Cold Day For Birdwatching – Willets

January 26, 2019 by Lee

Willet at Ding Darling NWR by Lee 01-26-2019

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;” (Job 12:7 NKJV)

Previously, we were at Merritt Island NWR and had seen some Willets and I needed help identifying some birds. One of them turned out to be a Willet. I have seen them before, but not very often. Today, we went to Ding Darling NWR over on Sanibel Island, right nearby Fort Myers, Florida.

Today was very cool, around 48-50 degrees, overcast, and very windy. Not a great day for birdwatching, if you have a small temperature range like I do. :) My range is between 65 and 80 degrees. Anyway, back to the adventure.

The birds were few and not really close in. Most of my photos were taken using my zoom. The Willets were feeding and I happened to be standing by a lady with a nice camera that had a long lens on it. Wanting to show of my new Willet identity skills, I said, “those are Willets, right.?” [That is how you ask when you really aren’t 100% sure.]

“Yes, they are.” Then she said, “I am a biologist and a Shorebird specialists.” About that time, one of the Willets from another group flew by us and she told me that the black and white wing bars are a great clue. Also, they are one of the largest shorebirds in this area.

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) at Ding Darling NWR by Lee 01-26-2019

One of the great things about birdwatching is the helpfulness of other birders. Most are willing to share their experience and knowledge about these Avian Wonders from our Creator. Now I have another way to help figure out that I am looking at a Willet. We should always be willing to learn new things about birds, or any topic.

Here are a few more photos as he flew by:

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) at Ding Darling NWR by Lee

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) at Ding Darling NWR

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) at Ding Darling NWR by Lee

When the bird landed, you could still see the black at the back of its wings. [far left bird]

As we continued to watch and talk, a group of the Willets flew over and landed. It was nice to see all those black and white markings. Once they settled down, close their wings, all that “clue” is again hid. Oh, the joys and challenges of birdwatching.

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) at Ding Darling NWR by Lee 01-26-2019

By the way, looking back over previous photos, we were last at Ding Darling in July of 2008. It has been some time since we were there and there were many more birds. Could it be because it was in July and WARMER???

The verse quoted above, “But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;” (Job 12:7 NKJV), reminds us that the Lord has made each species just a bit different. If we study them, “they will tell us.”

Ding Darling NWR – FWS

Ding Darling NWR – Wikipedia

Willet – All About Birds

Because they find prey using the sensitive tips of their bills, and not just eyesight, Willets can feed both during the day and at night.

Willet – Wikipedia

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) ©WikiC

Updating Birds of the World

January 24, 2019 by Lee

Japanese White-eye now the Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) by W Kwong

“The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.” (Proverbs 20:12 KJV)

Because of updating the Birds of the World section on the other site, there hasn’t been any new posts here. Twice a year, the international group of birding organizations get together and update the list of ALL the birds of the world.

This year, because of more DNA studies and other reasons, the total number of birds was raised from 10,711 to 10,738 extant species and 158 extinct species of birds of the world (Version 9.1), with subspecies (20,046). These are classified into 40 Orders, 245 Families (plus 1 Incertae sedis), in 2313 Genera. That is 27 “new species.” This is a larger increase than most updates. These birds did not just appear, most of the new birds were subspecies that were raised to full species status. By the way, “Incertae sedis” means that they really do not know which family to place those birds in.

Barking Boobook (Ninox connivens) by Ian

In the Birds of the World Section, there is a list of all of these 10,738 birds. (These were being updated.) They are arranged by Orders. They are arranged by Families. They are also listed by names, with a choice of First name, then last name, or Last name, and then, the first name.

If you have to do a report for school, the various lists of birds might help you find just the right bird for that assignment.

Here are the last articles written about the newest updates, and links to the list of birds.

World Bird Names – I.O.C. Version 9.1

Woodstock and the I.O.C. 9.1 Update

White-Eye Changes from I.O.C. Ver 9.1

Birds of the World:

The Wise Owl

Bible Birds – Mountain Birds in Psalm 50:11 – Part I

January 13, 2019 by Lee

Mountain Wheatear (Myrmecocichla monticola) ©WikiC

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

Hooded Mountain Tanager (Buthraupis montana) ©BirdPhotos.com

This is Part I. Shown are the many translations of Psalm 50:11. God is speaking and telling us that He knows all these birds and cares about them. How much more does God the Creator care about us?

In the next post, there will be more facts about the Birds of the Mountains.

This list of verses came from the Bible Gateway when searching for Birds of the “mountain/s”. Psalm 50:11 was one of them., this is a list of all their translations for that verse. The version links will take you to the verse in that translation.

KJ21

I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

ASV

I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine.

AMP

“I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

AMPC

I know and am acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine and are with Me, in My mind.

Mountain Blackeye (Chlorocharis emiliae) ©WikiC

BRG

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

CSB

I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.

CEB

I know every mountain bird; even the insects in the fields are mine.

CJB

I know all the birds in the mountains; whatever moves in the fields is mine.

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) ©Elaine R Wilson WikiC

CEV

I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.

DARBY

I know all the fowl of the mountains, and the roaming creatures of the field are mine:

ERV

I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine.

EHV

I know every bird in the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is with me.

Mountain Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii) by Lee Zoo Miami

ESV

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

ESVUK

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

EXB

I know every bird on the mountains, and every living thing in the fields is mine.

GNV

I know all the fowls on the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) ©WikiC

I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine.

GNT

All the wild birds are mine and all living things in the fields.

HCSB

I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine.

ICB

I know every bird on the mountains. Every living thing in the fields is mine.

Rufous-bellied Mountain Saltator (Saltator rufiventris)©Flickr Ron Knight

ISV

I know all the birds in the mountains; indeed, everything that moves in the field is mine.

JUB

I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are with me.

KJV

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

AKJV

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Tucuman Mountain Finch (Compsospiza baeri) ©Flickr Ron Knight

LEB

I know every bird of the mountains, and every moving creature in the field is mine.

TLB

For all the animals of field and forest are mine! The cattle on a thousand hills! And all the birds upon the mountains!

MSG

“…Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains. I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine….”

MEV

I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus) ©Flickr Lip Kee Yap

NOG

I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine.

NABRE

I know every bird in the heights; whatever moves in the wild is mine.

NASB

“I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

NCV

I know every bird on the mountains, and every living thing in the fields is mine.

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris) ©Flickr Joao Quental

NET

I keep track of every bird in the hills, and the insects of the field are mine.

NIRV

I own every bird in the mountains. The insects in the fields belong to me.

NIV

I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.

NIVUK

I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.

Mountain Tailorbird (Phyllergates cucullatus) by© Wiki

NKJV

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

NLV

I know every bird of the mountains. And all things that move in the field are Mine.

NLT

I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.

NRSV

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

Mountain Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) ©WikiC

NRSVA

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

NRSVACE

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

NRSVCE

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

OJB

I know kol oph (every bird) of the harim; and the animals of the wild are Mine.

Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) ©WikiC

TPT

Every animal of field and forest belongs to me, the Creator. I know every movement of the birds in the sky, and every animal of the field is in my thoughts. The entire world and everything it contains is mine.

RSV

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

RSVCE

I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

TLV

I know every bird of the mountains. Everything moving in the field is Mine.

Mountain Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula badia) by Ian

VOICE

Every bird flying over the mountains I know; every animal roaming over the fields belongs to Me.

WEB

I know all the birds of the mountains. The wild animals of the field are mine.

WYC

I have known all the volatiles of the firmament; and the fairness of the field is with me. (I know all the birds on those hills; and the wild beasts of the fields be mine.)

YLT

I have known every fowl of the mountains, And the wild beast of the field [is] with Me.

Green-crowned Brilliant and Purple-throated Mountain-Gem by Ray

Additional Psalms 50:11 verses from e-Sword versions loaded [no links]:

(ACV) I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(AKJV) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(ASV) I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(BBE) I see all the birds of the mountains, and the beasts of the field are mine.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) by Peter Ericsson

(Bishops) I knowe all the foules vpon the mountaynes: and the wylde beastes of the fielde are at my commaundement.

(Brenton) I know all the birds of the sky; and the beauty of the field is mine.

(DRB) I know all the fowls of the air: and with me is the beauty of the field.

(ECB) I know all the flyers of the mountains and the creatures of the field with me.

Mountain Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus sindianus) by Nikhil Devasar

(Geneva) I knowe all the foules on the mountaines: and the wilde beastes of the fielde are mine..

(HRB) I know all the birds of the mountains; and all moving in My fields are Mine;

(IAV) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(Phillips) No verse

Brandt’s Mountain Finch (Leucosticte brandti) by Nikhil

(LITV-TSP) I know all the birds of the mountains; and all moving in My fields are Mine;

(JPS) I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

(KJ2000) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(KJV) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

White-throated Mountaingem (Lampornis castaneoventris) by Ian

(KJV-1611) I know all the foules of the mountaines: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(KJVA) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(KJV-BRG) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(LITV) I know all the birds of the mountains; and all moving in My fields are Mine;

Mountain Thornbill (Acanthiza katherina) by Ian

(MKJV) I know all the birds of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

(NAS77) “I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

(RV) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(The Disciple’s Bible) I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) by Michael Woodruff

(TRC) I know all the fowls upon the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are in my sight.

(TS2009) “I know all the birds of the mountains, And all moving in My field are Mine.

(UKJV) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

(Webster) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Colombian Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris) ©WikiC

Birds of the Bible – Birds of the What??

Bible Birds

Birds of the Bible

Wordless Woodpecker

Snowy Egret Showing Off Yellow Feet

January 4, 2019 by Lee

Snowy Egret at Merritt Island NWR 1-1-2019 by Lee

We went over to the east coast of Florida during the New Year holiday. We were able to do some birdwatching at Viera Wetlands in Viera, Florida and also went to Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve’s Black Point Dr. That is where I captured this Snowy Egret strutting with his yellow feet showing. We also saw the Snowy Egrets at Viera.

Happy New Year and these verses refer to walking. Good reminders as we start the new year off. Here are a few of those verses:

“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalms 26:11 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:11-12 KJV)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:11-12 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalms 119:3 KJV)

“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” (Isaiah 42:5 KJV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

Do you see the different ways to walk? Can you find more ways to walk in these verses?

Beautiful Frigatebirds Over the Beach

December 31, 2018 by Lee

Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

“The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:8-9 NKJV)

Today while trying to enter Patrick AFB in Florida, we spotted three Magnificent Frigatebirds skimming over the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Wow!! We very seldom spot these birds. The size of their wingspan is amazing and are a sight to see.

Since this was New Year’s Eve day, we discovered that the A1A entrance was closed. So, we had to turn around and go back to the other gate.

Two Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

“Dan, wait while I get my camera out of the case. Maybe, we can spot them again, because they were heading south originally while we were going north.” Yeah! We spotted the three and also a fourth one. These photos were taken through the front windshield while Dan was driving. So, they are less than perfect. But, it does prove we saw them.

Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

I have a Dr. appointment over here, so we came a day or so early. We birdwatched a Viera Wetlands a bit on the way into the area. Plan on covering more of the wetlands before heading back home.

Now for some better photos of this magnificent Magnificent Frigatebird.

Magnificent Frigatebird by NOAA

While checking for information on these birds, I found several interesting articles you might want to check out. The one talks about how they stay at sea for days and weeks on end. They tested their sleeping ability to sleep while aloft. See: Frigatebirds can sleep while flying.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Female ©WikiC

“The 7-foot wingspan of a magnificent frigatebird is unmistakable. They dwarf other birds as they glide on air currents above coastal Florida. Our state hosts the largest frigatebird species and the only nesting colony in the United States, located in the Dry Tortugas. Their summer breeding season brings the open-ocean species in to the shore where males can show off their distinctive red pouch to potential mates.

Magnificent Frigatebird pair on nest ©Jim Burns

Frigatebirds rarely land on the ground due to their short legs and wing shape. Their thin “bent elbow” wings are ideal for soaring hundreds of miles without a single wing flap, but can’t generate enough lift to get the large birds off of the ground. They land and nest in high places, free diving off of them before catching the breeze and flying on.

It’s just as uncommon to find a frigatebird on the water. Their feathers lack oil that keep their seafaring neighbors like pelicans and gulls afloat. Water would quickly soak the frigate’s feathers and make it nearly impossible to escape.” This is from Nature’s Academy’s article.

We have had several articles here over the years about the Frigatebirds:

Fregatidae – Frigatebirds Family

Sunday Inspiration – Frigatebirds, Gannets and the Booby

“F” is for Flamingos and Frigatebirds: “F” Birds, Part 1

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Great Frigatebird

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Lesser Frigatebird

Colorful Gouldian Finches From Australia

December 21, 2018 by Lee

Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) 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)

Recently a friend posted a video of beautifully colored Finches. They didn’t tell what they were and others were writing and asking where they were from. So, after posting it to my page, I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the beautiful creations from our Lord.

Here is the link to that video. Animal & Nature page on Facebook. WordPress can’t insert it.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=609945382771747

Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) by Ian

The video below is by LesleytheBirdNerd on YouTube and she explains much about the colorful finches:

“The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), also known as the Lady Gouldian finch, Gould’s finch or the rainbow finch, is a colourful passerine bird which is native to Australia.

Both sexes are brightly coloured with black, green, yellow, and red markings. The females tend to be less brightly coloured. One major difference between the sexes is that the male’s chest is purple, while the female’s is a lighter mauve.

Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) by Africaddict

Gouldian finches are about 125–140 mm long. Gouldian finches’ heads may be red, black, or yellow. Formerly considered three different kinds of finches, it is now known that these are colour variants that exist in the wild. Selective breeding has also developed mutations (blue, yellow and silver instead of a green back) in both body and breast colour.

Outside the breeding season, Gouldian finches often join mixed flocks consisting of long-tailed finches and masked finches. Flocks can consist of up to 1,000–2,000 individuals. During the breeding season, they are normally found on rough scree slopes where vegetation is sparse. In the dry season, they are much more nomadic and will move to wherever there food and water can be found.” [Wikipedia with editing]

I wonder if the Lord thought that having “little rainbows” [Gouldian Finches] down here, might help us remember his promise? 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)

The Gouldian Finch is a member of the Estrildidae – Waxbills, Munias and allies Family.

Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) at National Aviary by Lee

Snoopy’s Partridges In Pear Tree

December 18, 2018 by Lee

Woodstock really has his issues with trying to be a bird. Then again, Snoopy’s analysis of the adventures of Woodstock can be rather entertaining. Here is the latest from the two.

Mountain Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii) by Lee Zoo Miami

As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. (Jeremiah 17:11 KJV)

Partridges are medium-sized non-migratory gamebirds, with a wide native distribution throughout the Old World, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are sometimes grouped in the Perdicinae subfamily of the Phasianidae (pheasants, quail, etc.). However, molecular research suggests that partridges are not a distinct taxon within the family Phasianidae, but that some species are closer to the pheasants, while others are closer to the junglefowl. Partridges are also one of our Birds of the Bible. See the Bible Birds – Partridge.

Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) by Ian

These are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quail. Partridges are native to the grassy steppes of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Nowadays they are often found nesting on agricultural land. They nest on the ground and have a diet consisting of seeds, grapes and insects. Species such as the grey partridge and the red-legged partridge are popular as game birds, and are often reared in captivity and released for the purpose of hunting. For the same reason, they have been introduced into large areas of North America.

Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) ©WikiC

A famous reference to the partridge is in the Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. The first gift listed is “a partridge in a pear tree”, and these words end each verse. Since partridges are unlikely to be seen in pear-trees (they are ground-nesting birds) it has been suggested that the text “a pear tree” is a corruption of the French “une perdrix” [a partridge]. [Wikipedia with editing]

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) WikiC

Here are some of the many Partridges from around the world. Our Creator has provided many partridges around the world for us to enjoy.

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) WikiC

Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) by Ian

White-necklaced Partridge (Arborophila gingica) ©WikiC

Verreaux's Monal-Partridge (Tetraophasis obscurus) ©Pinterest

Taiwan Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola sonorivox) ©WikiC

Szechenyi's Monal-Partridge (Tetraophasis szechenyii) ©Ross-Flickr

See-see Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis) ©WikiC

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) ©Pixabay

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) ©Arthur Grosset

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) ©WikiC

Philby's Partridge (Alectoris philbyi) ©WikiC

Mountain Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii) by Lee Zoo Miami

Mountain Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii) ©WikiC at National Zoo

Long-billed Partridge (Rhizothera longirostris) ©WikiC

Hill Partridge (Arborophila torqueola) ©WikiC

Green-legged Partridge (Arborophila chloropus) ©WikiC

Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul) ©WikiC

Chinese Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola thoracicus) ©WikiC

Chestnut-bellied Partridge (Arborophila javanica) ©WikiC

Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) ©WikiC

Bar-backed Partridge (Arborophila brunneopectus) ©WikiC Female

Snoopy Helps Woodstock With Feather

November 25, 2018 by Lee

Snoopy has provided another service for Woodstock

I always enjoy the reactions between these two. But, OH! the ruffled feathers that we have seen on birds. Maybe they should stop by Snoopy for some help.