Tag Archives: Lowry Park Zoo

Birds of the Bible – Barred Owl (at Lowry)

by

0

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Dan 2014

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:

  • Length: 17 inches Wingspan: 44 inches
  • Sexes similar
  • Rather large owl
  • Dark eyes and yellow bill
  • Back brown, mottled with pale spots and dark bars
  • Underparts pale with long, brown streaks
  • Chest pale with brown barring
  • Face pale with dark concentric rings surrounding eye

*

Here are all the verses in the King James Version of the Bible that mention owls.

*

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.

*

References to check out:

{This is a little short due to being involved in another project, but wanted to share these photos.)

*

African Penguins at the Lowry Park Zoo

by

1

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Psalms 91:4 KJV)

When we went to the Lowry Park Zoo yesterday and enjoyed seeing the normal birds and animals that our Lord has created for us to observe. The African Penguins need to be highlighted. One young immature penguin caught my attention. He or she was in the process of shedding it “peach fuzz.” (That is my term.)

The top photo shows a young penguin is already wearing a normal “coat of feathers.” Then I spotted a younger African Penguin standing next to its parent. Sizes of parent and youth were almost the same, but appearances were quite different.

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin parent and young one by Lee LPZ

When it turned around, I thought, that is one that only a mother could love. :)

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

“The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is also known as the Blackfooted Penguin. …They have a black stripe and black spots on the chest, the spots being unique for every penguin, like human fingerprints. They have pink sweat glands above their eyes. The hotter the penguin gets, the more blood is sent to these sweat glands so it may be cooled by the surrounding air, thus making the glands more pink. The males are larger than the females and have larger beaks,” (from Lowry Park Zoo Penguins) That is what that pink is above the eyes. They belong to the Spheniscidae – Penguins Family.

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

The African Penguin is a pursuit diver and feeds primarily on fish and squid. Once extremely numerous, the African Penguin is declining due to a combination of threats and is classified as endangered. It is a charismatic species and is popular with tourists in the region.

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin wing with feathers appearing.

As their name suggests, African penguins live in Africa. They are mostly found on small islands off the coast of southern Africa. African penguins have two nicknames — black-footed penguins and jackass penguins. The first name comes from their black feet. The second comes from the sound they make. When African penguins call out, they shriek like donkeys.

*

*

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) in transition

Chicks fledge at 60 to 130 days, the timing depending on environmental factors such as quality and availability of food. The fledged chick then go to sea on their own and return to their natal colony after a lengthy time period of 12–22 months to molt into adult plumage. When penguins molt, they are unable to forage as their new feathers are not waterproof yet; therefore they fast over the entire molting period, which in African Penguins takes about 20 days.

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Lee LPZ

African Penguin molting it’s “Peach Fuzz” by Lee LPZ

“Baby African penguins have gray down feathers covering their entire bodies when they first break out of the shells. Then, their backs turn gray-blue and their bellies white. They don’t yet have white bands on their faces and black bands across their chests like their parents. Baby African penguins are helpless, so their parents do not leave them alone. There is always one parent staying home to take care of the young. The other goes out to catch fish and squid. Baby African penguins grow fast. In about 8-18 weeks, they are ready to bid their parents goodbye and live by themselves.” (edhelper.com)

(Information from various websites)

*

Here are all the photos I took of the Penguins. Some are not so good, but I was trying to capture my little “peach fuzz” penguin.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*

Birds Of The Bible – Joy And Laughter

by

2

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) at LPZoo

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) by Lee

While we were at Lowry Park Zoo last week, we also had the joy of hearing the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) sounding off with its mate. Seems like the Myna birds and the singing dogs were not the only ones in a happy mood. The two Kookaburras got to “laughing” also. They sort of set the tone to put you a joyful mood.

For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing. (Psalms 92:4 AMP) Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! (Psalms 98:4 AMP)

I have always enjoyed seeing the Kookaburras. When we were at the National Aviary I tried recording them, but by the time I got the camera on, they stopped. I recorded them this time but didn’t get the camera focused on them until about half way through. Oh, the challenges of birdwatching! Well, at least trying to get a recording to use on the blog anyway. When you put all the events together; the singing Bali Myna, the singing dogs, and these singing Kookaburras, it brings to mind a story in the Bible. When Paul and Silas where in prison, (behind bars) they were joyful just the same. All of these critters plus the men (Paul and Silas) are behind bars, yet they are joyful and carrying on with their lives. Could there be a lesson there for us to learn and observe?

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:25 KJV)

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. (James 1:2 AMP)

We all have things come into our lives, but our attitude affects how well we handle those circumstances. Prayer is one of the best ways to find peace in the midst of trials. Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior is the absolute best way. I trust you know Him.

Gospel Message

*

This video has two of my photos to cover the blurred part, but the sound is the whole recording.

The Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a carnivorous bird in the kingfisher family Halcyonidae. Native to eastern Australia, it has also been introduced to parts of New Zealand, Tasmania and Western Australia. Male and female adults are similar in plumage, which is predominantly brown and white. A common and familiar bird, this species of kookaburra is well known for its laughing call.

There are actually 6 Kookaburras:

  • Lilac Kingfisher (Cittura cyanotis)
  • Shovel-billed Kookaburra (Clytoceyx rex)
  • Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
  • Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)
  • Spangled Kookaburra (Dacelo tyro)
  • Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud)

See:

Birds of the Bible

Laughing Kookaburra – Wikipedia

Alcedinidae – Kingfishers – Family

*

Bali Myna at Lowry Park and Palm Beach Zoos

by

3

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Yesterday, we went over to the Lowry Park Zoo for a little while and were able to record several interesting birds and the Singing Dogs from Australia. I was especially pleased to hear the Bali Myna making a neat little call or song. Here is a video of it that I put together. This is another bird from the Lord’s Creative Hand.

God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good (suitable, admirable) and He approved it. (Genesis 1:21 AMP)

These photos were taken at Palm Beach Zoo last month.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

He was displaying and this is another view of him.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Here is a video of the Bali Myna at Palm Beach displaying:

The Bali Myna is a highly endangered species and many of the zoos are trying to preserve them through there breeding programs.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) Sign at LPZ

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) Sign at LPZ

This bird is a member of the Sturnidae – Starlings Family. The Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), also known as Rothschild’s Mynah, Bali Starling, or Bali Mynah, locally known as Jalak Bali, is a medium-sized (up to 25 cm long), stocky myna, almost wholly white with a long, drooping crest, and black tips on the wings and tail. The bird has blue bare skin around the eyes, greyish legs and a yellow bill. Both sexes are similar.

The Bali Myna is restricted to the island of Bali in Indonesia, where it is the island’s only endemic vertebrate species. (An endemic subspecies, the Bali Tiger, has been extinct since 1937.) The bird was discovered in 1910, and in 1991 was designated the fauna symbol of Bali. Featured on the Indonesian 200 rupiah coin, its local name is “Jalak Bali”.

In its natural habitat it is inconspicuous, using tree tops for cover and–unlike other starlings–usually coming to the ground only to drink or to find nesting materials; this would seem to be an adaptation to its noticeability to predators when out in the open. The Bali mynah often gathers in groups when it is young to better locate food and watch out for predators. The vocalizations are a variety of sharp chattering calls and an emphatic twat.

The Bali Myna’s diet includes fruit, seeds, worms and insects.

During breeding season, males attract females by calling loudly and bobbing up and down. The birds nest in tree cavities, with the female laying and incubating two-three eggs. Both males and females bring food to the nests for chicks after hatching. (Wikipedia with editing)

Oh, I almost forgot to show you the Singing Dogs from Lowry Park Zoo. They were doing their thing causing all the others to make noise also. They are from New Guinea and music is playing in the background.

See:

Sturnidae – Starlings Family

Bali Myna – Wikipedia

Bali Myna – San Diego Zoo

The Bali Myna

Lowry Park Zoo

Palm Beach Zoo

New Guinea Singing Dog – Wikipedia

*

Start Birdwatching Today: Enjoy The Lord’s Paintbrush – Zoos

by

0

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) by Dan at Zoo Miami

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) by Dan at Zoo Miami

I trust you are enjoying our “Start Birdwatching Today!” series. We have been trying to motivate you to go out and observe the many birds around you. This is the second article about “Enjoying The Lord’s Paintbrush” Click for first one.

Seeing as our subtitle is “Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective,” I want to do a few articles that you won’t see in most birding books. We believe that the world and all that its critters were created by the Lord and not evolved.

For thus says the Lord–Who created the heavens, God Himself, Who formed the earth and made it, Who established it and did not create it to be a worthless waste; He formed it to be inhabited–I am the Lord, and there is no one else. (Isaiah 45:18 AMP) O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— (Psalms 104:24 NKJV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28 NKJV)

While creating the birds, the Lord has used a fantastic array of colors and designs. I can imagine Him using a fine brush when some of my favorite birds here in America were being dressed for “His pleasure.” Zoos are a fantastic place to see birds that you would have to travel to other countries to see. It is more economical to travel to a Zoo nearby.

The birds at zoos are well cared for and many are being bred to preserve their species. Some birds are so endangered by loss of habitat and other causes, that the only birds left are the ones in the zoos or preserves. We are fortunate to have some very super zoos right here within a day’s drive and our country has many others that are first class also. The birds seen here in this article are some of the fantastically painted birds created by the Lord that Dan and I have seen in Zoos.

Look at the Mandarin Duck at the top. He is related to the Wood Duck up there last week. Another beautiful bird that likes to hide and make it difficult to get a good photo of him. The male is the colorful one and the female is a plain brownish to protect her while on the nest. She is in the background and you can see her painted eyelines.

Now if you have an ugly vulture and want to pretty it up, look at this design on the head of a King Vulture.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) by Lee at Brevard Zoo

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) by Lee at Brevard Zoo

Here are a few more beauties by their Creator: How about these feathers on the Scarlet Macaw?

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Feathers - Brevard Zoo

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Feathers – Brevard Zoo

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) by Lee Brevard Zoo

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) by Lee Brevard Zoo

Or the gorgeous Blue-and-yellow Macaw?

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) at Brevard Zoo

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) at Brevard Zoo

My favorite “painted” bird at the Brevard Zoo was this one:

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Wow!!! Down in Miami at the Wings of Asia aviary at Zoo Miami we were able to see these beautiful birds: The Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo

Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castaneiventris) Wings of Asia

Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castaneiventris) Wings of Asia

Or this cool bird which I call “Joe Cool.” Looks like the Lord painted sunglasses on it.

(Black and White) Sumatran Laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor) by Lee

(Black and White) Sumatran Laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor) by Lee

An Inca Tern seen at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA:

Inca Tern by Dan at National Aviary

Inca Tern by Dan at National Aviary

This Victorian-crowned Pigeon is at most of the zoos we have visited. They look like lace was placed on its head.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon by Dan at National Aviary

Victoria Crowned Pigeon by Dan at National Aviary

Back here locally to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, there are many birds to enjoy. We met a group of our Homeschoolers over there on Friday and had the pleasure of introducing them to my avian friends there. They enjoyed all of them, but had the most fun feeding the beautiful Lorikeets.

Rainbow Lorikeets at Lowry Park Zoo

Rainbow Lorikeets at Lowry Park Zoo

Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo

Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo

Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo

Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo

Rainbow Lorikeet at Lowry Pk Zoo by Dan

Rainbow Lorikeet at Lowry Pk Zoo by Dan

There are many more that could be shown, but if you”Start Birdwatching Today” with a trip to a zoo or somewhere similiar, you might just be surprised by the beauty and magnificence of the birds. Then thank the Lord for His many blessings to us.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33 NKJV)

See the whole “Start Birdwatching Today” series *

Another Visit To Lowry Park Zoo – March 2012

by

0

Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) Preening by Lee

Demoiselle Crane Preening by Lee at LPZoo

Dan and I were able to get in a small visit to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa a few days ago. Our goal was to go to the Sulawesi, Free-Flight and the Lorikeet Landing Aviaries. Most of the birds we saw were busy preening that day. Probably the most feather fluffing seen by so many birds on the same day, by us at least. It was difficult to get a good photo of them.

Bornean Orangutan at LPZoo 3-8-12

Bornean Orangutan at LPZoo 3-8-12

Never the less, it is always enjoyable to watch and observe their behaviors. Actually there were a couple of Bornean Orangutans displaying a behavior of covering their heads with cloths that can be quite funny. In the past, we have also seen them use cardboard as coverings.

Bornean Orangutan at LPZoo 3-8-12

Bornean Orangutan at LPZoo 3-8-12

Back to birdwatching. One of the highlights was getting to see the juvenile Sulawesi Hornbill maturing. The beak colors have not started developing yet.

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus) LPZoo 3-8-12

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus) LPZoo 3-8-12

“As this youngster ages the colors of the adult will become more pronounced. The Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus), also known as the Sulawesi Tarictic Hornbill, Temminck’s Hornbill or Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, is a relatively small, approximately 45 cm (17.7 in) long, black hornbill. The male has a yellow face and throat, and black-marked yellowish-horn bill. The female has an all black plumage and a darker bill.

An Indonesian endemic, the Sulawesi Hornbill is distributed in the tropical lowland, swamps and primary forests of Sulawesi and nearby islands, from sea-level to altitude up to 1,100 metres. There are two subspecies of the Sulawesi Hornbill.

The Sulawesi Hornbill is a social species that lives in groups of up to 20 individuals. It is believed that only the dominant pair breeds, while the remaining members of the group act as helpers. The diet consists mainly of fruits, figs and insects. The female seals itself inside a tree hole for egg-laying. During this time, the male and helpers will provide food for the female and the young.” (Wikipedia)

Here is the adult male that was standing nearby the two youngsters.

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus) LPZoo 3-8-12 by Lee

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus)LPZoo by Lee

Below are some of the photos taken on this trip to the Zoo. It was another enjoyable day to observe the Lord’s creation up close.

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. (Psalms 111:2 KJV)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*

Barred Owl at Lowry Park Zoo Today

by

2

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Dan 2014

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Dan 2014

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

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 34:13 KJV)

Dan and I went over to the Lowry Park Zoo/Zoo Tampa in Tampa again today. I was wanting to check out my Christmas present of a new camera. Enjoying learning to use it and retaking a lot of photos of birds to compare the old ones with the new ones on this camera. (It is still a point-and-shoot, but it has an improved “program mode.” Dan is our good photographer.)

But when we entered the zoo, we were met by one of the zookeepers holding a beautiful Barred Owl. We had not encountered this Owl in our previous trips. While sharing some of the photos, I thought you might like to learn a little about them.

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Facts from the U.S. Geological Service

Identification Tips:

  • Length: 17 inches Wingspan: 44 inches
  • Sexes similar
  • Rather large owl
  • Dark eyes and yellow bill
  • Back brown, mottled with pale spots and dark bars
  • Underparts pale with long, brown streaks
  • Chest pale with brown barring
  • Face pale with dark concentric rings surrounding eye

Similar species:

The Spotted Owl is most similar, but can be separated with attention to its barred, not streaked, underpart coloration. Short-eared Owl is similar in size, but is not barred on the chest nor is as heavily streaked below, does not share the concentric rings in the facial disks, has yellow eyes and a dark bill, and is found in quite different habitat. Great Gray Owl is superficially similar, but much larger, gray rather than brown below, and has differently patterned underparts.”

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

“The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a large typical owl native to North America. It goes by many other names, including Eight Hooter, Rain Owl, Wood Owl, and Striped Owl, but is probably best known as the Hoot Owl based on its call.

The usual call is a series of eight accented hoots ending in oo-aw, with a downward pitch at the end. The most common mnemonic device for remembering the call is “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.” It is noisy in most seasons. When agitated, this species will make a buzzy, rasping hiss. While calls are most common at night, the birds do call during the day as well.” (Wikipedia)

(From xeno-canto.org)

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZoo by Lee

Looking the other way. No, they cannot turn their heads all the way around. Notice also that this owl does not have ear tufts like some owls.

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee - Side of head

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee – Side of head

“Breeding habitats are dense woods across Canada, the eastern United States, and south to Mexico; in recent years it has spread to the western United States. Recent studies show suburban neighborhoods can be ideal habitat for barred owls. Using transmitters, scientists found that populations increased faster in the suburban settings than in old growth forest. The main danger to owls in suburban settings is from cars. The increased offspring offset the death rate due to impacts from cars and disease.”

The Barred Owl’s nest is often in a tree cavity, often ones created by pileated woodpeckers; it may also take over an old nesting site made previously by a red-shouldered hawk, cooper’s hawk, crow, or squirrel. It is a permanent resident, but may wander after the nesting season. If a nest site has proved suitable in the past they will often reuse it as the birds are non-migratory. In the United States, eggs are laid from early-January in southern Florida to mid-April in northern Maine, and consist of 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. Eggs are brooded by the female with hatching taking place approximately 4 weeks later. Young owls fledge four to five weeks after hatching. These owls have few predators, but young, unwary owls may be taken by cats. The most significant predator of Barred Owls is the Great Horned Owl. The Barred Owl has been known to live up to 10 years in the wild and 23 years in captivity.” (Wikipedia)

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

Northern Barred Owl (Strix varia) LPZ by Lee

“Owl” is mentioned 8 times in the King James Bible and “Owls” is mentioned 6 times. So that makes our friend here a “Bird of the Bible” and of course a “Bird of the World.” Owls are another of the Lord’s great creations.

It was a great birdwatching day at the Zoo. Cool, but the sun was bright and no clouds. I had some other great finds today, but will save them for later.

References to check out:

*

Birdwatching – Lowry Park Zoo – 10-06-2011

by

0

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)

Today, Dan and I went to the Lowry Park Zoo again. The birds were quite active and the visitors were few which made birdwatching even more fun. We spent most of our time in the Aviary just inside the entry. The weather was very comfortable, for a change. The summer heat is finally breaking and the humidity has started dropping also.

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

We were greeting by one of my favorite birds there, the Boat-billed Heron. This time I was able to get a photo up under that neat boat-shaped bill of his (or hers). The picture of the bird is not good, but the bill came out okay. There are two that hang out together most of the time. There are others in the aviary, but these two sweethearts always grab my attention. This next photo shows the pair and also the top of those beaks. My flash gave them the “red-eye.”

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo

Another bird that is hard to get a decent photo of is the Crested Oropendola. They like to stay up in the trees, but this one is a fair shot. (This one is for you, Pastor Pete)

Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ

Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ by Lee

Then as we walked over into the second section, we were greeted by the Red-Legged Seriemas. You could hear them well outside the aviary. As you watch the video, you will see and hear them carrying on. Actually after checking with Wikipedia, this is their “singing.” Here is what they have to say about this:

“The song has a quality described as “a cross between ‘the serrated bark of a young dog and the clucking of turkeys'”.[3] At the loudest part of the song, the bird has its neck bent so its head is touching its back. Both members of a pair as well as young down to the age of two weeks sing; often one member of a family starts a song just as another finishes, or two sing simultaneously. The song can be heard several kilometres away; in Emas National Park, Brazil, in 1981–1982, observers often heard four Red-legged Seriemas or groups singing at once.[4]

The full song consists of three sections:

  1. Repeated single notes at constant pitch (1,200 to 1,300 Hz) and duration but increasing tempo
  2. Repeated two- or three-note subphrases of slightly higher pitch with increasing tempo
  3. Subphrases of up to 10 notes, shorter ones rising in pitch and longer ones falling, two-subphrase combinations increasing in number of notes and tempo and then decreasing in tempo.”

Check it out for yourself:

We also stopped by the African Penguins and I took this Foot shot of a Penguin. Thought it was interesting.

Penguin with cool feet

Penguin with cool feet

It was a nice enjoyable visit and we needed a break. God’s creative work was on display through all of these neat birds.

All photos can be clicked on to enlarge them.

*

Birdwatching at Lowry Park Zoo – May 2011

by

0

Great Argus (Argusianus argus argus) (Great Malay Argus P) by Lee at LPZ

Great Argus (Argusianus argus argus) (Great Malay Argus Pheasant) by Lee at LPZ

Dan and I were able check out the birds again at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL last Friday. We went to a few of the aviaries we haven’t been in for awhile. We went to the Sulawesi Aviary and saw the Magpie Goose, Masked Lapwing, Great Malay Argus Pheasant , Victorian Crowned Pigeon (SSP), Mandarin Duck, Sulawesi Tarictic (Temminck’s) Hornbill, Demoiselle Crane, Great Malay Argus, Javan Pond Heron and the (Green-naped) Pheasant Pigeon, with the Bar-headed Goose just outside.

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus) by Lee LPZ

Sulawesi Hornbill (Penelopides exarhatus) by Lee LPZ

From there we stopped by Lorikeet Landing to see many Lorikeets being feed by visitors. There the Green-naped, Swainson’s, Weber’s and Rainbow Lorikeets carry on with lots of noisy calls (all of these are subspecies of the Rainbow).

Lorikeet being feed by youngster at Lowry Pk Zoo

Lorikeet being feed by youngster at Lowry Pk Zoo

They also have Dusky Lory, Violet-crested Turaco, and Green-winged Teals.

Dusky Lory (Pseudeos fuscata) by Lee at LPZoo

Dusky Lory (Pseudeos fuscata) by Lee at LPZoo

The Wallaroo Station (Australian) greets you with the Palm Cockatoo, Silky, Australorp and Buff Orphington Chickens. Then just inside you can view the sleepy Koala (whoops, that not a bird, but it was in a tree) and the Emu. The Malayan Flying Fox exhibit had those bats, plus the Magpie Goose, Rosy Starlings, Long-billed Corella (new for me), and Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. The Bali Myna was busy singing and showing off for its mate and then we entered the Budgerigar Aviary. Wow! They were everywhere.

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) by Lee LPZ

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) by Lee LPZ

We saw more, but will save that for another article. It was enjoyable as usual as we watched the Lord’s Creative Hand through these fantastic birds.

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:2-3 KJV)

I have also been updating some more of the photos for:
Life List of All Birds We Have Seen

Koala by Lee LPZ

Koala by Lee LPZ

*

Birdwatching at the Lowry Park Zoo 2/15/11

by

0

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) by Lee

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) by Lee

What a busy couple of weeks. Between health, doctors, funerals, ladies retreats, church, birdwatching, nutty weather, etc., we finally got a chance to get over to the Lowry Park Zoo again yesterday. On the way to Tampa we spotted Ospreys, Boat-tailed Grackles, House Sparrows, Great Egret, 24 Pigeons (Common Pigeons) and Turkey Vultures. On the way home we added two Bald Eagles, a Snowy Egret and some Black Vultures.

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) by Dan

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) by Dan

Loose birds hanging around the Zoo were American White Ibises, Great Egret, Eurasian Collared Dove, 10 Fish Crows, Mockingbird and some more Sparrows. Gulls and Vultures flying around also.

Because my legs were acting up again, we only did the Aviary just inside the gate. That is all I needed anyway, because when I left almost 2 hours later and having walked very little, I had had a ball. The birds were calm and didn’t mind us photographing them. Watched two  Southern Bald Ibises mate twice. Maybe spring is on the way.

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) by Dan

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) by Dan

As you enter the Aviary, there are a few birds behind a wire and in very dim light. I keep trying to get a decent photo, but the obstacle makes it very difficult. They had the Silver-beaked Tanager,  Blue-grey Tanager and Metallic Starling in that enclosure today.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17 KJV)

Here is a list of the birds seen in the Aviary: (35)

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and another
White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
Cape Teal (Anas capensis)
Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)
Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)
African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)
Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor)
Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis)
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea)
Crested Coua (Coua cristata)
Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster)
Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica)
White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps)
Von der Decken’s Hornbill (Tockus deckeni)
Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius)
Magpie Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus)
Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea raggiana)
Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica)
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)
Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo)

Outside Aviary: (13)

American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Western Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Common Pigeon (Columba livia)
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major)

All photos taken 2/15/11.

*

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*

Birds of the Bible – Tamed

by

0

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at NA by Dan

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at National Aviary by Dan

Last week while Dan and I were visiting the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL, the idea for this article began. We were watching the Birds of Prey show that they have daily. We had also watched the Bird shows at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA back in August.

Both places present some very interesting birds and they are not on leashes. The birds have the freedom to move around on their own, yet they do not run or fly away. They may  have been spooked at times, in Pittsburgh, and they may have to go get them, but they eventually get them back. Both places had birds flying over the heads of the spectators and doing stunts, yet they were  being controlled by the trainers. In other words, they were “tamed.”

Listening to the trainers, they tell how the birds are trained by “positive reinforcement.” The birds are encouraged  to perform for a “reward” for doing it right, but are never “punished” for not doing it right. They are just not given a “treat.” So none of the birds are mistreated.

20100921 Lowry Pk Zoo Red-legged Seriema

Lowry Pk Zoo Red-legged Seriema with plastic lizard

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) by Lee at National Aviary

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) by Lee at National Aviary

What they do is encourage the bird to perform something that is already one of its behaviors. For instance, both places brought out the Red-legged Seriema, which is a bird of prey, and gave it a plastic lizard. Both birds picked it up and slung it to the floor several times. This is the normal way they kill their prey. So this was an easy task for the birds, yet the trainers had to “train or tame” the bird to where it would do its behavior on command.

The Serierma was just one of many birds doing “behaviors on command” at the Zoo and the Aviary. I felt the breezes of hawks, owls, and an eagle flying just over my head. Below is a Slide show of some of the “tamed” birds at both places.

The Bible only mentions “tame” or “tamed” in two different places. The first is mentioned in Mark 5:3-4 when a man with an unclean spirit, who dwelt in the tombs, “and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.” Jesus healed him.

For He said to him,  “Come out of the man, unclean spirit! (Mark 5:8 NKJV)

In James, we find the verses that tell about the birds being tamed. When we look around, we all can see many incidences of tamed critters and birds. Have you ever seen a critter tame a person? Man was given dominion over the critters in Genesis. Dominion did not mean what some think of today as subjugation, but it was more of use of, care of, learning from, and protecting them. Yet, God made man in His image, therefore man and woman are higher than the critters (all of them), not equal with them as some teach. Man has a “soul” which is accountable to God, the critters do not have a “soul.”

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)

The one thing that has a problem is the “tongue.” James goes on to say,

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:8-10 NKJV)

These are some of the birds used in the shows or out and about with their trainers.

*

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

*