This is from an e-mail and thought all of us birdwatchers and photographers might enjoy it.
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea) by Lee at LPZ
Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” (Genesis 1:20 NKJV)
The Turacos belong to the Musophagidae – Turacos Family which includes 17 Turacos, 3 Go-away-birds and 2 Plantain-eaters.
The Turacos make up the bird family Musophagidae (literally “banana-eaters”), which includes plantain-eaters and go-away-birds. In southern Africa both turacos and go-away-birds are commonly known as louries. They are semi-zygodactylous – the fourth (outer) toe can be switched back and forth. The second and third toes, which always point forward, are conjoined in some species. Musophagids often have prominent crests and long tails; the turacos are noted for peculiar and unique pigments giving them their bright green and red feathers.
The plumage of Go-away-birds and plantain-eaters is mainly grey and white. The turacos on the other hand are brightly coloured birds, usually blue, green or purple.
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“Redeemed Medley” – by Faith Baptist Choir – 2-9-2014
See:
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Bleeding Heart Pigeons
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31 KJV)
Trust you are having a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
(p.s. Still struggling with computer.)
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Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) Southend-on-Sea England ©WikiC
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41 KJV)
Here’s a true account of a bird that seemingly ‘dropped ‘ out of the sky and landed near to my feet.
How can I forget when one sunny spring morning a young crow landed exhausted at my feet whilst I was gardening. I picked him up and placed him on a ledge protruding from a large bird house. ” Wait there !! ” I told him, which seemed a bit silly because that bird was in no physical condition to go anywhere for a few days. Neither did he speak English ?
I kept feeding him and spending time talking to him until about 3 days later he hopped on to my head and allowed me to carry on doing some gardening.
Just for fun I knocked at my back door and enquired of my wife if she had seen my bird that day. It was now “my bird ” and it fluttered on to her head ( I still have the photograph ) Might I say it is a rare photo because I am told that not many Dutch women have been seen walking around with a live crow on their heads.
Having established a ” motherly ” relationship with a beautiful shiny black crow I was not really surprised when he used to fly from window to window to check if I was at home. I warned visitors who used my upstairs bathroom that my crow might try to peep in the window whilst looking for me.
It only seemed like a few weeks and my crow seemed to enjoy himself and the regular food I gave him. He must have stayed in my large bird house at night and seemed so pleased to see me every day.
One day whilst out in the garden with my new-found friend, on his feeding perch, there came the sound from above of some crows circling and making crow noises. They seemed to fly away but flew even lower as they spotted “my bird ”
I would like to put a Christian analogy to this story and say that “he heard the call from on high ” then spread his now strong wings and flew heavenward to join his family.
Sometimes I wonder why God speaks to us through His creation but I know that my Heavenly Father sees even the sparrow fall. I kinda believe that He gave ‘my bird ‘ just enough strength to make it to His bird-loving son. It was a short time of teaching and one that I’ll never forget.
ps. On another occasion I tamed a blackbird who use to walk behind me…………….
By Peter England, U.K.
Lee’s Addition:
Peter England is a retired pastor who lives in England. He is sending me some of his stories about his encounters with birds from a Christian perspective. I trust we will enjoy these.
He didn’t say what type of Crow, so this is one of the English Crows. Crows and Ravens are in the same family.
Another article by Peter:
The Whole Creation Has Been Groaning………..
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Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) by Ian
And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. (Revelation 21:19-20 KJV)
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42 KJV)
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. (Mark 16:4 KJV)
Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) by Nikhil Devasar
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, (Luke 22:41 KJV)
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:28-30 KJV)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17 KJV)
Limestone Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis) ©WikiC
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. (Revelation 4:3 KJV)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16 KJV)
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13 KJV)
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Jesus Rolled Back The Stone from the Hyssongs’ “Expecting Miracles” Album
(Music and photos are used by permission. If copied, you must obtain permission also.)
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Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Circle B by Lee
Observe and consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn; and [yet] God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than the birds!
(Luke 12:24 AMP)
It would be interesting to hear from those readers who go birdwatching or watch birds, even if it is only from your window. Consider leaving comments so that we can understand that there are various methods.
As for me, my ways of birdwatching have changed over the years. First, I became more aware of the birds around me by a naturalist at a local park in south Florida. We started with simple things like not staring at a tree, but use “soft eyes” to watch for movement. After that, she showed me how to hold and adjust the binoculars. What a difference that made. Notes and a good bird book came next. The rest is history. I love birds and enjoy seeing how beautifully they were created.
Over time, I wanted to see how many birds I could get on a list. Many people like to birdwatch this way. They will go to great heights (literally) to find a new bird for their list. I would put Ian in that category. Don’t you just enjoy reading about his birdwatching adventures.
Dan searching for something to photograph
Many like Dan, Ian, and our other photographers enjoy the challenge of photography. It is not always easy to get a great photo, especially when the birds don’t wait for you to get all the settings right.
Lee at Lake Morton by Dan
Some like to feed the wildlife at home or a park and watch whoever shows up at that location.
Then you have every thing in between. Some enjoy going on birdwatching trips with other birders. This can be very helpful when you are just learning about the birds.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) Palm Beach Zoo by Lee
Today, I have mellowed somewhat. Between an issue with my feet and legs, I can no longer walk great distances. My age is also becoming a factor. I enjoy watching birds wherever they are including the Zoos. Those are easier for me to handle and actually, get to see the birds for longer periods of time and at closer ranges. That also allows me to see birds from other areas that I will never be able to get to.
I think I am actually becoming a bird “watcher.” I enjoy just seeing what they are up to or how they are put together. Like those feet I mentioned in the last article. Finding Birds in the Bible and Birds in Hymns are also pleasurable for me.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Feet by Lee at PB Zoo
Is any one way of birdwatching any better than another? Not to my way of thinking. They are all fine methods and there are plenty of birds out there for all of us to enjoy.
What is your method or what gives you the most enjoyment when you are out on a “birdwatching adventure”?
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A J Mithra’s way of mixing birds and Scripture.
Check out our photographers down the sidebar.
Most of the rest are my adventures plus the –
Birds in the Bible and Birds in Hymns
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Black-bellied Whistling Ducks forming V
We keep encountering Whistling Ducks as we visit the zoos and as we go birdwatching, especially at Circle B Bar Reserve. There we get to see the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks quite frequently. At Palm Beach Zoo, I got tickled at the feet of the Black-bellieds. This week at Lowry Park Zoo, we took photos of their Spotted Whistling Duck which are fairly new residents.
Spotted Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna guttata) by Lee at LPZ
I checked the e-Sword Bible program and can not find any “Ducks” or “Waterfowl” in Scripture by name, only in references to all birds being created, etc. They are still neatly created birds and are a joy to watch.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Feet by Lee at PB Zoo
There are three verses that refer to a “whistle” and in all of them it is the Lord who is doing the whistling.
He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, And will whistle to them from the end of the earth; Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly. (Isaiah 5:26 NKJV) (For judgment)
And it shall come to pass in that day That the LORD will whistle for the fly That is in the farthest part of the rivers of Egypt, And for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. (Isaiah 7:18 NKJV) (For judgment)
I will whistle for them and gather them, For I will redeem them; And they shall increase as they once increased. (Zechariah 10:8 NKJV) (for redemption)
Whistling ducks are found in the tropics and subtropics. As their name implies, they have distinctive whistling calls. The whistling ducks have long legs and necks, and are very gregarious, flying to and from night-time roosts in large flocks. Both sexes have the same plumage, and all have a hunched appearance and black underwings in flight.
The first whistling ducks were described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae in 1758: the Black-bellied Whistling Duck (then Anas autumnalis) and the West Indian Whistling Duck (then Anas arborea). In 1837, William John Swainson named the genus Dendrocygna to distinguish whistling ducks from the other waterfowl.
The whistling ducks or tree ducks are a subfamily, Dendrocygninae of the duck, goose and swan family of birds, Anatidae. They are not true ducks. In other taxonomic schemes, they are either considered a separate family Dendrocygnidae, or a tribe Dendrocygnini in the goose subfamily Anserinae. The subfamily has one genus, Dendrocygna, which contains eight living species, and one undescribed extinct species from Aitutaki of the Cook Islands.
The eight species of whistling duck are currently recognized in the genus Dendrocygna. However, Johnsgard considers the White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) from Africa and Madagascar to be distinct ninth species, a view first proposed in 1960 and initially supported by behavioral similarities. Later, similarities in anatomy, duckling vocalizations, and feather proteins gave additional support. Molecular analysis in 2009 also suggested that the White-backed Duck was nested within the whistling duck clade. (Wikipedia with editing)
White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) by Dan
Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Spotted Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna guttata) by Ian
West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea)
Fulvous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) Zoo Miami’s by Dan
Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata) – Video by Nick
Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica) Zoo Miami’s by Dan
White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) ©WikiC
(All sounds are from xeno-canto, but they didn’t have an audio for the White-backed Duck)
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Anatidae – Ducks, Geese & Swans Family Page
Wikipedia’s pages for the Whistling Ducks and the White-backed Duck
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Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Dan 2014
When we entered the Lowry Park Zoo today, we were greeted by the Barred Owl being displayed on a handler’s gloved hand. What a beautiful owl. She was so calm as all the kids and us older ones enjoyed seeing her so close.
It was time to renew our annual pass, so off we went to the zoo even, though it was a dreary light rainy day. We didn’t have lots of snow like many of you up north, so, I am not complaining, and the Barred Owl was a nice addition to the visit. We have introduced the Barred Owl several years ago, but am sharing her again.
Identification Tips:
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Here are all the verses in the King James Version of the Bible that mention owls.
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Owl
Leviticus 11:16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Leviticus 11:17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
Deuteronomy 14:15 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Deuteronomy 14:16 The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
Psalm 102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
Isaiah 34:11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
Isaiah 34:14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
Isaiah 34:15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
Owls
Job 30:29 I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
Isaiah 13:21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
Isaiah 34:13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
Isaiah 43:20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
Jeremiah 50:39 Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
Micah 1:8 Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.
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References to check out:
{This is a little short due to being involved in another project, but wanted to share these photos.)
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Sorry I didn’t put a blog up last evening, but was occupied watching the Ken Ham vs Bill Nye Debate on Livestream. It was very interesting. Here is the YouTube of it, if you missed it. I believe it is only going to be available for a few days. (At least on Answers page)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ESV)
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Here is another YouTube of a Post-debate Show by Creationtoday. It is a little shaky at first, but settles down after a minute or so.
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Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by Daves BirdingPix
Thought I would share this video with you. A friend suggested that I watch it. It is really good.
Also, I didn’t do the usual Sunday Inspiration today because of honoring A J Mithra. It has affected me greatly. He had become a dear friend and I will miss him. I know he is enjoying the Lord’s presence, but there is still sadness here.
The world’s most brazenly hidden bird — the Common Potoo by jonnytropics
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Potoos are members of the Nyctibiidae – Potoos Family. There are seven species and the Lord has given them an appearance of wood or some camouflaged look.
This verse is out of context, but it describes our bird.
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, ….. (Job 4:16)
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Nyctibiidae – Potoos Family
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Golden Eagle ©PD
Boys and girls, it’s me again! I have taken on a name: the GOLDEN EAGLE. So, if you send us messages you can simply call me the Golden Eagle. My very best friend, Jesus once said;”
Behold the fowls (birds) 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)
Hey, as you go through your day watch the birds! It really doesn’t look like they work to hard! Jesus is saying that His Father feeds and takes care of the birds each and every day! Now here’s a thought. I don’t know what part of the world you live in? The cool thing is that God feeds the birds every day! ALL the birds in the entire WORLD. If He takes care of the birds, He will surely take care of you in whatever situations you find yourself in. I know some things are hard to deal with, even as kids. But God is up to the task and really everything is easy for Him! So TRUST HIM! Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him (Jesus). Psalm 2:12
Boys and girls, Jesus also said in our Bible verse that you are better than birds. Now birds are neat! I am a birder, a rather new birder, I have been at this a few months. You see evolution teaches that we have evolved from a rock, an explosion, a single celled creature, etc. It teaches that we are all animals. But Jesus said you are better than the birds. The truth is that you and I were created just a little bit under the angels! And do you know that angels can fly? They fly very swiftly the Bible says! Daniel 9:21 Oh that verse is talking about the angel Gabriel coming to visit the prophet Daniel.
Remember, your Heavenly Father will take care of each of you today! You also each have a guardian angel that watches over you! Maybe we have more than one guardian angel. Eventually, we will fly like the angels! Gravity doesn’t affect them you know.
Hey, have you started your journal yet? You can write down all kinds of things. Don’t forget to send us your really cool bird stories. Have a great day and if possible attend a good church on Sunday, or any day for that matter! Until next time, this is the Golden Eagle saying Shalom!
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Read more of Golden Eagle’s articles
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Anole on Fence – Carolina Anole ©WikiC
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (Romans 8:22)
The following is not one of my latest stories, but because it concerns one of God’s creations I dare to let you see it. Many people would laugh at me and, by the way some of my happenings can be seen as being laughable….even unbelievable!
About two years ago, when I was living in West Palm Beach, I was going through a difficult time. I well remember the few days when I used to sit outside and read. Lizards, as you Americans know, are a well-known sight and one particular lizard came down from the tree at the back of me and hid behind the drain pipe. It kept peeping at me from one side of pipe to the other. I took little notice!
The next day, same lizard, came across the lawn and performed once more. Maybe it wanted to grab my attention, but then it was only a common lizard.
On day three the same lizard ( or so I believe ) scampered across the lawn and commenced to do its tricks from behind the drain pipe. However, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me, reminding me of the Scripture in Jonah 4: 7 how that God appointed a worm to attack the gourd that was sheltering Jonah. Could it be that God had sent a lizard to tell me that He would be with me and never forsake me. despite my difficult circumstances? I felt it necessary to put may tongue out at him and if he responded I would know that God was in this strange situation!
But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. (Jonah 4:7)
Anole Lick ©WikiC
The next time my little friend popped its head out and looked at me, I put my tongue out at him. Immediately out came a big orange tongue like a small balloon! Then this ‘appointed ‘ lizard disappeared, never to be seen again. A few days later I was admitted into Wellington Hospital with a virus which took me off my feet. I knew that God was aware of all my circumstances even to the most minute detail.
Peter England
(One of this blog’s readers and commenter)
Green Anole – Wikipedia
Lee’s Addition:
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalms 119:50)
Thanks Peter for an interesting story and inspiration.
Peter is one of our reader’s and comments often. He lives in the U.K. at the time. He has some more tales that will shared later. The one about his encounter with a blackbird will be published soon.
I am always willing to use guest writers. If you have something to share, let me know. I can be reached at Lee@Leesbird.com
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
