Birds of the Bible – Black Heron Seeing Clearly

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC San Diego Zoo

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC San Diego Zoo

And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. (Deuteronomy 14:18 KJV)

The Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) is also know as the Black Egret. They belong to the Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns Family. “This medium-sized  (42.5–66 cm in height), black-plumaged heron with black legs and yellow feet. It is found south of the Sahara Desert, including Madagascar, and prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It may also be found in marshes, river edges, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, in alkaline lakes, and tidal flats. Its breeding range is between Senegal and Sudan and to the south. It is found mainly on the eastern half of the continent. It has also been observed in Greece.”

Black heron (Egretta ardesiaca)map) Range Map

Black heron (Egretta ardesiaca)map) Range Map

“The nest of the black heron is constructed of twigs placed over water in trees, bushes, and reed beds, forming a solid structure. The heron nests at the beginning of the rainy season, in single or mixed-species colonies that may number in the hundreds. The eggs are dark blue and the clutch is two to four eggs.” (Quotes from Wikipedia)

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) by Daves BirdingPix

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) by Daves BirdingPix

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” (Psalms 17:8 KJV)

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

What is so amazing about this heron is how it searches out its food. They stretch out their wings to form an umbrella or canopy. This creates shade which attracts fish and the canopy also allows the heron to see their future meal better by blocking the reflection of the sun, giving them better visibility.

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

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, (Romans 1:19-22 KJV)

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC

Are we trying to shield the corruption of this world, so we can see the clear truth of God’s Word? Are we looking for the good things to see and think about as Philippians 4:8 tells us.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

*

Birds of the Bible – Herons

Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns

Birds of the World

Orni-Theology Articles

Black Heron – Wikipedia

Gideon

*

Lee’s One Word Monday – 8/8/16

***

Raja Shelduck (Tadorna radjah) at Wing of Asia by Dan

SLEEP

***



“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8 KJV)

Raja Shelduck (Tadorna radjah) at Wing of Asia (Zoo Miami) by Dan

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 8/7/16

***

Campbell Teal (Anas nesiotis) ©WikiC

LIFT UP THINE EYES ROUND ABOUT,.. SEE

***



Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.” Isaiah 60:4

Campbell Teal (Anas nesiotis) ©WikiC

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies VIII

Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) by Dan at National Aviary

Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) by Dan at National Aviary

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV)

Below the slideshow Angel Long is singing my most favorite hymn. “And Can It Be” How could the Lord Jesus Christ Love us so much that He died for us? Enjoy listening to her sing my favorite as Sean Fielder accompanies. Both are members of our church, Faith Baptist.

Sicalis. sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.

The Sicalis genus is composed of 11 Yellow Finches, the Saffron Finch and the Sulphur-throated Finch. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.

Wedge-tailed Grass Finch (Emberizoides herbicola) by Dario Sanches

Wedge-tailed Grass Finch (Emberizoides herbicola) by Dario Sanches

The Emberizoides and Embermagra have 5 species. Emberizoides is a small genus of finch-like tanagers found in grassy areas in Central and South America.

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) by Ian

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) by Ian

A single member Volatinia genus has the Blue-black Grassquit. It breeds from southern Mexico through Central America, and South America as far as northern Chile, Argentina and Paraguay, and on Trinidad and Tobago.

White-collared Seedeater (Sporophila torqueola) male by Kent Nickell

White-collared Seedeater (Sporophila torqueola) male by Kent Nickell

The Sporophila is a large genus that has 33 avian wonders. They are relatively small with stubby, conical bills adapted for feeding on seeds and alike. Most species are strongly sexually dimorphic, and while “typical” adult males often are distinctive, female and immatures of both sexes can be very difficult (in some species virtually impossible) to identify to exact species. Females of at least some of these species have different ultraviolet colours, which can be seen by birds, but not humans.

Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch (Oryzoborus angolensis) ©WikiC

Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch (Oryzoborus angolensis) ©WikiC

Next we have the Oryzoborus Seed Finches that are 6 strong. These are all Seed Finches. Their beaks have the cone shape that allows them to break open seeds easily. Another of their Creator’s forethought to provide for them. (Information on species from Wikipedia)

With these, we will leave the last group of birds from this large Thraudidae Family until next Sunday. That will wrap up this long series of this family of beautiful avian wonders. Until next week, Lord willing when we finish, His blessings.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 KJV)

“And Can It Be” – Sung by Angel Long and acc. Sean Fielder*

*

More Sunday Inspirations

Thraudidae Family – Tanagers, Finches and Allies

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies I

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies II

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies III

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies IV

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Dacnis, Honeycreepers, Conebills

Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Flowerpiercer, Sierra Finches, Plus

Sunday Inspiration – Inca, Warbling and Various Finches

Wordless Toucan

*

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 8/6/16

***

Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) Zoo Miami by Lee

LOOKED THROUGH A WINDOW, AND SAW

***



“And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.  (2nd Samuel 6:16)

Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) Zoo Miami by Lee

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Five Word Friday – 8/5/16

***

Crow on Eagles Back ©©

BORE YOU ON EAGLE’S WINGS

***



“‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:4 NKJV)

Crow on Eagle’s Back ©©

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Four Word Thursday – 8/4/16

***

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND

***



“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (Philippians 3:13 NKJV)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Raymond Barlow

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Three Word Wednesday – 8/3/16

***

South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) ©BBC_Com

CREPT IN UNAWARES

***



“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4 KJV)

South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) ©BBC_Com

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Two Word Tuesday – 8/2/16

***

Wilson's Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) ©WikiC

NOT SINK

***



“Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.” (Psalms 69:14 KJV)

Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) ©WikiC

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s One Word Monday – 8/1/16

***

Kingfisher Feeding Young by Phil Kwong

NOURISHING

***



“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.” (Daniel 1:5 KJV)

Kingfisher Feeding Young by Phil Kwong

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 7/31/16

***

Guineas and Snake ©Workshopaddict

SURELY THE SERPENT WILL BITE

WITHOUT ENCHANTMENT

***



Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.” (Ecclesiastes 10:11 KJV)

Guineas and Snake ©Workshopaddict

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 7/30/16

***

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) ©USFWS

AND THE WIND CARRIED THEM AWAY

***



“Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:35 KJV)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) ©USFWS

*

More Daily Devotionals

*