Tag Archives: Creation

Sunday Inspiration – Chats and Old World Flycatchers I

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Bearded Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata) ©WikiC

Bearded Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata) ©WikiC

In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23 NKJV)

The Old World flycatchers are a large family (321 Members), the Muscicapidae, of small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia). These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. They are small to medium birds, ranging from 9 to 22 cm in length. Many species are dull brown in color, but the plumage of some can be much brighter, especially in the males. Most have broad, flattened bills suited to catching insects in flight, although the few ground-foraging species typically have finer bills.

Old World flycatchers live in almost every environment with a suitable supply of trees, from dense forest to open scrub, and even the montane woodland of the Himalayas. The more northerly species migrate south in winter, ensuring a continuous diet of insects.
Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.

Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea) by MAMuin

Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea) by MAMuin

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “HE CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS”; (1 Corinthians 3:19 NKJV)

Because this Muscicapidae family is so large, this Sunday Inspiration and next week’s will be divided. The reason for this is so the slideshow is not too long. This will divide them in taxonomic order about half way.

Slideshow of Muscicapidae in taxonomic order – First Half

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)

“Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Trio and Choir

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“Heaven’s Announcement” – message by Pastor Osborne last Sunday. About the birth of Christ.

Shepherd ©Flickr

Shepherd ©Flickr

More Sunday Inspirations

Muscicapidae – Chats and Old World Flycatchers

Faith Baptist Church

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Lord’s Avian Wonders – A Christmas Turkey?

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“The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.” (Psalms 111:2 NKJV)

While updating our passes at Lowry Park Zoo last week, I found this startled “Turkey” insisting that he was not a “Turkey”

Non-Turkey at Lowry Park Zoo cropped

Startled Non-Turkey at Lowry Park Zoo (cropped)

To me, he had wattles like a turkey!

Well, maybe it’s not a turkey after all. It is actually is a Guineafowl. Plus, they are not even in the same family.

Guinefowl at Lowry Park Zoo

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) at Lowry Park Zoo

Turkeys have to keep a low profile during the Christmas season as you have learned from several of Emma’s stories about the Commander Turkey. 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18 NKJV)

Here are some of the decorations as you enter the zoo:

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Guineafowl – Numididae

Pheasants and allies – Phasianidae

Lowry Park Zoo

Gospel Presentation

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How The Seahorse Got Its Square Tail – Re-post

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Seahorse at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Seahorse at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

HOW THE SEAHORSE GOT ITS SQUARE TAIL

©Creation Moments

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a)

Evolutionists and creationists alike enjoy gazing upon the elegant seahorse swimming lazily about the aquarium. However, only creationists are able to see that the seahorse bears the unmistakable stamp of design – all the way from the top of its horse-shaped head to the tip of its unique square tail.

Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University

Researchers found that the tail's square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University

Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-07-seahorse-tail-square.html#jCp

Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Yes, I said square tail. This striking design makes the seahorse considerably better at gripping and grasping than if it had curved sections in its tail. When you look closely, you will see that the tail is made up of about 36 square-like segments that progressively taper off in size along the length of the tail. By using a 3D printer to duplicate the tail and submitting it to crushing tests, an international team of researchers has now discovered that the squared sections also provide the seahorse with much better armor than a cylindrical tail.

“Almost all animal tails have circular or oval cross-sections – but not the seahorse’s,” said Michael Porter, lead investigator and assistant professor in mechanical engineering at Clemson University. Porter’s research group is now using 3D printing to help them develop new structures and robotic systems.

Although evolutionists will tell you that the seahorse’s unique tail only appears to be designed, they act as if the tail really was designed! After all, how intelligent would it be for them to pursue new technologies based on the tail of a seahorse that has no intelligence behind it at all?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is so obvious to me that creatures like the seahorse were designed by You. I pray that You will use me to make others aware that all of creation points directly to You! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
Phys.org, “Why the seahorse’s tail is square,” 7/2/15. http://phys.org/news/2015-07-seahorse-tail-square.html#jCp. Photo: Researchers found that the tail’s square segments created more contact points with the surface that it is gripping when compared to a tail with round segments. Credit: Michael Porter/Clemson University. (Fair Use)

Seahorse Skeleton Macro ©WikiC

Seahorse Skeleton Macro ©WikiC

Lee’s Addition:

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:8 NKJV)

He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalms 111:4 NKJV)

I am always amazed when discovery’s like these are discovered. Yet the deniers of His Creation fail to give credit where credit is due.

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Creation Moments

Interesting Things

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Close Encounter With A Snowy

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Snowy Egret and Lee Gatorland by Dan

Snowy Egret and Lee Gatorland by Dan

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)

While we were at Gatorland, I had the delight to be able to get really close to a Snowy Egret. I was taking a photo of him when he got so close I couldn’t focus the camera. I backed the zoom out and realized just how close we were.

Snowy Egret stepped so close it blurred my shot.

Snowy Egret stepped so close it blurred my shot.

I tried to give my camera to Dan to get a photo of me and the Snowy. That spooked him and he flew off a few yards. I coached him back and thankful he came.

This time I handed Dan my camera down low and he stayed put. The following photos are what Dan took of the close encounter with my Snowy Egret friend. I could have touched the bird, if I had wanted, but have you ever seen that beak up close? Looked like a sharp needle from my point of view.

I am very thankful that the Lord created such a neat bird and helped him not be afraid of me. I am glad the Lord lets us have joy from just watching His critters.

Sunday Inspiration – Oxpeckers and Thrushes

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Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus) by Africaddict

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus) by Africaddict

Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5 NKJV)

This Sunday’s continuation of the Passerines (Songbirds) bring us to two more families, one small with only 2 species of Oxpeckers and the other, the large Thrush family with 167 members.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker with Water Buffalo ©©

Yellow-billed Oxpecker with Water Buffalo ©©

The oxpeckers are two species of bird which make up the family Buphagidae. Oxpeckers are endemic to the savanna of Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the English and scientific names arise from their habit of perching on large mammals (both wild and domesticated) such as cattle or rhinoceroses, and eating ticks, botfly larvae, and other parasites.

Oxpeckers feed exclusively on the backs of large mammals. Certain species are seemingly preferred, whereas others, like the Lichtenstein’s hartebeest or Topi are generally avoided. Smaller antelope such as lechwe, duikers and reedbuck are also avoided, the smallest regularly used species is the Impala, probably because of the heavy tick load and social nature of that species. In many parts of their range they now feed on cattle, but avoid camels. They feed on ectoparasites, particularly ticks, as well as insects infecting wounds and the flesh and blood of some wounds as well. (Info from Wikipedia)

Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) ©WikiC

Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) ©WikiC

Thrushes are medium-sized mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds. The genus, Turdus, is the largest genus of the thrush family, Turdidae.

The Turdus genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Several species have also colonized some oceanic islands, and two species have been introduced to New Zealand. Some New World species are called robins, the most famous of which is the American robin. Several species are migratory.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)with youngsters by Raymond Barlow

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)with youngsters by Raymond Barlow

They are insectivorous, but most species also eat worms, land snails, and fruit. Many species are permanently resident in warm climes, while others migrate to higher latitudes during summer, often over considerable distances.

Thrushes build cup-shaped nests, sometimes lining them with mud. They lay two to five speckled eggs, sometimes laying two or more clutches per year. Both parents help in raising the young.

The songs of some species, including members of the genera Catharus, Myadestes, and Turdus, are considered to be among the most beautiful in the avian world. (Info from Wikipedia)

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“Even the stork in the sky Knows her seasons; And the turtledove and the swift and the thrush Observe the time of their migration; But My people do not know The ordinance of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 NASB)

“I Heard The Bells With Peace On Earth” – with Jessie Padgett, Angel Long and the FX Girls

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Faith Baptist has just recently started posting our services on YouTube. Here is last Sunday’s Message (Dec 6, 2015) if you would like to watch it. We have a great pastor and church. He is doing a Christmas theme during December.

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Sunday Inspirations

Buphagidae – Oxpeckers Family

Turdidae – Thrushes Family

PASSERIFORMES Order

Birds of the Bible – Thrushes

Birds of the Bible – Bluebirds

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Plus – Elephants Helping A Calf Out of a Waterhole

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Baby Elephant at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Baby Elephant at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Focusing On Wildlife.com shared this video of Elephants Helping A Calf Out of a Waterhole.

It is very touching and neat to see them all work together to get the little one out.

Enjoy!!!

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As these elephants helped the youngster, may we remember these verse to encourage us:

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. (Psalms 72:12 KJV)

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. (Psalms 30:10 KJV)

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. (Psalms 54:4 KJV)

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,…(Hebrews 13:6a KJV)

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Ian’s Bird of the Week – Oriental Plover

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Ian’s Bird of the Week – Oriental Plover by Ian Montgomery

 Newsletter – 12/10/14
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You may remember that we had Oriental Pratincole as bird of the week early last month as I couldn’t fulfil a request from a local birder for Oriental Plover. Since then, Rex Whitehead, a bird photographer in Mt Isa, 900km west of Townsville as sent me some lovely Oriental Plover photos that he took very recently on Lake Moondarra, a reservoir just outside Mt Isa.
The first two photos are of adult birds in non-breeding plumage. These are elegant mid-sized plovers slightly smaller than Golden Plovers with a length 22-25cm/8.5-10in. The second photo shows the slim profile well. The third photo is of a juvenile bird, and like many plover species it has buff fringes to the dorsal feathers.
The entire population of about 70,000 birds breeds in Mongolia and adjacent areas of southern Siberia and northwestern China and migrates to northern Australia for the northern winter. In both regions it is a bird of dry arid areas and in Australia it visits the coast less frequently and in response to severe drought inland. Some birds reach the southern states, but it’s main range is north of the Tropic of Capricorn. On migration in both directions it appears in large numbers in the Yangtze Valley but records are rare both in more northerly parts of China and in Indonesia. So it is assumed that it is a long distant migrant and does the entire journey in two hops.
In breeding plumage it has a chestnut breast-band with a dark lower edge which forms a sharp border to the white breast. With some reluctance I’ve included a poor distant shot of mine taken at Norfolk Island airport in March 2012 to illustrate the breeding plumage and do a size comparison with the Pacific Golden Plover. if you look carefully you can see the chestnut breast-band on the Oriental Plover and the Pacific Golden Plover is also coming into breeding plumage. Oriental Plovers can run swiftly and the specific name veredus is the Latin for a swift horse.
I’ve been busy working on the website to make it ‘mobile friendly’ so Christmas has approached stealthily and more-or-less unnoticed. I did see in my calendar program yesterday that there is a full moon on Christmas Day and the same program reminded me today that there is a New Moon tomorrow. That gave me a shock as it means Christmas only a couple of weeks away. So, don’t forget the gift giving facilities on the Apple Store and Kobo Books and the ebooks Where to Find Birds in Northern Queensland and Diary of a Bird Photographer! Use the Gifting Gifts section in the Publications Page for links and instructions. Both the thumbnails below are linked to their newly mobile friendly pages on the website.
    
I released the new mobile friendly home page a few days ago. This involved breaking it up into smaller parts to make it more manageable – it had grown to become a monster over the years. The home page now has links to all its erstwhile components like thumbnails to bird families (‘Visual Links’ in the menus), the bird of the week index page, and recent additions. The alphabetic and taxonomic indices are collectively called Text Links, and like the Visual Links are all inter-connected. The move to a mobile world has provided an opportunity for a complete redesign to make the website more consistent and easier to use but, given its size, it will be many months before all the family and species pages get updated but I’ll keep you posted.
Greetings
Ian

Lee’s Addition:

[Even the migratory birds are punctual to their seasons.] Yes, the stork [excelling in the great height of her flight] in the heavens knows her appointed times [of migration], and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their return. But My people do not know the law of the Lord [which the lower animals instinctively recognize in so far as it applies to them]. (Jeremiah 8:7 AMP)

Wow! If you looked at all the links Ian shared, he has really been busy updating his Birdway website. I’m impressed! The Oriental Plover is also very interesting.

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Ian’s Bird of the Week

Charadriidae – Plovers  Family

Wordless Birds

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Black-capped Chickadees Fed by Hand

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Black-capped Chickadee by Dave's BirdingPix

Black-capped Chickadee by Dave’s BirdingPix

Thought you might enjoy watching Black-capped Chickadees being fed by hand. Video from LesleytheBirdNerd. It is one of the YouTube birders I follow. I like the music also.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV)

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales And the hills in a balance? Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has taught Him? (Isaiah 40:12-13 NKJV)

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Paridae – Tits, Chickadees

Black-capped Chickadee – All About Birds

Black-capped Chickadee – Audubon

Black-capped Chickadee – Wikipedia

Black-capped Chickadee – National Geographic

Black-capped Chickadee – What Bird

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The Death Knell of Christianity? (Re-post)

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THE DEATH KNELL OF CHRISTIANITY?

“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”

“I think that evolution is absolutely the death knell of Christianity.” No, those aren’t my words. These words were spoken by atheist Frank Zindler, and they make it very clear what the origins debate is really all about. It is nothing less than the front line in the battle between two incompatible faiths.

American atheist Frank ZindlerIn step-by-step fashion, Zindler described how he reached that conclusion. “The most devastating thing that biology did to Christianity,” he said, “was the discovery of biological evolution.” In other words, he starts out by declaring that evolution has been proven, which, as you know, is very far from the truth.

He goes on to say that evolution means that Adam and Eve never really existed. In his own words, “Now that we know that Adam and Eve never were real people, the central myth of Christianity is destroyed.”

And why is that? He continues, and I quote: “If there never was an Adam and Eve, there never was an original sin. If there never was an original sin, there is no need of salvation. If there is no need of salvation, there is no need of a savior. And I submit that puts Jesus, historical or otherwise, into the ranks of the unemployed.”

Yes, atheists foolishly think that evolution is the death knell of Christianity. In reality, biology – with its established fact that life comes only from life – points directly to our Creator. Biology is actually the death knell of atheism and evolution.

Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I pray that You will use me to he lp others see that life comes only from life and that the original Life that started it all was You! Amen.”

Notes:

Frank Zindler quote taken from debate with William Lane Craig held in 1993 at Willow Creek Community Church. Photo: American atheist Frank Zindler.

©Creation Moments 2015 (with permission)
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That is very interesting. I can’t believe how they (evolutionist) just say something is true and that’s it. It is settled, as far as they are concerned. No evidence, no proof, just declare it’s true. My Bible says that God created it and He says He is truth. Science shows many evidences of the Universal Flood and a catastrophe, but evolutionist won’t believe it, because they have “declared” that God doesn’t exist.

The big question for all of us, is who are you going to believe?

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 KJV)

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 NKJV)

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:19-25 KJV)

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Lord’s Avian Wonders – Eastern Rosella

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Eastern Rosella Gatorland by Dan

Eastern Rosella Gatorland by Dan

“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13 NKJV)

What a delight for me to find two Eastern Rosellas in the little free-flight aviary at Gatorland last week. We have been there two other times, but not when the aviary was open.

Because of Ian’s Bird of the Week articles about the Rosella, these two caught my eye. Never did get a decent photo of them, but never the less, we enjoyed seeing them in person. Dan’s photos were better, of course. They seem quite pale compared to Ian’s photo of one in the wild.

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius) by Ian

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius) by Ian

“The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16 NKJV)

This Rosella reminds me of the colors of a rainbow. Maybe the Lord gave us this beautiful bird to remind us of his promise, even on a non-rainy day.

Here are just a few photos from the aviary:

Gatorland, Florida

Ian’s Eastern Rosella photos at Birdway

Psittaculidae – Old World Parrots

Enjoy seeing the really good photos and newsletters from Ian Montgomery:

Who Paints The Leaves?

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Sunday Inspiration – Starlings, Mynas and Rhabdornis

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Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) by Robert Scanlon

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) by Robert Scanlon

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

This weeks Sturnidae Family is rather large with 123 species presently. (Twenty-three are Mynas; three are Rhabdornis; one Coleto and the rest are Starlings.) Here in the U. S., when we think of a Starling it is a very the plain Common (European) Starling. Yet other Starlings are very colorful and beautiful creations from our Lord.

Golden-breasted Starling at NA

Golden-breasted Starling at National Aviary by Lee

The name “Sturnidae” comes from the Latin word for starling, sturnus. Many Asian species, particularly the larger ones, are called mynas, and many African species are known as glossy starlings because of their iridescent plumage. Starlings are native to the Old World, from Europe, Asia and Africa, to northern Australia and the islands of the tropical Pacific. Several European and Asian species have been introduced to these areas as well as North America, Hawaii and New Zealand, where they generally compete for habitats with native birds and are considered to be invasive species. The starling species familiar to most people in Europe and North America is the common starling, and throughout much of Asia and the Pacific, the common myna is indeed common.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Starlings have strong feet, their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Several species live around human habitation and are effectively omnivores. Many species search for prey such as grubs by “open-bill probing”, that is, forcefully opening the bill after inserting it into a crevice, thus expanding the hole and exposing the prey; this behaviour is referred to by the German verb zirkeln (pronounced [ˈtsɪʁkəln]).

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Eggs ©WikiC

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Eggs ©WikiC

Plumage of many species is typically dark with a metallic sheen. Most species nest in holes and lay blue or white eggs.

Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica) by Ian

Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica) by Ian

Starlings have diverse and complex vocalizations and have been known to embed sounds from their surroundings into their own calls, including car alarms and human speech patterns. The birds can recognize particular individuals by their calls and are currently the subject of research into the evolution of human language.

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis mystacalis) ©©

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis mystacalis) ©©

James J. S. Johnson just wrote about the murmuration of the Starlings in Choreographed Choir on the Wing: Birds of a Feather Flock Together. “The starlings are generally a highly social family. Most species associate in flocks of varying sizes throughout the year. A flock of starlings is called a murmuration. These flocks may include other species of starlings and sometimes species from other families. This sociality is particularly evident in their roosting behavior; in the non-breeding season some roosts can number in the thousands of birds.” (Most information from Wikipedia)

Starling Murmuration

Starling Murmuration

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Many of the family members in random order:

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“Once Upon A Tree” ~ Choir – and – “Sing To Jesus” ~ Angel Long & Jessie Padgett

More Sunday Inspirations

Sturnidae – Starlings, Rhabdornis

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Metallic Starling

Starling – Wikipedia

Wages or a Gift

 

Lord’s Avian Wonders – Can’t We Talk In Private?

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Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) by Lee

Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (Psalms 119:127 KJV)

On Tuesday, Dan and I took a ride over to Gatorland in Orlando. Just wanted to share a sequence of photos of some Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) I took. One allowed me to get a nice view of him (or her) and then walked over to its friend. (Click on photos to enlarge)

Blue-and-yellow Macaws are also known as Blue-and-golds.

They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (Proverbs 8:9-11 KJV)

Psittacidae – African and New World Parrots

Who Paints The Leaves?

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