Wattled Jacana – The Perfect Partner

July 19, 2010 by a j mithra

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) by Ian's Birdway

The Wattled Jacana is a wader which is a resident breeder from western Panama and Trinidad south through most of South America east of the Andes. Common in lowlands from Panama to northern Argentina mainly east of the Andes in southern part of range.

Frequents freshwater marshes, lakes and slow-flowing rivers where it wades in damp vegetation or walks on floating water plants, foraging for fish and insects to eat and to build their nests. Lily pads and other floating vegetation in swamps and marshes are home to jacanas.

The Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) is unmistakable with its exaggerated feet that are fit for a fairy tale and red, turkey like wattles. Also called the lily-trotter, its toes and toenails distribute its weight over large areas to help it sprint across aquatic vegetation as if defying gravity.

People may pass discouraging comments on your height, color, status and so on.. Remember, that our God is not a respecter of person…

The survival of these birds hinges on their exaggerated legs and toes…

God had created everything in us for a specific plan, so that His name maybe glorified…
What people see in you as weakness is in fact, your God made tool for survival…
Brothers saw Joseph as a dreamer, but, God saw him as a redeemer..
People saw Moses as a slow of speech , but God saw him as a leader..
King Saul saw David as a small boy, but, God saw him as a King…

…: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) by Robert Scanlon

The jacana (zhah-suh-NAH) is a skilled swimmer and diver—fitting adaptations for life on the Amazon River. Flooded meadows offer a floating feast of small fishes, insects, snails and vegetation. With its long, thin beak it can pluck bugs and other goodies from the tangles of floating vegetation and even turn plants over to see what’s hiding beneath. During the dry season, jacanas wade along rivers, oxbow lakes and irrigation ditches scavenging for leftovers. If threatened, young chicks, as well as adults, stay underwater for long periods of time with only the tips of their bills above water. They can also swim underwater to avoid predators.

When life threatens, the best chance of survival comes from staying under the Living Water…
We sure can learn this 100% survival technique from these birds…
There is not only 24×7 protection, but also, abundance under the Living Water …

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isaiah 4:6)

Jacana eggs are true works of art. They are a deep tan color, with very dark markings that look like dribbled lines of paint, crisscrossing the entire egg in an abstract design that is different on each egg. The eggs are very glossy and shiny and look as though they have been highly polished. This “wet” appearance is nature’s camaflouge, helping the eggs resemble the glossy surface of surrounding vegetation.

Males are the primary nest builders, incubators and caretakers. Jacana nests are built on mostly submerged plants. If the nest starts to sink, or the eggs are otherwise endangered, the male may pick them up and carry them under his wings to a new site. It is the male incubates the eggs, with two eggs held between each wing and the breast, and looks after the chicks…

Our God, the nest builder, has built an eternal nest for us in heaven..
Our God, the incubator, incubates our future…
Our God, the caretaker, is the one who takes care of even our smallest need…
He is the one who not only carries us but also our dreams under His wings..
He is the one who holds us close to His bosom..

What an awesome God we have!!!!!

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Psalm91:4)

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) by Wiki

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea)©Wiki on Pads

Meanwhile, the female has left the male to find more males to breed with. She does not participate in raising chicks. After the female lays her first nest of four or so eggs, she is freed to find more mates—up to five simultaneously—and lay more eggs. She will aggressively fight with marauding female competitors to both protect her male partners and ensure that she can keep laying eggs. If, however, the eggs or chicks die, she will reunite with the first male and lay another clutch of eggs. These behaviors are a matter of survival, not a lapse of fidelity.

Eve preferred to see the garden all by herself…
If she hadn’t gone out alone, she wouldn’t have fallen into satan’s trap…
Most of us have gone away from His presence only to be battered and bruised..
Like these birds, we come back to God only after dreams die, spirit broken, left alone and feel defeated…
God is still waiting like the father of the prodigal son, arms stretched to embrace us back into His presence…

Are we willing to get back to the basics before The King returns? Note, He will return without prior notice…

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28 to 30)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Jacanas are in the Jacanidae Family of eight species. The Jacanidae family is only one of nineteen families in the Charadriiformes Order known as Shorebirds and Allies.

To give an idea of how they walk around on leaves, here is a Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) by Keith B – A bird walking across water lily leaves.

Birds in Hymns – Jesus, Lover Of My Soul

July 18, 2010 by Lee

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 KJV)

Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740. Some have called this the finest hymn in the English language.

Music: Aberystwyth (Parry), Joseph Parry, in Stephens’ Ail Lyfr Tonau ac Emynau, 1879

Quotes below from Wholesome Words Christian Biography Resources

“The circumstance of the writing of this hymn is interesting. The story goes that Charles Wesley was roused from his sleep one night by a terrible storm. Being unable to rest he got up, put on his dressing-gown, and, opening his casement window stood looking out upon the stormy scene. Suddenly a bird, exhausted by the wind, and hotly pursued by a hawk, flew through the open window right into Charles Wesley’s breast for protection. Having saved the bird and placed it in security, he turned to his desk and wrote this immortal hymn, so realistic and descriptive of the fear and intense longing of the anxious soul to find safety and rest.

For our soul needs shelter; and the Only One Who can be a refuge for the soul is Jesus. He is our Hiding-place, our Haven of Rest. Listen to these words of the prophet Isaiah (32:2):

“A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest . . . as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”

We have no time to say anything about this wonderful hymn in detail, but I would have you notice one point about it. I have spoken of this in the case of other hymns, but the thought will bear repeating. Notice in it the personal and persistent use of me, and my, and I, in it:

“Let me to Thy bosom fly.”

Red-Tailed Hawk by Ray

It is the prayer of the individual soul for succour, to the Saviour Himself; the call, as of a drowning man, that insists on being heard, and that can take no refusal; the cry of the terrified, and frail, and helpless bird, pursued by the cruel hawk, that is eager for its life.

Dear friends, are you “Safe in the arms of Jesus”? Have you “hidden” yourselves in Him?

Oh that these questions may go straight home to your hearts. If you are not in Christ, Oh, may God the Holy Spirit awaken you to see your danger. I will read the hymn to you, and then we will sing it together, on our knees, as our closing prayer.”

Jesus, Lover Of My Soul by Charles Wesley

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

Birds of the Bible – Barn Owls

July 16, 2010 by Lee

Western Barn Owls (Family Tytonidae) by Bob-Nan

Western Barn Owl (Family Tytonidae) by Bob-Nan

the little owl, the cormorant, the short-eared owl, the barn owl, the tawny owl, the carrion vulture, (Leviticus 11:17-18 ESV)
and the little owl, and the cormorant, and the eared owl; and the barn owl, and the pelican, and the owl-vulture; (Leviticus 11:17-18 MKJV)

Australian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) by Wiki

The Lord has created another interesting and fantastic bird, the Barn Owl. The Owls are mentioned in the list of unclean birds the Israelites were not to eat. The Bible mentions several different kinds of owls and that is possibly why the taxonomists today divide them at least into two different families. Within those families, especially the larger one, Strigidae, the are different groupings. The Barn Owl family, Tytonidae, all seem to have this heart-shaped face you will read about and see. Some of the other Bible versions call it the “white owl.” Most of the ones I found photos of do have a white face or almost white face.

Barn-owls (family Tytonidae) are one of the two families of owls, the other being the true owls, Strigidae. Barn Owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons. They also differ from Strigidae in structural details relating in particular to the sternum and feet.

Sulawesi Masked Owl (Tyto rosenbergii) by Wiki

The Barn Owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail. Depending on subspecies, it measures about 25–45 cm (9.8–18 in) in overall length, with a wingspan of some 75–110 cm (30–43 in). Tail shape is a way of distinguishing the Barn Owl from true owls when seen in flight, as are the wavering motions and the open dangling feathered legs. The light face with its heart shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance, like a flat mask with oversized oblique black eyeslits, the ridge of feathers above the bill somewhat resembling a nose.[Wikipedia]

The barn-owls’ main characteristic is the heart-shaped facial disc, formed by stiff feathers which serve to amplify and locate the source of sounds when hunting. (See Calculating Owls below) Further adaptations in the wing feathers eliminate sound caused by flying, aiding both the hearing of the owl listening for hidden prey and keeping the prey unaware of the owl. Barn-owls overall are darker on the back than the front, usually an orange-brown colour, the front being a paler version of the back or mottled, although there is considerable variation even amongst species. The bay-owls closely resemble the Tyto owls but have a divided facial disc, ear tufts, and tend to be smaller.

On average, within any one population males tend to be less spotted on the underside than females. The latter are also larger, as is common for owls. A strong female Western Barn Owl of a large subspecies may weigh over 550 g (19.4 oz), while males are typically about 10% lighter. Nestlings are covered in white down all over, but the heart-shaped facial disk is visible soon after hatching.

the little owl and the short-eared owl, the barn owl (Deuteronomy 14:16 ESV)

Western Barn Owl (Tyto alba) by Nikhil Devassar

Its head and upperparts are a mixture of buff and grey (especially on the forehead and back) feathers in most subspecies. Some are purer richer brown instead, and all have fine black-and-white speckles except on the remiges and rectrices, which are light brown with darker bands. The heart-shaped face is usually bright white, but in some subspecies it is browner. The underparts vary from white to reddish buff among the subspecies, and are either mostly unpatterned or bear a varying amount of tiny blackish-brown speckles. It was found that at least in the continental European populations, females with more spotting are healthier on average. This does not hold true for European males by contrast, where the spotting varies according to subspecies. The bill varies from pale horn to dark buff, corresponding to the general plumage hue. The iris is blackish brown. The toes, as the bill, vary in color; their color ranges from pinkish to dark pinkish-grey. The talons are black.

African Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) by Wiki

The barn owls are a wide ranging family, absent only from northern North America, Saharan Africa and large areas of Asia. They live in a wide range of habitats from deserts to forests, and from temperate latitudes to the tropics. The majority of the 16 living species of barn owls are poorly known. Some, like the (Madagascar) Red Owl, have barely been seen or studied since their discovery, in contrast to the Common Barn Owl, which is one of the best known owl species in the world. However, some sub-species of the Common Barn Owl possibly deserve to be a separate species, but are very poorly known.

Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot (such calls are made by typical owls, like the Tawny Owl or other Strix). It instead produces the characteristic shree scream, ear-shattering at close range. Males in courtship give a shrill twitter. It can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defence. Also given in such situations is a rasp and a clicking snap, produced by the bill or possibly the tongue.

Barn Owl clicks and call from xeno.canto.org

Couldn’t pass up the opportunity for some verse of the “heart.”

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. (Psalms 9:1 KJV)
LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: (Psalms 10:17 KJV)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 KJV)
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 KJV)

Andean Cock-of-the-rock – The Changer…

July 15, 2010 by a j mithra

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) by SanDiegoZoo

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock – The Changer… ~ by a j mithra

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock is a medium sized bird, living in the Andes, from Venezuela South to Bolivia. It’s one of the most spectacular birds, with strikingly bright colours. Spotting this beautiful bird is not very common, though, as they’re extremely shy and don’t usually fly near humans.

Males displaying by ibirdcollection

Mature males spend much of their time in leks, which are communal courtship sites, where many males gather and practice their “mating dance”. This ritual consists of challenging a rival male for displaying their force, by flapping wings, jumping, running around, nodding and giving off a variety of squawking and grunting calls. When females visit the lek, these “mating dances” become even more intense, more loud and often turn into a display of bright colours and loud, strange sounds. After this, the female chooses the most impressive male to mate with. It is also notable, that due to defecation of seeds by the males, leks are often rich in vegetation.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) female by SanDiegoZoo

While the females incubate the Andean Cock-of-the-rock males have gone back to the lek, in search of another female partner. Most of the males’ life revolves around activities in the lek, challenging rivals, practicing their “mating dances” and attracting females, while most of the females’ life concentrates upon nesting and incubating the eggs.

God expects the Church, His the bride, to just concentrate on expanding His kingdom..

His reason for choosing us is not to just warm the church benches, but, to go in search of His lost sheep…

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 10:6)

The Cock-of-the Rock is one of the world’s most spectacular birds. It’s fantastic plumage and colorful courtship display equal those of any bird of paradise. It is the national bird of Peru for it’s beautiful plumage, resembling a bird from the paradise. Being one of the most beautiful birds, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock is one of the nature’s wonders.

The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is distributed in the Andes from Venezuela south to Bolivia, while the Guianan Cock-of-the Rock is found in the more ancient, and highly eroded mountains that lie east of the Andes and north of the Amazon River….

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after forty days, His face shone radiantly…

These beautiful birds are found in highly eroded mountains… Is that the reason they look so beautiful?

When we dwell on THE ROCK, we sure would turn beautiful like Him… Remember that He had created us in His image…

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:1)

When the Cock-of-the-Rock eats fruit, it swallows many of the seeds whole and most of these are not damaged when they pass through its digestive system. Thus, many seeds remain capable of germinating when the Cock-of-the-Rock defecates or regurgitates them at considerable distances from the parent trees. In this way, the Cock-of-the-Rock plays an important role in dispersing seeds of many different species of forest trees. When the Cock-of-the-Rock eats fruit, it swallows many of the seeds whole and most of these are not damaged when they pass through its digestive system.

Since the adult male Cock-of-the-Rock concentrates his time and activities around the lek, and the adult female concentrates her time and activities around cliff nest sites where several females may build nests in close proximity to each other, seeds are deposited more frequently at leks and at nest sites. Once, seeds of 21 species of plants under the perches of males. All were believed to have been defecated or regurgitated by the males.

Likewise, collected droppings under a nest of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock in French Guiana, was found to have the seeds of 52 plant species. In an earlier study, collected droppings under 7 nests of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at a site west of Cali, Colombia, had the seeds of at least 35 plant species.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) by Wiki

When high densities of seeds are deposited in this way at Cock-of-the-Rock leks or nest sites,and when environmental conditions are favorable for their germination and growth, the abundance and diversity of plant species growing from these seeds can be greatly increased at leks and nests, making the plant communities at these sites different from that of the surrounding forest.

The lek was located on the ridge of a steep granite hill, and its vegetation differed markedly from that of the surrounding forest and nearby ridge tops. While most of the flora at these other sites was fairly homogeneous, the vegetation at the Cock-of-the-Rock lek was a mosaic of plant species typical of many different communities. After analyzing the lek vegetation more thoroughly, researchers concluded that the greater part of it resulted from long-term seed dispersal by Cock-of-the-Rock males.

If the feeding habit of these birds can change the whole environment, our feeding habit on the word of God should have changed everyone around us…

If these birds can change a steep granite hill in to a mosaic of plant species typical of many different communities, so can we with a little help from God change, all stony hearts in to a garden of the Lilly of the valley and the Rose of Sharon…

It all depends on how many seeds we sow and how long we sow without looking at how many had sprouted…

Our job is to just sow and water…

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:7)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock has a close cousin in the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. They are both in the Cotingidae – Cotinga Family which is part of the Passeriformes Order. The Cotingidae not only has those 2 birds, but 62 others including the Cotingas, Plantcutters, Berryeaters and Fruiteaters, Bellbirds, Pihas, Fruitcrows, a Capuchinbird and 3 Umbrellabirds.

Birdwatching and Updated Indexes for I.O.C. 2.5 Version

July 12, 2010 by Lee

Limpkin at Lake Morton

It took me awhile, but I finally got all the links up for the newest version (2.5) of the I.O.C. Now you should be able to find any bird on the lists.

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) scrawny by Lee

Dan and I managed to get in a little birdwatching Friday at Lake Morton. We saw several weird things take place. At least I hadn’ t seen it before. Watched a Great Egret with what I thought was a fish, a scrawy Anhinga, and a one footed White Ibis.

The Anhinga that we saw was “scrawny.” It must have been in a molting stage, because it sure didn’t have many complete feathers. Also fed a one-footed White Ibis. Did manage to get some nice photos of a Limpkin and a Green Heron. There were some gulls around and I think it is a Laughing Gull I photographed. Haven’t seen one there before, at least not with that black hood.

Great Egret at Lake Morton

The Great Egret that was eating something, well, trying to, turned out to be a baby Mallard. I was photographing it from a distance and didn’t realize what it had until we got home and viewed the photos. Never did see it swallow it. The Egret flew off with it and when I spotted it later, there was no baby Mallard around. Hope he dropped it when he flew off. I was sad when I realized what had been going on.

Sunday, at church, our pastor was preaching on the death of Christ on the cross. He gave the following quote by Dorothy Sayers and it reminded me of what I had seen on Friday.

It is a curious fact that people who are filled with horror when a cat kills a sparrow can hear the true story of how people killed the Lord Jesus Christ told Sunday after Sunday and not experience any Shock whatsoever! Dorothy L. Sayers

The Lord loved us so much He was willing to lay His life down and pay for our sins. He has “finished” the payment and has raised Himself up and is in heaven with the Father. Do we hear that week after week and not acknowledge the truth? I trust you know the Savior.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 KJV)

Wordless Birds and Gospel Message

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) by Lee

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) by Lee

Birds of the Bible – Quail II

July 8, 2010 by Lee

Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora) by Ian

It has been almost two years since the Quail have been written about. Birds of the Bible – Quail was early in this blogs history, so decided to write more about them.

The Bible has four references to quail and they are all found in the Old Testament. They refer to the time that the Israelites were in the desert after they had left Egypt by way of the Red Sea. They had been complaining about their lack of food, so the LORD answered them with:

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God. And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. (Exodus 16:11-13 KJV)

So, their request was taken care of every morning and evening. Just as today, we have a promise:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 KJV)

That incident took place on the 15th day of the second month after coming out of Egypt. Then right around the 20th day of the second month of the second year, they started complaining again about not having flesh to eat.

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. (Numbers 11:5-6 KJV)

“Poor me! All we have to eat is manna, manna, manna.” Can you hear them? God wanted them to trust Him. God promises to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants. This is where the incident written about in the first article came about. They were well taken care of, even their shoes did not wear out in the 40 years they spent in the wilderness. Read Psalm 105 where it tells about all the LORD did for them. In Psalm 105:40 it says, “The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.”

Are we satisfied with what the Lord has provided or do we go around with a protruding lower lip saying, “Poor me!” I trust your lip is normal and that you can say along with Paul:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11 KJV)

King Quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) Asian Blue by Kent Nickell

King Quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) by Kent Nickell

The Quail are numerous around the world and they are found in several families of birds. The Odontophoridae – New World Quail Family (34 members) includes not only Quails, but also 4 Bobwhites, 1 Francolin, and 4 Partridges. The Phasianidae – Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Family has 181 members. That is probably where the Quails mentioned in the wilderness came from because they are of the Old World area. That family has 13 Quail and a mix of other related birds including Turkeys, Pheasants and Peacocks. Both of these families are in the Galliformes Order.

Old World quail are the smallest birds in their family and are about 5 in (12-13 cm). The New World ones are 7-15 in (17-37 cm) long. They are very similar but are placed in the two families by ornithologists. They have short thick beaks with chunky bodies. Most do not make long flights and mainly fly when flushed. They are mostly seed and vegetation eaters, but some do eat insects.

Here in the U.S., the Northern Bobwhite’s call is very familiar.

Kookaburra – Chattery Birds With A Merry Heart

July 3, 2010 by Lee

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) by Africaddict

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13 KJV)

Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii) by Ian

While updating the Kingfisher pages, I came across these videos about the Kookaburras that are in the same Alcedinidae Family. Thought you might enjoy watching them.

There are five Kookaburras. The Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is probably the most well known, but there is also a Shovel-billed Kookaburra (Clytoceyx rex), Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii), Spangled Kookaburra (Dacelo tyro), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud).

Kookaburras are best known for their unmistakable call, which sounds uncannily like loud, echoing human laughter — good-natured, but rather hysterical, merriment in the case of the renowned Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae); and maniacal cackling in the case of the slightly smaller Blue-winged Kookaburra (D. leachii). They are generally not closely associated with water, and can be found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, but also in suburban and residential areas near running water and where food can be searched for easily.

This video is about the Laughing Kookaburra from the Blank Park Zoo

Kookaburra calls from the Cincinnati Zoo

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 KJV)

Some information from internet sources

Wordless Birds

Pied Kingfisher – Concentrated Diver

July 3, 2010 by Lee

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) by Peter Ericsson

While having the privilege of obtaining some photos for future blogs from Peter Ericsson’s Galleries, I obtained a few photos of the Pied Kingfisher. I thought this Kingfisher was very pretty. Then I found this amazing video from BBC Worldwide and decided to share these. Another reason, my attempts to photograph our Belted Kingfishers is never very successful. Thankfully Peter and the videographers had better success.

When the Lord created the birds, He gave them so many amazing abilities. The way the Kingfisher keeps his head so steady is absolutely fantastic.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Romans 11:33-34 KJV)

The Pied Kingfisher is about 7 – 10 in or 17-25 cm long with a white with a black mask, a white supercilium and black breast bands. The female has only one breast band. The crest is neat and the upperparts are barred in black. There are several subspecies. It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China. It is resident, and most birds do not migrate, other than short-distance seasonal movements. In India it is distributed mainly on the plains. It is thought to be the world’s 3rd most common kingfisher and a noisy bird.

Fish is its main diet, though it will eat other aquatic invertebrates. It usually hunts by hovering over the water to detect prey and diving vertically down bill-first to capture fish. When not foraging, they have a straight rapid flight and have been observed flying at nearly 32 mph.

Pied Kingfisher from BBC Worldwide – Shows this diving ability

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2 NKJV)

During breeding season (February to April), they make its nest in a hole excavated in a vertical mud bank about five feet above water. The nest tunnel is 4 to 5 feet long and ends in a chamber. Several birds may nest in the same vicinity. The usual clutch is 3-6 white eggs. The pied kingfisher sometimes reproduces co-operatively, with young non-breeding birds from an earlier brood assisting parents (helpers) or even unrelated older birds.

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. (Matthew 8:20 NKJV)

Kingfishers “are monogamous, teritorial, and sometimes colonial.” Courtship displays are noisy and the displays are in duet as they raise their wings or spiral in flight. Recent suggestion is that the Pied Kingfisher and the American green kingfishers are derived from an Old World species (kind), with the Pied Kingfisher or its ancestor losing the metallic colouration afterwards. The Alcedinidae Family is where the Kingfishers and Kookaburras are found. At present there are 95 of them. They belong to the Coraciiformes Order. The Order includes Rollers, Ground Rollers, Kingfishers, Todies, Motmots, and Bee-eaters.

Pied Piper up close by IndiaVideo.org

Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (Job 9:10 KJV)

Peter Ericsson is in Thailand and is a Christian photographer. His two sites are Peter Ericsson’s Photo Galleries and his blog Thaibirder . Please visit his sites for some fantastic photagraphy.

Information taken from Wikipedia, Complete Birds of the World, and Bird

Birds of the Bible – Non-Protected Nest

July 2, 2010 by Lee

When birds have babies, they do all they can to protect them from predators. The birds spend time building and then filling their nest with eggs. The nest is protected almost constantly from the time the bird lays the eggs until the fledglings depart. That is normal behavior and the video below of the Fieldfare shows one way they do it. The video is by BBC Worldwide.

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. (Isaiah 10:14 KJV)

In the verse above, the nest has not been protected, nor has a wing been flapped to chase the aggressor away, nor did they open their mouth in peeps or chirping alarm calls. If the nest is abandoned; whether by desertion, having been chased off, or other reason, it is easy to take the eggs or chicks.

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah and is referring to the King of Assyria. The kings pride, arrogant heart, and boastful look in his eyes cause him to state:

For he says: By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I remove the boundaries of peoples, and plunder their treasures; like a bull I bring down those who sit on thrones. My hand has found like a nest the wealth of the peoples; and as one gathers eggs that have been forsaken, so I have gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved a wing or opened the mouth or chirped. (Isaiah 10:13-14 ESV)

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) nest by Bob-Nan

I like what Albert Barnes Notes On The Bible says,
“Isa 10:14
And my hand hath found, as a nest – By a beautiful and striking figure here, the Assyrian monarch is represented as describing the ease with which he had subdued kingdoms, and rifled them of their treasures. No resistance had been offered. He had taken them with as little opposition as a rustic takes possession of a nest, with its eggs or young, when the parent bird is away.
Eggs that are left – That is, eggs that are left of the parent bird; when the bird from fright, or any other cause, has gone, and when no resistance is offered.
Have I gathered all the earth – That is, I have subdued and plundered it. This shows the height of his self-confidence and his arrogant assumptions.
That moved the wing – Keeping up the figure of the nest. There was none that offered resistance; as an angry bird does when her nest is about to be robbed.
Or opened the mouth – To make a noise in alarm. The dread of him produced perfect silence and submission.
Or peeped – Or that chirped – the noise made by young birds; the note at Isa_8:19. The idea is, that such was the dread of his name and power that there was universal silence. None dared to resist the terror of his arms.”

Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood! (Isaiah 10:15 ESV)

Living Application Study Bible – “The ax – How absurd is it, for thee, who art but an instrument in God’s hand, to blaspheme thy Lord and master, who has as great power over thee, as a man hath over the ax wherewith he heweth?”

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) by Peter Ericsson

Gill’s Exposition – “Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith?…. Hitherto are the words of the Assyrian monarch; and here begin the words of the prophet, rebuking him for his pride, and deriding his vain boasting, in attributing that to himself, to his wisdom and power, who was but an instrument, which belonged to God, the sole Governor and wise orderer of all things; which was all one as if an axe should ascribe the cutting down of trees to itself, and insist on it that the man that cut with it had no share in the action, nor was it to be ascribed to him; than which nothing is more absurd. The sense is, that the king of Assyria, in taking cities, and conquering kingdoms, and adding them to his own, was only an instrument in the hand of God, like an axe in the hand of one that hews down trees; and therefore it was vain and ridiculous to take that to himself which belonged to the Lord, on whom he depended as an instrument, as to motion, operation, and effect; from whom he had all power to act, all fitness for it, and efficacy in it, as the axe has from the person that makes and uses it, or any other instrument”

It is interesting to try to find out what is behind the verses we read about the birds in the Bible. God uses many illustrations of things around us to teach us His Truth. In these verses, self-pride, arrogance and denying Who is in control of our lives.

Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken. (Jeremiah 13:15 KJV)

Wordless Birds
*

The Futuristic Whip-poor-wills….

June 29, 2010 by a j mithra

The Futuristic Whip-poor-wills…. – by a j mithra

Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) by BirdsInFocus

Whip-poor-wills belong to an unusual family of birds called nightjars – because their loud repetitive songs “jar” the silence of the night – or goatsuckers – because of a superstition that these birds fly into farmyards during the night and drink milk from the livestock.

The name Whip-poor-will and that of many other nightjars – approximates what the bird seems to say.

Whip-poor-wills are thought to migrate individually; however, they are so well synchronized that they tend to arrive in the same place at the same time, giving the impression that they are traveling in flocks. Migrating alone yet arriving at the same place, at the same time.. Amazing!

Though each one of us a journeying alone on life’s highway, all of us are on the verge of migrating forever to the same place at the same time… The Universe is about to close down soon..

Are we getting ready for migration?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)

Ladder-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis climacocerca) ©AGrosset

Nightjars have a structure in the eye called the tapitum lucidum. This structure holds tiny oil droplets that allow the retina of the eye to absorb more light, giving the birds superior vision at low light levels. This makes it possible for nightjars to hunt for the abundant insects that appear at dusk and dawn, and on moonlit nights— they watch for flying insects silhouetted against the backdrop of the night sky.

Nightjars have rictal bristles—long stiff bristles that form a comb overhanging the side of the upper beak. The purpose of rictal bristles is uncertain but they may protect the birds’ eyes from large struggling insect prey, or they may function as a net to help catch insects.

The Common Poorwill uses torpor to hibernate through the winter. This bird can lower its body temperature and suspend activity for more than three months when the weather is cold and insects are scarce…

GOD calls us as the Light of the World… But sadly, most people are still in the dark, not able to see THE LIGHT…

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. ( Mathew 6: 22 )

Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) ©RonAusting

Whip-poor-will breeding coincides with the full moon in late spring, when insects are plentiful and hunting is easy. The female lays eggs around the time of the full moon when she is well fed and healthy; the eggs hatch about 10days before the next full moon, when it’s easy for the adult birds to catch insects to feed their young; and the young birds are independent by the next consecutive full moon, when it’s easy for them to find their own food.

Some go for it when they think that they are not ready for a baby…
Some go for it due to pressure from their spouses…
Some go for it when they find that, their professional growth may come to a halt..
There are still some in countries like India, who go for it, if the baby is found to be a girl….

That “IT” is what people call as Abortion? Sadly, we human live in a system where Abortion is legal in most countries…

Here the decision of rearing a chick does seem to have been taken by the female bird… But the so called human beings treat Women like incubators…

How dare we take the rights in our hands to stop GOD’s creation?

Do birds use contraceptives or go for an abortion? Birds seem to have control over the timing of birth of their offspring. It is a shame that we don’t have control, or can we call it self-control?

These Birds are so concerned about their offspring’s future, even before they lay eggs.. Whereas we plan after the child is born… Even GOD had created our every need much before we entered our mother’s womb…

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3 )

Raising children is a ministry which GOD had given to parents…
Raising them for HIS glory or aborting HIS reward is our choice…
Let GOD give us wisdom to make the right choice at the right time..

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

Whip-poor-wills say there name and that is one reason it is call that.

Whip-poor-wills are of the Caprimulgidae family which includes Nightjars, Nighthawks, Poorwills, Pauraque, and the Chuck-wills-widow. These are all part of the Caprimulgiformes Order. That Order includes the Nightjars, Frogmouths, Oilbird, and Potoos.

Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) -xeno-canto.com

The Bird With The Broken Wing

June 28, 2010 by Lee

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. (Psalms 124:7 KJV)

Words: Hezekiah Butterworth (1839-1905).

Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1919

The Bird With The Broken Wing

Broken Wing of Pelican-Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehab Center

I walked in the woodland meadows,
Where sweet the thrushes sing,
And found on a bed of mosses,
A bird with a broken wing;
I healed its wing, and each morning
It sang its old sweet strain,
But the bird with the broken pinion,
Never soared as high again,
Never soared as high again.

I found a young life broken
By sin’s seductive art,
And, touched with a Christlike pity,
I took him to my heart;
He lived with a nobler purpose,
And struggled not in vain,
But the life that sin had stricken,
Never soared as high again,
Never soared as high again.

Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus tephronotus) by Daves BirdingPix

But the bird with the broken pinion
Kept another from the snare,
The life that sin had stricken,
Raised another from despair;
Each loss has its own compensation,
There’s healing for each pain,
But the bird with the broken pinion
Never soared as high again,
Never soared as high again.

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
(2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NKJV)

This hymn reminds me of a story I have heard numerous times about the effects of sin in our lives. We may repent, but the scars are still there. I found a copy, it’s a little long, but I hope you’ll read it.

“That was a significant, story of the man who gave his little son a hammer and some nails, and told him that whenever he did anything that was wrong he might drive one of the nails into the barn door. The boy was honest and diligent too, and in a few days he came to his father saying that the last nail was in its place well driven down. ” And now,” said the father, “whenever you do any specially good deed, you may draw out one of the nails.” This pleased the son. He was as diligent in goodness now as he had been in badness before. He carried his little sister over the rough places, and then went and drew a nail. He sawed some wood for a poor widow and drew another nail. He ran on willing errands for his mother that he might have a chance to draw more nails. In a few days the last one was removed, and he came with pride to tell his father.

“What, all drawn so soon?” said the father.

” Every one,” responded the son.

” Let us go and see,” said the father.

” Come, then,” said the son, and he led the way. ” See, see,” said the eager boy, ” there is not a nail left in the door, and I assure you that I did something good for every nail I drew.”

” I am glad, my dear son,” said the father, ” that the task of removing them is so quickly done, but then,” continued he sadly, ” don’t you see how you have marred and injured the door? The nails are gone, but the scars remain.” (A. J. Paterson)

The Gospel Message

Birds in Hymns – Like A Bird To Thee

June 27, 2010 by Lee

…In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? (Psalms 11:1 KJV)

Words & Music: W. Howard Doane (1832-1915)

Like A Bird To Thee

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) by Ian

Savior, like a bird to Thee,
Weary and wounded my soul would flee;
O let me fold my wings and rest
Peacefully, trustingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Savior, Thou my grief hast borne,
Thou hast a balm for the hearts that mourn;
One gentle word, and I shall rest
Hopefully, lovingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) by Nikhil Devasar

I was lost till found by Thee;
Thine, blessèd Savior, the glory be;
Gladly I fold my wings and rest,
Lovingly, tenderly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

What a great hymn. As you read or sing the words, think about the words. What a comfort and rest we receive as we settle down, rest and lean on our Loving Savior.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Tag Archives: Christian

Wattled Jacana – The Perfect Partner

Birds in Hymns – Jesus, Lover Of My Soul

Birds of the Bible – Barn Owls

Andean Cock-of-the-rock – The Changer…

Birdwatching and Updated Indexes for I.O.C. 2.5 Version

Birds of the Bible – Quail II

Kookaburra – Chattery Birds With A Merry Heart

Pied Kingfisher – Concentrated Diver

Birds of the Bible – Non-Protected Nest

The Futuristic Whip-poor-wills….

The Bird With The Broken Wing

Birds in Hymns – Like A Bird To Thee

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