The Black Skimmer – The Graceful Flier…

June 25, 2010 by a j mithra

The Black Skimmer – The Graceful Flier… ~ by a j mithra

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by J Fenton

The Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger, is a tern-like seabird, one of three very similar birds species in the skimmer family. It breeds in North and South America.

Northern populations winter in the warmer waters of the Caribbean and the tropical and subtropical Pacific coasts, but the South American races make only shorter movements in response to annual floods which extend their feeding areas in the river shallows.

The Black Skimmer breeds in loose groups and its referred habitats include sandy or gravelly bars and beaches, shallow bays, estuaries, and salt marsh pools. The remarkable bill of the Black Skimmer sets it apart from all other American birds.

The Black Skimmer is the only American representative of the skimmer family. The other two, rather similar, species are the African Skimmer and the Indian Skimmer (by Nikhil). All use the same unusual feeding method.

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by Quy Tran

The Black Skimmer is the only bird species in the United States that has a larger lower mandible than upper mandible. The large red and black bill is knife-thin and the lower mandible is longer than the upper. The bird drags the lower bill through the water as it flies along, hoping to catch small fish. At hatching, the two mandibles are equal in length, but by fledging at four weeks, the lower mandible is already nearly 1 cm longer than the upper. Its use of touch to catch fish lets it be successful in low light or darkness.

Do you feel that your looks are not as good as the others? Do you feel that God could have created you a bit taller or fairer?

God has never done a mistake, but still, we had crucified Him…
If Joseph had not landed into the prison, he would not have become The Prime Minister of Egypt…
If Naaman had not suffered from leprosy, He would not have known the real God…
If Zachcheaus had benn born tall, He too wouldn’t have know God…
God has a purpose in the way He had created us…

If these birds had equal mandible, they would’ve perished, for they would not have known how to fish…

You are unique and God did not create any one like you and He is faithful to finish the work He had started in you…

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by AestheticPhotos

Skimmers have a light graceful flight, with steady beats of their long wings. They feed usually in large flocks, flying low over the water surface with the lower mandible skimming the water (in order of importance) for small fish, insects, crustaceans and molluscs caught by touch by day or especially at night. They spend much time loafing gregariously on sandbars in the rivers, coasts and lagoons they frequent. Although the Black Skimmer is active throughout the day, it is largely crepuscular (active in the dawn and dusk) and even nocturnal….

These birds seem to know that fish come to the surface of the water in large numbers during night…

That is the reason, they leave alone their younger ones at night, and forage during the night, flying low, skimming the water with their lower mandibles..

It is good to start the day reading the word of God.. But, how many of us read the Bible before going to bed? Do we carry the lamp during the day, or during the night? When darkness surrounds you and you have lost your way. Just read the Bible..

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

Do you know that night prayers are more powerful? That is the reason God asks us to watch and pray…

Jesus Himself had set an example of praying all through the night before He chose His twelve disciples….

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; (Luke 6:12,13)

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) by Ian

Are you in the midst of decision making, which you think may change your life? Just do what Jesus did…

Pray all night, without ceasing…

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:

The Skimmers are in the Laridae Family of Gulls, Terns & Skimmers. They are part of the Charadriiformes Order.

When you watch skimmers, it is neat to watch the trail or path they leave in the water. That brings to mind several passages about paths:

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; (Isaiah 43:16 KJV)
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalms 16:11 KJV)
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. (Psalms 27:11 KJV)
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. (Psalms 119:35 KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. (Proverbs 4:14 KJV)
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. (Proverbs 4:26 KJV)

Keith made a video of a Black Skimmer flying about and dipping its beak. Its head pulls downward as it grabs a fish.

Birds of the Bible – Purifying Bird

June 24, 2010 by Lee

Below is an interesting passage of Scripture.

Eurasian-collared Dove in Israel

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person, the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field. (Leviticus 14:1-7 ESV)

It seems that when a person was declared clean from their leprosy, that a purification needed to be performed. The same was true for the house. They gathered two birds and then the priest would kill one bird, but the second was set free after he took “the cedarwood and the hyssop and the scarlet yarn, along with the live bird, and dip them in the blood of the bird that was killed and in the fresh water and sprinkle the house seven times.” The live bird was then taken out side the city and turned loose.

When you first read that passage, you wonder what it is all about. The live bird being turned loose with blood on it? Some of the commentators have helped explain the significance of this. Here are some of their thoughts:

Matthew Henry – Lev 14:1-9 – The priests could not cleanse the lepers; but when the Lord removed the plague, various rules were to be observed in admitting them again to the ordinances of God, and the society of his people. They represent many duties and exercises of truly repenting sinners, and the duties of ministers respecting them. If we apply this to the spiritual leprosy of sin, it intimates that when we withdraw from those who walk disorderly, we must not count them as enemies, but admonish them as brethren. And also that when God by his grace has brought to repentance, they ought with tenderness and joy, and sincere affection, to be received again. Care should always be taken that sinners may not be encouraged, nor penitents discouraged. If it were found that the leprosy was healed, the priest must declare it with the particular solemnities here described. The two birds, one killed, and the other dipped in the blood of the bird that was killed, and then let loose, may signify Christ shedding his blood for sinners, and rising and ascending into heaven. The priest having pronounced the leper clean from the disease, he must make himself clean from all remains of it. Thus those who have comfort of the remission of their sins, must with care and caution cleanse themselves from sins; for every one that has this hope in him, will be concerned to purify himself.

Gill – “and shall let the living bird loose into the open field; as a token of the freedom of the leper, and that he was at liberty to go where he pleased: the Misnic doctors say, when he came to let go the living bird, he did not turn its face neither to the sea, nor to the city, nor to the wilderness, as it is said, “but he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open field”, as in Lev. 14:53;… this may be a figure of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and of his justification upon it, as the head and representative of his people, and of their free and full discharge from guilt, condemnation, and death, through him, and of his and their being received up into heaven, and whither their hearts should be directed, in affection and thankfulness for their great deliverance and salvation; see 1Timothy 3:16. ”

Clarke – “Shall let the living bird loose – The Jews teach that wild birds were employed on this occasion, no tame or domestic animal was used. Mr. Ainsworth piously conjectures that the living and dead birds were intended to represent the death and resurrection of Christ, by which an atonement was made to purify the soul from its spiritual leprosy. The bird let loose bears a near analogy to the scapegoat. See Leviticus 16.”

They all seem to see the cleansing as not only for the current situation, by also, representing the future sacrifice of Christ for our sins and the cleansing (forgiveness of sin) that comes from His shed blood. I praise the Lord that He has given His life for us and that we no longer have to go through sacrifices like they did prior to Christ. I am sure the animals and birds also feel blessed.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:25-28 ESV)

The Gospel Message

See more Birds of the Bible

Macaw – The Beautician

June 20, 2010 by a j mithra

Macaw – The Beautician – by a j mithra

Geophagy, or the phenomenon of eating mineral bound clay is not exclusive to macaws. Even Australian Cockatoos have been documented to seek out clay for medicinal and remedial purposes.

Over the centuries the ancients have known of the healing properties of the so-called, edible clays. Civilizations as culturally diverse as the Essenes, Chinese, Mayans and Anasazi practiced clay healing. In the southwestern deserts of the USA and Mexico, fabled medicine men regularly trekked up to 100 miles to their prized caches of living clay….

GOD remembers that HE created us from dust…

That is the reason that JESUS used clay to create a fresh pair of eyes for a blind man…

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. (John 9:11)

Today, clay is being rediscovered not only for mud baths and facials, but also as a topical application for a plethora of human skin problems including: acne, sunburn, Eczema, Psoriasis, and warts, coupled with internal usage, usually 650 mg of 30 – 60 mesh material in capsules or tablets, taken twice daily, in-between meals, steady testimonials stream-in to beauticians, practitioners and health consultants alike, about the reduction of wrinkles, sun spots, varicose veins, and heavy metal accumulations in the vital organs. Several physicians have gone on-record commenting about the positive affects clay, particularly montmorillonite, has had on temperament, and the psychology of certain troubled individuals.

Macaws eat clay from certain river banks from morning 6 am till about 11 am..

Like how some of us spend hours with the beautician and at the gym, yearning to look young and beautiful..

How many hours, or minutes do we spend with the eternal Beautician? Look what happened to Moses after spent 40 days with GOD in Mount Sinai…

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. (Exodus 34:30)

Looks like GOD owns a beauty parlor too…Isn’t it?

Yellow-crowned Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot by Kent Nickell

Now you have to decide if you really need to go to the beautician, or stay still at home and worship the LORD, so that, the eternal beautician would start beautifying your body, mind and soul..

It is almost axiomatic that behind every illness, malady or deformity, there is a mineral deficiency of one type or another. One of the finest clays for parrots and people alike, is montmorillonite. It is used in pet foods, human supplementation, for livestock and extensively in agriculture. Every member of the food chain benefits from it. Montmorillonite is rich in silicon, one of the most prevalent elements found in the heart and key to the structural integrity of plants and bones because of the synergy it creates with calcium and phosphorous….

Here are some beauty tips,

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

It (HIS commandments) shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:8)

It also contains an impressive amount of oxygen, about 50%, due to all of the various oxides found in the clay’s other minerals. On the other hand air is only about 21% oxygen…

If clay contains oxygen, we, whom GOD took from the clay should have oxygen which gives life..

Do we really have JESUS – THE LIFE – THE OXYGEN?

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. (John 3:16)

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) by Ian

The benefits of clay licking enhanced fertility, increased survival rate of young, fewer psychological abnormalities due to stress, malnutrition, confinement and lack of natural sunlight, more beautiful appearance over all and healthier birds. The Macaws seem to know the importance of clay to live a wrinkle free life…

How many have overcome spiritual deficiency, through our lives? If GOD had taken us from the miry clay, it means, that we should have the qualities of clay? Do others get strengthened through our lives? Do we heal people by our words? Do we bring stress on others’ lives, or give everyone a wrinkle free life? GOD has created, called and commissioned us to heal and not hurt…

How are we?

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:10)

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee’s Addition:
The Parrots are in the Psittacidae Family and the Galah is from the Cacatuidae Family (Cockatoos). There is one more family, the Strigopidae (New Zealand Parrots). All three families make up the Psittaciformes Order.

The Gospel Message

Birds of the Bible – Raven II

June 18, 2010 by Lee

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Ray

The first Birds of the Bible – Raven article covered many aspects of the Raven. It was written in February of 2008 when I first started writing about the Birds of the Bible. There is always more to learn about birds or the Lord for that matter. We never “arrive” in our learning.

Some verses about the Raven that are interesting have to do with the Lord or God providing for them.

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41 KJV)

He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. (Psalms 147:9 KJV)

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Luke 12:24 KJV)

With all the providing by the LORD God for the Raven, He (LORD God) then uses the Ravens to feed Elijah during a drought. Elijah was told to go to the brook Cherith and there he would be fed. Notice that the ravens came twice a day and brought “bread and flesh.”

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. (1 Kings 17:3-6 KJV)

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) by Ian

Here are some interesting remarks from commentators about this:
Wesley – 1Ki 17:4,6 “God is said to command both brute creatures, and senseless things; when he causeth them to do the things which he intends to effect by them. The ravens – Which he chuseth for this work; to shew his care and power in providing for the prophet by those creatures, which are noted for their greediness, that by this strange experiment he might be taught to trust God in those many and great difficulties to which he was to be exposed. God could have sent angels to minister to him. But he chose winged messengers of another kind to shew he can serve his own purposes as effectually, by the meanest creatures as by the mightiest. Ravens neglect their own young, and do not feed them: yet when God pleaseth, they shall feed his prophet.”
“And flesh – Not raw, but boiled by the ministry of some angel or man, and left in some place ’till the ravens came for it: in all which, there is nothing incredible, considering the power and providence of God.”

K&D – “Through this miracle, which unbelievers reject, because they do not acknowledge a living God, by whom, as the Creator and Lord of all creatures, even the voracious ravens are made subservient to His plans of salvation, Elijah was not only cut off from (interaction) with men, who might have betrayed his place of abode to the king, but was mightily strengthened himself, through the confidence inspired in the almighty assistance of his God, for his approaching contests with the worshippers of idols, and for the privations and sufferings which awaited him in the fulfilment of his vocation.”

Matthew Henry – “Elijah was commanded to hide himself. If Providence calls us to solitude and retirement, it becomes us to go: when we cannot be useful, we must be patient; and when we cannot work for God, we must sit still quietly for him. The ravens were appointed to bring him meat, and did so. Let those who have but from hand to mouth, learn to live upon Providence, and trust it for the bread of the day, in the day. God could have sent angels to minister to him; but he chose to show that he can serve his own purposes by the meanest creatures, as effectually as by the mightiest. Elijah seems to have continued thus above a year. The natural supply of water, which came by common providence, failed; but the miraculous supply of food, made sure to him by promise, failed not. If the heavens fail, the earth fails of course; such are all our creature-comforts: we lose them when we most need them, like brooks in summer. But there is a river which makes glad the city of God, that never runs dry, a well of water that springs up to eternal life. Lord, give us that living water!”

Gill – “…it seems better to interpret them of ravens, as we do, these creatures delighting to be in solitary places, in valleys, and by brooks; nor need it be any objection that they were unclean creatures by the law, since Elijah did not feed upon them, but was fed by them; and supposing any uncleanness by touch, the ceremonial law might be dispensed with in an extraordinary case, as it sometimes was; though it is very remarkable that such creatures should be employed in this way, which are birds of prey, seize on anything they can, live on carrion, and neglect their own young, and yet feed a prophet of the Lord; which shows the power and providence of God in it.”

Elijah and the ravens help illustrate the following verse:

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

Montserrat Oriole – The Super Survivor

June 15, 2010 by a j mithra

Montserrat Oriole – The Super Survivor ~ by a j mithra

Montserrat Oriole (Icterus oberi) by Wiki

A British led expedition has discovered one of the world’s rarest species of bird surviving yards from the crater of the volcano that devastated the Caribbean island of Montserrat four years ago. Led by a scientist from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the research team found at least 25 pairs of Montserrat Orioles (Icterus oberi) living beneath the rim of the Soufriere Hills volcano.

Since 1997, the birds have remained hidden, marooned by ash in a square-mile patch of forest less than a mile from the crater. They have survived regular showers of volcanic debris and frequently endured rock falls caused by the active crater.

Your life may be marooned by ash and debirs… People may think that you will not survive and your chapter is over… But, when you start serving the Lord, He will start everything afresh for you..

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. (Isaiah54:17)

This promise from God is not for everyone you know? It is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…

Start serving the Lord and claim the promise of God…

Montserrat Oriole (Icterus oberi) by Wiki female Zoo Frankfurt

Chris Bowden, the RSPB biologist who led the expedition, said, “It’s incredible to think that one of the last remaining havens for a bird teetering on the verge of extinction is so close to the crater of an exploding volcano. These birds live near the crater of an exploding volcano, and they still survive..

But, no matter how close you’re from danger, remember that, nothing can harm you when Jesus becomes your refugee…

The fiery fire couldn’t consume even a single hair of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when they were thrown inside the furnace..

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ” (Isaiah 43:2)

The oriole once was found in three main areas: the bamboo forest east of Galways Soufrière, the leeward slopes of the Chances Peak mountain and the Centre Hills (especially the Runaway Ghaut area). The diet of the bird consists mainly of insects and fruits…

If God can provide fruits and insects to these birds which lives near a volcano, will He not take care of your needs?

Remember you, whom God created in His own image are more precious than these birds aren’t you?

Heliconia Caribaea ©Wiki

In common with other members of its genus, the Montserrat Oriole expertly weaves a basket nest which is suspended beneath a leaf of a broad leaved plant. More unusual, the Centre Hills population of orioles uses almost exclusively the leaves of Heliconia caribbaea as a nest plant. Appropriately enough, this is the national plant of Montserrat. This preference is a distinct oddity. It is unusual for a bird to be so specialised on one plant species, and the orioles take it even further, as they avoid both young and old leaves, selecting those that are of intermediate age.

The use of Heliconia leaves is convenient for researchers, making nests rather easy to find, but perhaps an imperfect strategy for the birds. Heliconia leaves are vulnerable to falling over in droughts and under ash fall… And how these leaves are able to hold the nest of these birds in spite of being vulnerable to falling over in droughts and under ash fall?

How these birds are able to select leaves of intermediate age, though it is considered as an imperfect strategy?

We have a God who brings everything from nothing… Human knowledge cannot comprehend His wisdom…

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:28,29)

The Montserrat Oriole has a curious relationship with the people of its island home. It is the national bird, and a ubiquitous symbol, seen all over the island in arts, crafts and advertising and is a source of pride and great interest. Yet most Montserratians confess to never having seen one in the wild. Having become Montserrat’s only endemic bird species it has shown a remarkable longevity.

Its ability to withstand the various assaults of volcanic eruptions and hurricanes is undoubtedly one of the reasons for its popularity and it symbolizes the resilience that the people of Montserrat have demonstrated in abundance in recent years.

God has called you to inspire people around you by your presence…

They should see Christ in you and they should say,

… These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; (Acts 17:6)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

The Montserrat Oriole is part of the Icteridae Family of Oropendolas, Orioles and Blackbirds.
See Also:

Bird of the Month – April 2007

The Space sharing seed storing Redpoll…

June 13, 2010 by a j mithra

The Space sharing seed storing Redpoll… ~ by a j mithra

Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) by Nikhil Devasar

Common Redpolls live year round in open boreal and tundra habitats near the Arctic circle and throughout northern Canada and Alaska. While only the northernmost populations migrate, this species does have periodic irruptions that takes it as far south as northern Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan, New York and the northern New England states.

Common Redpolls have a similar distribution throughout northern Europe and Asia, and they have also been introduced to New Zealand, where they can be commonly found. Breeds in open subarctic coniferous forest and scrub and avoids dense forests. Winters in open woodland and scrub, weedy fields, and suburban and urban areas. They form flocks throughout the year, and they flock even during the nesting season…

Unlike many small birds, Common Redpolls are not aggressive and easily share space with other small bird species…

Do we flock together as one?

The Bible says,

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Eccleciastes 4:12)

These birds seem to know the secret of staying together. They not only flock together but also share space with the other small birds…

Do we share the blessings which God has showered upon us? We cannot resemble Christ unless we share like how He shared His everything on the cross..

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Mathew 10:42)

Redpolls have throat pouches for temporarily storing seeds. They may fill their pouches with seeds quickly then fly away to swallow the seeds in a more protected, warmer spot.

Do we fill our hearts everyday with the word of God and store them? The kingdom of God is like a seed? How can we sow, if we have not stored enough seeds in our lives? Do you know that the devil also can quote the word of God to deceive us?

Please read Mathew 4:1-11 to know how Jesus was tempted by the devil and how He spoke the word of God to overcome the devil…

When you are pushed into the dark, the word will give you light..

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm119:105)

When you are sick, the word will heal you. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)

Now get filled with His Word for Jesus is the Word…

Hoary Redpoll (Carduelis hornemanni) by Ian

The Hoary Redpoll has very fluffy body feathers that help it stay warm in extremely cold temperatures. It has feathers on areas of its body that are bare in most other birds. If temperatures get too warm, it may pluck out some of its body feathers. These feathers will grow back in a few days.

God has given each one of a unique identity to show how special we are.. But, sometimes we may have to get rid of our identity to be elevated to a higher place…

Joseph was the overseer of the household of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh… But, when his master’s wife held his garment and asked him to lie with her, Joseph left behind his garment got rid of his identity and ran away… That was the turning point and the launching pad which lifted Joseph to become The Prime Minister of Egypt…

Please read Genesis 39:1to13

Redpolls eat their favorite niger seed or sunflower seeds, seeds of trees such as birch, and of grasses and other plants. On their breeding grounds redpolls also feast on the explosion of buzzing insects that emerge, seemingly without respite in the Arctic summer….

Redpolls feed on small branches, often hanging upside down and uses its feet to hold food items….

A Redpoll finch, or (Common Redpoll – carduelis flammea, bearing a ring with Chinese inscriptions has made a “sensational” trip all the way to Sweden.. The bird, a small finch with a red crown and black chin weighing about 10.5 grams (0.37 ounces), was found on December 29 west of Stockholm, some 6,670 kilometers (4,144.5 miles) from where it was marked in China… While this is the first time a bird marked in China has been found in Sweden, a Redpoll bearing Chinese markings was found in neighboring Norway in 2003 and three birds of the same species marked in Europe have turned up in China.

“This shows that there is some kind of pattern here and that this bird didn’t just happen to fly astray …

If God can take these 10.5 gramme birds as far as 4,114.5miles, will He not carry you to greater heights? When people look at your life they would wonder what kind of pattern did God use, to lift you? Remember, you are much more precious than these birds….

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (Psalm 40:2)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Redpolls are in the Fringillidae Family of Passeriformes (Song Birds). That family has at present 207 members.

Interesting Things – “Darwin’s Finches” – No Proof of Evolution

June 12, 2010 by Lee

SmileyCentral.com

“Darwin’s Finches” – No Proof of Evolution

Genesis 1:21 So God created… every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis) by ©Wiki

During his visit to the Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin saw that each island was populated by a little finch. These birds were all very similar; yet, from one island to another there were some differences in the size and shape of the beak. Darwin reasonably concluded that in the distant past a pair of these birds had been blown 600 miles from the mainland and had since multiplied and spread. The environment on each island was slightly different, and the birds had developed specialized beaks to exploit the different food sources. It seemed to Darwin that here was a unique example of evolution in action where 13 different species had arisen from just one mating pair. A species is defined by the ability to reproduce; thus, a sterility barrier separates one species from another. Textbooks use Darwin’s finches to claim that new species have been produced, demonstrating evolution in action. However, the facts are that at least six of these different birds are known to interbreed and thus by definition are not new species at all but simply varieties within a single species. Moreover, DNA studies reveal very little difference between any of these birds, and there is no evidence of new genetic material, which is essential if evolution actually took place. Darwin’s finches offer no support for evolution. However, they do support the Bible when it teaches that, like every other creature, the birds have simply reproduced “after their own kind.” God has so designed His Creation that while it is possible for creatures to adapt perfectly to individual environments, there is still stability of the basic “kind.”

Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank You for Your Word that tells me of salvation. Amen.
Notes:
Creation Matters, (CRS), pp. 5-6, “Quiz.”
Copyright (C) 2010 Creation Moments, Inc

“Darwins Finches” are part of the Tanagers and Allies-Thraupidae Family in the Passeriformes Order.

Birds of the Bible – Cranes II

June 11, 2010 by Lee

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) with 2 juveniles by Lee

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) at Lake Ashton by Lee

Last evening we were with our friends at Lake Ashton in Winter Haven, FL and they gave us a tour of the wildlife there. This time of the year there are numerous Sandhill Crane families around. We saw several young Sandhills as we were being shown around. We took some photos and also got video of two adult Sandhill Cranes giving a duet. Thought that sounded like a good topic for this weeks Birds of the Bible.

The crane is mentioned twice in the Bible and one has to do its migration.

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 KJV)

The second mention of the Crane has to do with its voice.

Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. (Isaiah 38:14 KJV)

As you will see and hear by the video I took of the two cranes doing their duet, you can hear a bit of “chatter.”

We are lucky here in Central Florida to see the Sandhill Cranes quite frequently and occasionally a Whooping Crane.

Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) by Nikhil Devasar

Around the world there are 15 crane species in the Gruidae Family of the order Gruiformes. The cranes are the Grey Crowned, Black Crowned, Demoiselle, Blue, Wattled, Siberian, Sandhill, Sarus, Brolga, White-naped, Common, Hooded, Whooping, Black-necked, and Red-crowned.

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Cranes live on all continents except Antarctica and South America.

They are opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season and their own nutrient requirements. They eat a range of items from suitably sized small rodents, fish, amphibians, and insects, to grain, berries, and plants.

Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) by Nikhil Devasar

Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or “dances”. While folklore often states that cranes mate for life, recent scientific research indicates that these birds do change mates over the course of their lifetimes (Hayes 2005), which may last several decades. Cranes construct platform nests in shallow water, and typically lay two eggs at a time. Both parents help to rear the young, which remain with them until the next breeding season.

Some species and populations of cranes migrate over long distances; others do not migrate at all. Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient.

See:

Birds of the Bible – Cranes
Birds of the Bible – Cranes I
Birds of the Bible – Demoiselle Crane
Wordless Birds

Louisiana Weeps….

June 10, 2010 by Lee

Louisiana Weeps… – Video by a j mithra

With all the oil that is leaking into the Gulf of Mexico, at this point, Louisiana is taking a direct hit. a j mithra, who lives in India and has seen the destruction of their birds has made the following video. He told me he wept while making the video. Since he is one of our writers, I am posting it here also.

It is hard to watch not only the birds, but all of the wildlife and the people who are being harmed by this oil spill. Our hearts and prayers go out to those whose lives are being so greatly affected. Unfortunately, we are all under the curse and this is just one more example of it. One this is certain, this oil spill did not catch God by surprise.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:18-23 KJV)

Interesting Things – Birds With a Memory to Envy

June 9, 2010 by Lee

Birds With a Memory to Envy

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41)

Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) ©USFWS

The shy bird, called Clark’s nutcracker, collects food during the growing season and stores it for the cold winter months. In one year, a bird will store between 22,000 and 33,000 seeds in as many as 2,500 locations, which can be more than ten miles apart. But does the little bird remember where he put all those seeds?

Biologists tracked the activity of Clark’s nutcrackers in the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona. A small army of researchers tracked the birds’ seed gathering and storing activities. One of the first things they discovered was that the birds quickly figured out that they were being observed. Some refused to store food when researchers were watching them. Others faked storing seeds when they were watched. Back in the lab, researchers studied the storing activity of Eurasian nutcrackers. After the birds stored seeds in a large sand floor, the birds were removed. Then the seeds they stored were dug up. When the birds were allowed to return, they quickly discovered that their seeds had been stolen, so they refused to store any more seeds. In the end, researchers concluded that the nutcrackers recover as many as two-thirds of their stored seeds within 13 months.

The remarkable memory of these little birds is their gift from God that enables them to be fed all year around.

Prayer: Father, I thank You because You are gracious and generous, not just to the birds, but also to me. Amen.

The Clarke’s and Eurasian Nutcrackers are part of the Corvidae Family of Crows, Jays, and Allies. The Passeriformes Order they are in has at present 123 Families (IOC 2.4).

Wordless Birds

The Blue-footed Booby – The Stupid Fellas

June 8, 2010 by Lee

The Blue-footed Booby – The stupid fellas ~ by a j mithra

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) by Bob-Nan

The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) is a bird in the Sulidae family which comprises species of long-winged sea birds… The natural breeding habitat of the Blue-footed Booby is tropical and subtropical islands off the Pacific Ocean most famously, the Galapagos Ecuador…

Blue-footed Boobies are distributed among the continental coasts of the eastern Pacific to the Galapagos Islands and California…

Blue-footed boobies are possibly one of the world’s most fearless birds! Indeed, lacking any instincts for fear and being quite clumsy on land make them easy prey for other animals. When Spanish settlers first encountered blue-footed boobies, they were amused by how easy it was to hunt these birds…

This is because the Blue-footed Booby is clumsy on the land. To make their point clear, Spanish settlers named this bird “bobo” which means “stupid fellows.”

If people call you “stupid”, just praise the Lord… For, God chooses the fools and the weak instead of the wise and the strong…

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1Corinthians 1:27)

The booby’s eyes are placed on either side of their bill and oriented towards the front. They have excellent binocular vision. The Blue-footed Booby has permanently closed nostrils specialized for diving. They breathe through the corners of their mouths. When God created these birds, He knew that they need to dive deep for survival.. That is the reason that He took so much care in placing the eye at the right place and the closed nostrils , so that it does not drown… Close up of a Blue-Footed Booby

Each one of us are different in size and structure and shortcomings.. But, when God created us, He had a definite plan.. Do you think that God would’ve chosen Moses if he was not stammering? Do you think God would’ve chose Rahab if she was not a harlot?

God changed their shortcomings into their strength to glorify His name… That is because their trust was in God.. If we trust God, He can change our weakness into our strength…

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) by Bob-Nan

When blue-footed boobies are ready to breed, they carry out many interesting rituals. First, a male blue-footed booby parades around his nest area. The parade is anything but ordinary – just in case a female blue-footed booby fails to notice how attractive he is, the male blue-footed booby raises each of his blue feet in a slow, deliberate stepping motion. Alternatively, if he is flying over his territory and encounters a potential mate, he flashes his blue feet at her as he lands. These male birds show off their blue feet to attract their female mates..

But, our Lord Jesus Christ turned ugly on the cross to show how much He loves us.. Can you not see His nail-pierced bleeding feet which came in search of us? So many time His presence has hovered over us, but, how much have we felt it?

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2)

Then, both male and female blue-footed boobies point their long beaks toward the sky, tilt their wings around, and give their mating calls. The male blue-footed booby also makes a high-piping whistle noise.

During the courtship, they also pick up small stones or twigs as building materials for their nests, but, strangely, they undo their nests later on just about the time that the female blue-footed booby is ready to lay eggs. They are not a seasonally reproducing species but are opportunistic in their breeding..

The Blue-footed Booby is a monogamous animal although they do have the potential to be bigamous. They reunite at their breeding grounds…

We too are going to unite soon with the Lord… Jesus is on His way to take His bride and to live with her forever and ever… Is the bride ready for takeoff?

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) by Ian

The Blue-footed Booby is strictly a marine bird and their only need for land is to breed, which they do along rocky coasts. They nest on bare black lava in a small dip in the ground. The female will turn to face the sun throughout the day so the nest is surrounded by excretion. The female Blue-footed Booby lays two or three eggs. Both male and female take turns incubating the eggs, while the non-sitting bird keeps a watch.

Since the Blue-footed Booby does not have a brooding patch, a patch of bare skin on the underbelly, it uses its feet to keep the eggs warm. Blue-foots are one of only two species of booby that raise more than one chick.

You may think that you do not have resources, like other to realize your dreams… But, all things are possible with God..

These female birds do not have a brooding patch, but still, they raise chicks with their feet and that too they raise more than one chick…

You may feel that you do not have beauty or talent or riches or influence to make your dreams happen… When you have Jesus as your everything, nothing is impossible….

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke18:27)

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) larger chick by Bob-Nan

Blue-foots are one of only two species of booby that raise more than one chick. The males is specialized in diving in shallow waters. They must be fed frequently, so the adults constantly hunt for fish. The chicks feed off the regurgitated fish in the adult’s mouth. If the parent Blue-footed Booby does not have enough food for all of the chicks, it will only feed the biggest chick, ensuring that at least one will survive.

Blue-footed Boobies are specialized fish eaters feeding on school fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, flying fish, squid and offal. It dives into the ocean, sometimes from a great height, and swims underwater in pursuit of its prey. It hunts singly, in pairs or in larger flocks. They travel in parties of 12 or so to areas of water with large schools of small fish. When the lead bird sees a fish shoal in the water, it will signal the rest of the group and they will all dive together to catch the fish.

Like these birds, we as believers and church builders need to learn to dive together into the Living water..

These birds signals to the rest of the group when it sees a shoal of fish..

How many of us signal our co-workers when we see a blessing?

Please read 1 Kings Chapter 7, verse from 3…

You will know how God used four lepers to deliver his people from the enemies… How they shared the good news and signaled the others about the blessing which God had kept in store for them…

Surprisingly, individuals do not eat with the hunting group, preferring to eat on their own, usually in the early morning or late afternoon. They will point their bodies down like an arrow and dive into the water. Plunge diving can be done from heights of 33–100 ft and even up to 330 ft (100 m). These birds hit the water around 60 mph (97 km/h) and can go to depths of 82 ft (25 m) below the water surface. The prey is usually eaten while the bird is still under water. Males and females fish differently which could contribute to the reasons that blue foots, unlike other boobies raise more than one young.

The male is smaller and the tail is larger for its body which enables the male to fish in shallow areas instead of just deep waters. The tail can flatten out easier enabling him to change direction in the shallow water. The female is larger and can carry more food. The food is then regurgitated to the young. The males feed the young for the first part of the incubation period. This is done because the males can bring back food quicker than the female. When the demand for more food takes over the female provides the food to the young… These female birds are larger and carry more food…

Even our bridegroom Jesus Christ wants us to do more than what He had done… That is why He says,

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)

Now never ever say that you can’t do this or can’t do that… We have been called to say that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me, and also to do greater things than what Jesus did…

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) by Bob-Nan

Lee’s Addition:
Boobies are part of the Sulidae Family of Gannets and Bobbies in the Pelicaniformes Order. There are actually 7 Boobies.
Abbott’s Booby
Blue-footed Booby
Brown Booby
Masked Booby
Nazca Booby
Peruvian Booby
Red-footed Booby

The Superb Fairywren – The Corporate Mob

June 6, 2010 by a j mithra

The Superb Fairywren – The Corporate Mob ~ by a j mithra

Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus) by Ian

The Superb Fairywren is one of 12 species of the genus Malurus, commonly known as Fairywren, also known as the Superb Blue-wren or colloquially as the Blue Wren, is a passerine bird of the Maluridae family found in Australia and lowland New Guinea..

The Superb Fairywren can be found in almost any area that has at least a little dense undergrowth for shelter, including grasslands with scattered shrubs, moderately thick forest, woodland, heaths, and domestic gardens. It has adapted well to the urban environment and is common in suburban Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

Superb Fairywrens are predominantly insectivorous. They mainly eats insects and supplements its diet with seeds. They eat a wide range of small creatures (mostly insects such as ants, grasshoppers, shield bugs, flies, weevils and various larvae) as well as small quantities of seeds, flowers, and fruit….

During winter, when food may be scarce, ants are an important ‘last resort’ food, constituting a much higher proportion of the diet Nestlings, in contrast to adult birds, are fed a diet of larger items such as caterpillars and grasshoppers…

Their foraging, termed ‘hop-searching’, occurs on the ground or in shrubs that are less than two meters high. Because this foraging practice renders them vulnerable to predators, birds tend to stick fairly close to cover and forage in groups….

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) Female by Nick Talbot

The Superb Fairywren is a cooperative breeding species, with pairs or groups of 3–5 birds maintaining and defending small territories year-round. The group consists of a social pair with one or more male or female helper birds that were hatched in the territory, though they may not necessarily be the offspring of the main pair. These birds assist in defending the territory and feeding and rearing the young…

Birds in a group roost side-by-side in dense cover as well as engaging in mutual preening. The group often shelters and rests together during the heat of the day. If only we, as believers, could learn to stick close together, we can easily turn satan, our predator in to a prey…

That is why the Bible says,

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mathew 18:20

Jesus too asked His disciples to go in twos to minister unto people…

Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come. Luke 10:1

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm [alone]? Ecclesiastes 4:11

These beautiful birds seem to know the secret of not only sticking close together, but also, engage in mutual preening…

We may call ourselves as the body of Christ but, when are we going to learn to stick together as one and help one another to grow in the Lord?

Several courtship displays by Superb Fairywren males have been recorded. The ‘sea horse flight’, named for its seahorse-like undulations, is one such display. During this exaggerated flight, the male—with his neck extended and his head feathers erect—tilts his body from horizontal to vertical, and descends slowly and springs upwards by rapidly beating his wings after alighting on the ground.

The ‘face fan’ display may be seen as a part of aggressive or sexual display behaviors; it involves the flaring of the blue ear tufts by erecting the feathers…

These male bird’s tilting of its body reminds us of God’s mercy..

The following verse shows the (horizontal) mercy and (vertical) grace of God…

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11, 12

That is the reason Jesus descended slowly from heaven and gave His life for you and me…

Remember He took four thousand years since Adam and Eve to come down from heaven to redeem mankind from sin and shame..

And He ascended rapidly to heaven, to prepare a mansion for us…

Is there a better mating display on the face of the earth than the descending and ascending of our Lord Jesus to save the entire human race? Thank You Jesus, for your mercy and grace…..

Vocal communication among Superb Fairywrens is used primarily for communication between birds in a social group and for advertising and mobbing, or defending a territory. Superb Fairywrens’ alarm call is a series of brief sharp chits, universally given and understood by small birds in response to predators. Females also emit a purr while incubating. The basic, or Type I, song is a 1–4 second high-pitched reel consisting of 10–20 short elements per second and is sung by both males and females. Males also possess a peculiar song-like Type II vocalization, which is given in response to the calls of predatory birds, commonly Grey Butcherbirds (Cracticus torquatus). The purpose of this behavior, which does not elicit a response from other nearby wrens, remains unknown…. It may serve to announce male fitness, but this is far from certain…

Though this bird’s alarm call does not elicit response from other nearby wrens, it never stops reminding others about the presence of the predator through its calls..

No matter how they respond, God has kept us as watchmen over His people to warn about the presence of the predator..

Ezekiel 33:4-7 shows us God’s purpose in our lives…

Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head

He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Like all Fairywrens, the Superb Fairywren is an active and restless feeder, particularly on open ground near shelter, but also through the lower foliage. Movement is a series of jaunty hops and bounces, with its balance assisted by a proportionally large tail, which is usually held upright, and rarely still. The short, rounded wings provide good initial lift and are useful for short flights, though not for extended jaunts. During spring and summer, birds are active in bursts through the day and accompany their foraging with song. Insects are numerous and easy to catch, which allows the birds to rest between forays. Food is harder to find during winter and they are required to spend the day foraging continuously…

These birds are restless feeders and they also sing while foraging….

If only we become restless feeders like these birds on the word of God and if only we sing and praise Jesus continuously all through the day, our Lord would encompass us with His presence…

Remember our Lord dwells among our praises…

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

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Tag Archives: Christian

The Black Skimmer – The Graceful Flier…

Birds of the Bible – Purifying Bird

Macaw – The Beautician

Birds of the Bible – Raven II

Montserrat Oriole – The Super Survivor

The Space sharing seed storing Redpoll…

Interesting Things – “Darwin’s Finches” – No Proof of Evolution

Birds of the Bible – Cranes II

Louisiana Weeps….

Interesting Things – Birds With a Memory to Envy

The Blue-footed Booby – The Stupid Fellas

The Superb Fairywren – The Corporate Mob

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