidaes, which is called the Cuckoo Family. The cuckoo family, in addition also includes the roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals and anis.

Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) by WikiC

The Blue Coua is a deep blue with a bare blue oval around the eye and beak. It averages a size of 18.9-19.7 inches long and weighs approximately 8.2 ounces. The Blue Coua’s diet consists of insects, varied fruits, and small reptiles. Blue Coua’s can be found in the NorthWest and East areas of Madagascar. Specifically in the sub-tropical to tropical moist lowland, mangroe forest, and moist montane ares. It is a species of cokoo birds. In spanish it is known as the Cua Azul. The bird only lays one egg in a nest hidden in trees and bushes.

Giant Coua (Coua gigas) WikiC

One of the most important distinguishing features of the Cuculidae family are the feet, which are zygodactyl, meaning that the two inner toes pointed forward and the two outer backward. There are two basic body forms, arboreal species (like the Common Cuckoo) which are slender and have short tarsi, and terrestrial species (like the roadrunners) which are more heavy set and have long tarsi. Almost all species have long tails which are used for steering in terrestrial species and as a rudder during flight in the arboreal species. The wing shape also varies with lifestyle, with the more migratory species like the Black-billed Cuckoo possessing long narrow wings capable of strong direct flight, and the more terrestrial and sedentary cuckoos like the coucals and malkohas having shorter rounded wings and a more laboured gliding flight.

What an amazing Creator that has provided such a diverse and interesting creation that we can enjoy watching and learning about. We will never run out of things to observe and be delighted about enjoying His many feathered wonders.

Crested Coua (Coua cristata) foot away by Lee LPZ

The Couas are in the Cuculidae Family of the Cuculiformes Order.

Birds of the Bible – Kite

July 1, 2011 by Lee

Swallow-tailed Kite – the one bird I got a photo of as it flew overhead

Today while Dan and I were out talking with our neighbor, a Swallow-tailed Kite flew over us several times and we all watched it disappear off in the distance. I have noticed several of them in the area lately. They are a pretty bird and I enjoy watching them fly. That tail forked out makes for a neat appearance.

Previously the Birds of the Bible – Glede and Kite article was written when this blog was first starting up. In fact, it was before we moved the blog here to WordPress and was published in the Blogspot(Blogger) format. I was exploring whether the Bible was calling it the Kite or the Glede.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus) by Ian

This time, let’s look at what the versions of the Scriptures say about the Kite.

Most of the verses about the Kite are found in Leviticus 11:14 and Deuteronomy 14:13, which are in the list of the unclean birds that the Israelites were not to eat. And most of them call the bird a Kite.

Leviticus 11:14 – Here are the verses from the compare mode of e-Sword.
(ASV) and the kite, and the falcon after its kind,
(BBE) And the kite and the falcon, and birds of that sort;
(Brenton) And the vulture, and the kite, and the like to it;
(Darby) and the falcon, and the kite, after its kind;
(DRB) And the kite, and the vulture, according to their kind.
(ERV) kites, all kinds of falcons,
(ESV) the kite, the falcon of any kind,
(GW) kites, all types of buzzards,
(JPS) and the kite, and the falcon after its kinds;
(KJV) And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;
(KJV-1611) And the Uulture, and the Kite, after his kinde:
(LITV) and the kite, and the falcon, according to its kind;
(MKJV) and the kite, and the falcon, according to its kind;
(NAS77) and the kite and the falcon in its kind,
(NASB) and the kite and the falcon in its kind,
(NKJV) the kite, and the falcon after its kind;
(RV) and the kite, and the falcon after its kind;
(Webster) And the vultur, and the kite after his kind;
(YLT) and the vulture, and the kite after its kind,
Here they are called Red Kites
(ISV) red kite, falcon of any kind,

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) by Nikhil Devasar

Deuteronomy 14:13 has some differences in the use of Kite, Glede, and Red or Black Kite.
Kite:
(ASV) and the glede, and the falcon, and the kite after its kind,
(BBE) The falcon and the kite, and birds of that sort;
(Brenton) and the vulture, and the kite and the like to it,
(Darby) and the falcon, and the kite, and the black kite after its kind;
(DRB) The ringtail, and the vulture, and the kite according to their kind:
(ERV) red kites, falcons, any kind of kite,
(ESV) the kite, the falcon of any kind;
(GW) buzzards, all types of kites,
(ISV) buzzard, any kind of kite,
(JPS) and the glede, and the falcon, and the kite after its kinds;
(KJV) And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,
(KJV-1611) And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kinde,
(KJVA) And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,
(LITV) and the hawk, and falcons, and the kite by its kinds,
(MKJV) and the hawk, and the falcon, and the vulture after its kind,
(NAS77) and the red kite, the falcon, and the kite in their kinds,
(NASB) and the red kite, the falcon, and the kite in their kinds,
(NKJV) the red kite, the falcon, and the kite after their kinds;
(RV) and the glede, and the falcon, and the kite after its kind;
(Webster) And the glede, and the kite, and the vultur after his kind,
(YLT) and the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after its kind,

Deut 14:12 (CEV) But don’t eat the meat of any of the following birds: eagles, vultures, falcons, kites, ravens, ostriches, owls, sea gulls, hawks, pelicans, ospreys, cormorants, storks, herons, and hoopoes. You must not eat bats.

Did you notice reading down those verses that the Glede is not mentioned at all in the Leviticus 11:14 list? I even checked the verses before and after and it is not mentioned in them either. Hum!

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) by Nikhil

There are a few other verses with “Kite” mentioned in the Bible:

Jeremiah 8:7 The kite in the air hath known her time: the turtle, and the swallow, and the stork have observed the time of their coming: but my people have not known the judgment of the Lord. (DRB-1899 Douay-Rheims)

Zechariah 5:9 And I lifted up my eyes and looked: and behold there came out two women, and wind was in their wings, and they had wings like the wings of a kite: and they lifted up the vessel between the earth and the heaven. (DRB-1899 Douay-Rheims)

Job 28:7 A path–not known it hath a ravenous fowl, Nor scorched it hath an eye of the kite, (YLT 1898 Young’s Literal Translation)

Video of American Swallow-tailed Kite by Keith Blomerley. [Broken Link] It shows a Kite in the air.

There are three versions that use “kite” in Isaiah 34:15

There shall the arrowsnake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate. (RV Revised Version)
There shall the arrowsnake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and brood under her shadow; yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate. (JPS Jewish Publication Society Bible)
There shall the dart-snake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shade; yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate. (ASV American Standard Version)

Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) by Robert Scanlon

So what is a Kite? They are in the Accipitridae Family of the Accipitriformes Order. Being in the Accipitridae family means they are a bird of prey or raptors

Here is some of what Wikipedia has to say: “The Accipitridae, one of the two major families within the order Accipitriformes (the diurnal birds of prey), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found on all the world’s continents (except Antarctica) and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are migratory. Many well-known birds, such as hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures are included in this group.”

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) by Nick Talbot

“The Black-winged Kite breeds at different times of the year across its range. Although nesting has been noted throughout the year in India, they appear not to breed in April and May. Courtship is noisy and involves chases. The nest is a loose platform of twigs in which 3 or 4 eggs are laid. The female spends more effort in the construction of the nest than the male. The eggs are pale creamy with spots of deep red. Both parents incubate but when the chicks hatch, the male spends more time on foraging for food. Females initially feed the young, sometimes hunting close to the nest but will also receive food from the male. After fledging the young birds continue to be dependent for food on the male parent for about 80 days, initially transferring food at perch and later in the air.

The prey include grasshoppers, crickets and other large insects, lizards and rodents. Injured birds, small snakes and frogs have also been recorded. The slow hunting flight is like a harrier, but it will hover like a Kestrel. It has on rare occasions been known to hunt prey in flight. Favourite perches are used for hunting and for feeding but large prey may sometimes be handled on the ground. In southern Africa, they appear to favour roadside verges for foraging and are sometimes killed by collisions with vehicles.

These birds roost communally with groups of 15 to 35 (larger numbers in Europe) converging at a large leafy tree. They are extremely silent and the calls recorded include a high-pitched squeal or a soft whistle. They call a lot mainly during the breeding season.”

(Top photo from a previous birdwatching adventure)

See others:

Glede and Kite

Birds of the Bible

Wordless Birds

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Tag Archives: Christian

Formed By Him – Bird Eggs

Created to Fly

Birds of the Bible – Ibises

White-fronted Bee-eater – The Community Developer

Birds of the Bible – Hovering Birds

Birds of the Bible – Isaiah 34:11

Summer 2011 Adventure Updates

Birds in Hymns – I Chronicles 16

Birds of the Bible – Timid Birds

American Goldfinch – The Latecomers…

Formed By Him – Coua

Birds of the Bible – Kite

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: