Isaac Aug 24, 2012 – Satellite

We here in central Florida are keeping an eye to the south of us as Tropical Storm Isaac marches up this way. They are predicting it to become a hurricane before it gets in this area. We expect rain, but not a direct hit. But! As I told Dan, “until the storm parks at the end of its journey, anything goes.” Do we worry, no, not as Christians. Do we prepare? Yes.

I just filled the feeders extra full for the birds to get a nice meal before they hunker down for what ever passes our way. Where will they go? What will they do? Those are some interesting questions. Let’s see what has been written about that.

How Birds Stay Safe During Hurricanes, “Where Do Birds Go During Hurricanes?” is an interesting article from Birding.com. They tell about the “a sharp drop in barometric pressure” that warns the birds of coming storms. God has given them senses and instincts to prepare.

If they don’t have babies or nest, they are likely to fly to safer regions. Larger birds can stay ahead of the storm. Others have to fly hard, or land and take cover. When the Lord created the birds, He gave them a locking mechanism on their legs and feet. When they perch, their feet sort of lock and that keeps them from falling off while sleeping or from being blown away. Of course, a 80 mph wind or more will get to a point that even they can’t hold on. They also have the chance the tree could be toppled. They also mention that shorebirds tend to go inland.

What Happens To Birds When Hurricanes Hit? from eNature.com says, “Numbers are hard to come by, but it’s clear that many birds are killed outright by hurricanes. This is especially true of seabirds, which have nowhere in which to seek shelter from these storms. Beaches may be littered with seabird carcasses following major storm events. Most Atlantic hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall—and fall storms coincide with bird migration and may disrupt migration patterns severely.” So, the outcome is not always good. One thing we do know from Scripture:

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 KJV)

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 KJV)

The Lord know all about the deaths, but when they were created, they were given abilities, like above, to protect themselves as best they can.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. (Genesis 1:21-23 ESV)

He has blessed them and told them to reproduce. Would He let them all be wiped out? I don’t think so. Yes, a few will fall.

Hurricane Charley damage at Captiva, Trees stripped.

After the storm, the birds have problems especially if the fruits and vegetables are destroyed. Also, trees, which provide shelter and places for nest might be in short supply. For those of who feed birds, after the storm, if you still have any feeders, they need to be filled up. Also, clean water needs to be provided.

One plus from a storm is that the Life List of birdwatchers could be increased. Many times birds are blown out of their area or off course. This provides a chance to see birds not normally seen. Seabirds can get caught up in the Eye of the storm and carried inland. Thus giving birdwatchers rare treats to see birds.

You can read those and other articles about the birds in a storm on the internet. I am no expert, nor do I claim to be. What I do know is that God loves them, maybe not with the same love He has for us, but He Cares. If He Cares for them, you can rest assured, we are more valuable in His Sight. He will help us humans as we go through the Hurricanes also.

Wood Stork – Lake Morton 6-28-12 by Lee (105)

Links:

How Birds Stay Safe During Hurricanes

What Happens To Birds When Hurricanes Hit?

Birds Versus Hurricanes – Here

What Happens to Birds in Hurricanes

Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife – NWF

How Do Hurricanes Affect Birds – Audubon

Signs That Animals Show Before a Natural Disaster

Signs That Animals Show Before a Natural Disaster – eHow

Even the birds in the sky know the right time to do things. The storks, doves, swifts, and thrushes know when it is time to fly to a new home. But my people don’t know what the LORD wants them to do. (Jeremiah 8:7 ERV)

*