Through The Looking Glass of Val Lee—Mandarin Ducks and Barbados

Mandarin Duck (Drake)

Yes, they are gorgeous, the most luxurious of flyers. These brightly-hued ducks are “sometimes called ‘The Far East Rainbow,’ ‘Wedding Duck,’ the ‘Yin-Yang duck.’”

God gifted this paramount of ducks to China to please the eyes of His human creation, revealing one of the wonders of His caring love.

Mandarin is the language of the Chinese and Mandarin oranges are native to China.

Mandarin Duck figurines are often gifted at Oriental weddings as they represent faithfulness for life as monogamous ducks.

Mandarin is the language of the Chinese. The word “Mandarin” supposedly means “Chinese official.”

Pekin Duck

The white Peking Duck of China is the tiptop cuisine of China and certain Chinese Restaurants in America list it as its main course. At a pristine restaurant, this duck can cost $32.00 served. Mandarin Ducks were not created to be served on a platter. They are petite and do not possess a pleasing taste for your buds. Their meat is yucky.

The Mandarin Duck can be located in certain parts of the US as introduced; though, considered a Chinese species. “China historically exported hundreds of thousands of Mandarin Ducks, but the export trade was banned in 1975.”

Mandarins preserve their loveliness as they do not crossbreed and are shy in their displayed beauty. God’s fauna does not breed outside of their kind. A duck will not mate with a cat. Of course, this debunks evolution. God is not mocked nor can He be removed from all that is magnificently crafted. Man owns a brain and mobility; yet, cannot create one hue-filled Mandarin feather from nothing nor from anything else. Yet, in man’s silliness, he tries to dismiss his Creator. Everything did not arise from nothing. Nothing never creates. Nothing comes from nothing.

White-faced Whistling Duck and Roseate Spoonbill Wading Bird

I shot this photo on the island of Barbados which houses lovely aves, monkeys, and other unique critters.

Green Monkey and Baby

I shot this Green Monkey with her infant in Barbados. She was curious about my camera and wanted to examine It. How could I refuse her?

When in Barbados, we spotted a Green Monkey above us in a tree at a bus stop. I was told if you have bananas with you and hold one up, a monkey will climb down to fetch it.

Wood Duck

Wood Ducks are lovely too, as you note from my photo, being an American native duck. Classified as second to the Mandarin in beauty.

Duckling

Mandarin ducklings (not adults) are almost identical in appearance to the North American Wood Duck ducklings and Mallard ducklings.

White Mandarin Ducks are also pleasing to the eye-gate. They are entirely white except for a bit of sandy brown on some wings. They display the red beak as seen on the standard Mandarin.

The Drakes’ downward head feathers are colorful and longer, akin to rainbow-colored long hair. No person holds such colorful, arrayed beauty on the crown and it is a regal crown to be relished.

Both sexes display white eye rings that brush outward on the sides of the eyes, in a narrow streak or becomes pointed. Though not all Mandarins display the streak.

God crafted the hens not to be as colorfully magnificent as their male counterparts, though display long, downward feathers on the back of the head which adds elegance to the female. Female fowl blend into the surroundings to protect the young. However, when in molting mode (replacement of existing feathers), the drake appears almost identical to the hen, only his bright red beak indicates his maleness. Following the breeding season, molting occurs. (God is amazing in all His creation including telling a creature he needs a new dressing and God takes care of providing the new set of duds.)

Guys, when courting that special gal, impresses with a palette exhibition as he raises his magnificent crest and his orange sails—upright, glorious, orange feathers, resembling sails on a boat. They flair their tertial elongated feather (The innermost flight feather area). They also perform preening behind their wings to show off their elegance and precision in appearance.

Drakes marvelously set sail when they are gliding in shimmering water or strutting on land. The hens do not display “sails.”

Akin to Wood Ducks, Mandarins nest in trees aloft from water. Mom chooses the best local for her precious young. God placed in her the desire to protect.

Mandarin ducklings will break their eggs (9 to 12 are laid) and emerge from them at God’s set time of oven doneness, resulting from a caring incubation duration of a month. The eggs are white to pale white in coloration.

Mrs. Mandarin will call her ducklings down from the tree nest 24 hours after their debut. They begin forging for food immediately following their descent and will head for a natural pond where much nutrition is located.

For some reason, Mr. Mandarin leaves Mrs. Mandarin with the eggs for a month, but then suddenly reappears to mind the protection of the hatchlings. Yes, interesting indeed! Does he decide to go on a fishing expedition all of a sudden? 🎣 🙂

Mandarins own monogamous relationships through the breeding season and may do so in following years. Many relish staying with a mate for life. Ninety percent of bird life mate for life by God’s design.

Mandarins are natural flight navigators, “Able to fly through trees with remarkable agility.” Jesus Christ equipped them to be so, minus any flight instructor.

Mandarin ducks love grains, seeds, acorns— various forms of plant life. They aren’t exclusively vegetarian (herbivores), especially in the warm season when lakes and ponds are abundant with life such as frogs, snails, small fish, etc— those delectable delights. Oh, and yes, they might munch on a slithery snake. Yes, true omnivores.

Lifespan is estimated to be “6-10 years.”

My letter addressed to the bird enthusiast: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

God’s amazing feathers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VdVAipRgvA

Cute Mandarin pet duck. Sorry for the background music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoEs1tY5tFY

Some info gratefully gathered from websites.

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Northern Flickers, the Amazing Valentine and Polkadot Bird

Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) by Val Lee

I shot this notable, colorful guy with a dab of red paint on his chin in Idaho. Though this male model with the red mustache is quite distinguished looking, he is simply considered a common ant-eating woodpecker. 

Each flight feather on this Red-Shafted Flicker has a scarlet shaft line and the tail underside feathers are covered in beaming, traffic light red. He sports a black bib on his chest and a Valentine red heart or “V” on the back of his head. He is of the old west breed. Females are a tad bit duller, though still lovely in their attire. Male and female both have a bit of delicately painted, pale brown on their heads.

Last week, I actually spotted one in our backyard, on a limb. I was quite surprised and thrilled.

Though the Flicker is considered simply a woodpecker, God manufactured the Northern Flickers with many unique attributes. Plus, He makes them available in tandem, coordinating designs.

The second miraculously designed Flicker is the swanky, Yellow-shafted Flicker, an eastern, high society breed, though not snobbish. He parades a distinguished, black mustache, minus the handlebar, dapper look. ☺️The females display no mustache on either make—imagine that? Both Yellow genders own a black bib on the chest and reveal a bit of pale brown on their heads as do the Reds.

The Yellow-shafted flight feathers display a yellow shaft line and the tail underside feathers are covered in sunshine yellow. Females are a tad bit drabber, though not much. In Alabama, the yellow-shafted is the state bird, referred to as “The Yellow Hammer.” Flickers hammer trees and the ground for their meal morsels. And it is relayed, they can eat 5,000 ants in a dinner’s meal.

Yellow Flickers are common across the eastern and northern parts of North America.

Male Flicker aves are the perfect bird for Valentine’s Day revealing a red heart on the back on their heads, though sometimes a “V.”

You can tell from my photo above, Flickers exhibit a striking, polka dotted body and the cute dots are on both colorations. I guess you might say, the gals wear polka-doted blouses and the males, polka-dotted tuxedo shirts.

Both models look exquisite when you view their colorful, fan-like feathers in flight! It is like three gorgeous fans with two flight wings and one tail wing, on one bird.

 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) juvenile

I was quite surprised to see orange on this juvenile, Yellow-shafted Flicker till I researched and learned this orange color variation might be attributed to berries. Well, I should write, this is how these non-conforming Flickers are defined by some ornithologists. God knows if true!

To explain, the two Flicker bird species “ranges meet in the western Great Plains and eastern Rockies, creating a zone of intermediate-hued birds, ranging from orange-y to salmon pink. Jocelyn Hudon, the curator of ornithology at the Royal Alberta Museum, hypothesized that the reddish hue was caused by a pigment found in the berries of two types of invasive shrubs, Tartarian and Morrow’s honeysuckle, originally imported from central Asia and Japan.” Others believe the orange plumage is a result of the two species breeding together. I offer the later as more probable—“ When John James Audubon happened upon a nest hole containing a mix of red-shafted and yellow-shafted North­ern Flickers in 1843, he wrote in his journal that he wasn’t sure what to make of it: ‘[it was] the most curious set of five birds that I ever saw, and which I think will puzzle all naturalists in the world.’ ”

“Audubon was traveling along the Missouri River, and little did he know that he was in the hybrid zone where the eastern yellow-shafted forms of the Northern Flicker intermingle and inter­breed with the western red-shafted forms. To confuse matters even more, hybrid offspring of the two-forms can show a mix of traits from both parents, resulting in birds with varying shades of orange.”

Flickers are a “medium-sized member of the woodpecker family (approximately 12 inches in length).” They weigh in at under half-a-pound. Their wingspan is 20 inches. “They are native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Their heavy, lancinating bills and thick neck muscles equip them” for hammering trees and the ground as stated above. Their rhythmic actions remind me of a sewing machine needle leaving its base and sewing everywhere.

God designed their ears and bodies in such a way as to not be bothered at all with that constant banging.

Their tail feathers when closed resemble a swallow bird’s tail, being bifurcated.

Their sharp claws enable them to adhere to the sides of trees with no fear of slipping as it continually rotates for tasty bits of crawling grub. And it is not unusual to see them hanging upside down on a bird feeder designed for their acrobatic acts.

It is distinguished from other woodpeckers, being they mostly forage on the ground for their feasting banquets. This is where you mostly spot them. Yes, ground hopping and running woodpeckers. When Flickers are stationed on the ground, their beak can dig into the dirt akin to a jackhammer and they sound like jackhammers when hammering on wood.

They possess an intricately created elongated, barbed tongue that rolls out and rolls back up to lap up tasty ants and other insects. When their lengthy tongue retracts, it wraps around their brain. Yes, they know how to wrap something around their brain.

Delectable ants “compose 45% of their diet.” Their tongue can stick to a hundred tasty aunts in one mouth bite. Quite amazingly created! God certainly did not want them appearing gaunt. ☺️

Ants are not only a delectable food for Flickers, they are also applied to their wings as an insecticide. This is referred to as “anting”—the act of birds rubbing insects on their feathers which “secrete liquids containing chemicals such as formic acid forming this insecticide or miticide (eliminates mites, aphids and flies), and fungicide.” There are over 250 species, of the 18,000 bird species, that have been known to engage in “anting” behavior. You must admit, they are quite the work of design.

Fruits, berries, seeds and nuts also appeal to their eager palate.

It is amazing how God manufactured Flickers to maneuver masterfully when airborne. They can actually catch insects on the wing (in flight) with acrobatic navigation. You do not observe man-manufactured aircrafts, maneuvering as aves do, including hummingbirds, though helicopters are designed with them in mind. My child’s book on this subject: https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Little-Hummingbird-Yes-You-ebook/dp/B00P0IPSF4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Hey+little+hummingbird%2C+yes+you&qid=1644196186&s=books&sr=1-1

Flickers are cavity masters who typically nest in trees—designing their own mini tree houses with their powerful beaks; though they will implement posts and birdhouses, and will renovate damaged or abandoned nesting homes.

One to two weeks of home hammering construction is required for the parents (that often mate for life) to create that perfect, homey nest. A typical clutch (the total number of laid eggs) consists of 6 to 8. “The shells are pure white with a smooth surface, topped with a high gloss” that sets off their beauty. Both parents partake in the incubation process, lasting 11 to 12 days. The young are fed “by regurgitation and fledge (fly) 25 to 28 days after hatching.”

Flickers are one of the few woodpeckers that migrate south.

There are over 100 common names for the Northern Flicker and some produce a grin. Here are just a few dubs: “heigh-ho (no ‘off to work we go,’ however) harry-wicket, wake-up, gawker bird, flick-a flicka, clape, gaffer, walk-up, wick-up, and yarrup.” And, as mentioned above, “The Yellow Hammer.” Many of the tags attempt to imitate its calls. I must add my dubs—the valentine bird and polkadot bird.

Flicker lifespan is 6 to 9 years.

Insightful Yellow-shafted Flicker video of observation by GoTrails:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSEXVTOQAI

You can attract Flickers to your yard using suet and black oil sunflower seeds. Beware, however, they can cause damage to your home and awaken you in the wee morning hours with a drum roll.

God implemented a sense of humor when He created our feathered friends and other creatures as revealed in Job, chapter 39, in the Bible. If you turn to this text in your Bible or read online through a search, you will note God asks many questions to get us to think things through regarding creation and His sovereignty; all the while, putting smiles on our faces through this educational process. He sets forth His own path of apologetics in His reality classroom, implementing various fauna to display creation’s truths. Through this instruction, He clarifies everything formed by Him is unique and marvelous including winged creatures. Every critter is powerfully fashioned and owns a distinguishing personality. Most of us have owned pets and have noticed they all differ in personality. Some creatures actually laugh, but of course, in their own specie way.

Some info gathered from various sources with gratitude.

My letter addressed to the bird enthusiast: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Waxwings

When my husband and I were in our favorite nature park in Idaho, he had me look up to observe some bright, colorful birds. I recognized them immediately as Cedar Waxwings, a masked marvel. I had only captured them in sight a couple of times. I was thrilled as they were everywhere surrounding us and not intimidated by our presence, as they munched on red berries.

Waxwings arrive in two flavors—the Black and White Masked Bohemian Waxwings (Bombycillia cedrorum) and the Black and White Masked Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). You note, they both possess the same Latin/Greek ornithological classification.

Cedar Waxwings are yellower than their close relative, the Bohemian Waxwing. The Bohemian has a white chest compared to the Cedars that own a yellow chest and Bohemians offer more pinks in coloration and magnificent yellow and black designing on their wings. They are called “Bohemian” as they “wander like bands of vagabonds across the northern United States and Canada in search of fruit during the non-breeding season.” However, both species own meandering characteristics.

After observing them a few moments my husband dashed away. I couldn’t understand it! He then told me he was getting hit by the Cedar Waxwings’ droppings. I then realized it sounded like rain falling everywhere—a continuous downpour. This is one thing they are known for—their raining, drizzle sound when downing red berries. 

I shot my photos, moved out of harms way and checked my camera for any specks. Now I always know when they are about, as I can always hear their continuous dripping sound.

The eye-catching Waxwings are so named for the scarlet flecks resembling sealing wax that tip the secondary feathers of their wings (They are also called “Waxbird”). No one knows the purpose of the wax. It may be a type of sealant. It is one of God’s little mysteries. 

Black and white exposes the color of the masks that surround their eyes in distinction in both varieties of this bird. Though most simply refer to them as Waxwings and not their lengthy, extended appellations—Black and White Masked Cedar Waxwings or Black and White Bohemian Waxwings.

The Cedar Waxwings are ones that also relish cedar trees—their preferred favorite for nesting though they offer them no fruit. My video and some of my photos were shot in the pristine area of Wallowa Lake in Oregon where fir trees abound. Now you understand the Cedar in their name.

Wallowa Lake

This masked beauty is assembly line-oriented in its giving attributes. When the end of a twig holds a supply of berries that only one bird at a time can reach, members of the flock will line up along the twig and pass berries beak to beak down the row so each bird gets a chance to savor the sweet fruit. Now, isn’t this quite Christian? Believers in Christ are commanded to give to one another and to consider each person as being more important than themselves—Philippians 2:2-5 in the Bible: “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more important than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

We are to embrace the poor, unattractive, impaired, etcetera; esteeming them in the highest prioritized way. We are not to self-elevate, but walk in lowliness of heart and mind. Through yielding our lives to Jesus Christ and His Holy Word, the Bible, we can love as commanded and lovingly correct those in disobedience to God.

Jesus Christ provided slightly hooked beaks for these colorful standouts, perfect for berry picking. Observing my first photo, you will note how the LORD fabricated their feet to perfectly conform to branches. This is true of all tree dwellers or perching or passerine birds. 

The Waxers most prominent feature is a small cluster of bright red feathers on the wings. The tail is typically yellow. Adults own a pale, yellow belly. “Immature birds are streaked on the throat and flanks, and often do not display the black mask of the adults.” Juvenile Waxwings below:

Males may display brighter and more colorful plumage that females generally lack. Observers note the male is definitely the head of the family. Imagine that?

The wax-wingers courtship is very cute. The sleek looking couple will sit together and pass small objects back and forth, such as flower petals or an insect. This is a teaching tool for marriage, as it must consist of unconditional love that thrives in a giving mode. The female will also beg food from her suitor and he will comply with delectable gifts. I guess this is akin to a suitor bringing flowers and candy to his intended. These aves also rub their beaks together affectionately. I guess this is how they kiss and we know kissing is essential in marriage as well.

Both parents build the nest. It is a loose, cup construction of grass and twigs, being lined with softer materials, naturally for babies, and supported by a tree branch as we observe often with bird-life. I have found bird nests in our yard weaved with my long, red hair.

United couples often raise two to three broods per mating season, mating year after year. They maintain a steadfast commitment that is profitable to note. They are a busy bird which is good as this provides more of them for us to enjoy.

The clutch or eggs consist of 5 or 6 that Mom incubates for 12 to 16 days. “The eggs are oval shaped and of a smooth surface. The shells vary in hue, exhibiting shades of light or bluish grey with irregular, dark brown spots or grayish-brown splotches.” Both parents feed their young in loving partnership. They catch insects to feed to their hatchlings when first hatched. However, it is fruit Waxwings maneuver for and allows them to thrive throughout their life. 

Due to their fruit of winter appetite, Waxwings are one of the latest-nesting, passerine aves.

This causes me to think of my indoor and outdoor bunnies who love it when I offer them fruit. They too have a sweet tooth. 

My book about my bunnies is entitled As Cute as a Bunny, Sweet Thing’s True Stories: https://vallee7.wordpress.com/2020/10/22/as-cute-as-a-bunny-sweet-things-true-stories/

The youth will depart from the nest, implementing their independence, 14 to 18 days following the breaking of their eggs. God equips us and His fauna creatures for survival in perfect sync with maturity.

The adult or mature length of the Waxwing is six to seven inches. This bird’s flight speed is 25 miles per hour. And their lifespan is around eight years.

Outside the breeding season, as with many aves, the Waxwings enjoy camaraderie, flocking in flight in the hundreds, maneuvering closely together … twisting, and turning as would an air force squadron. Completely spectacular, gregarious, being made uniform by their Creator! 

Waxwings communicate with high-pitched twittering calls, minus a serenade.

“Cedar waxwings are found only in North America. Their breeding range extends throughout the southern half of Canada and the northern half of the United States. Their winter range includes the United States, Mexico and Central America as far south as Panama. They also winter in the Caribbean region. Many Waxwings spotted in the northern United States and extreme southern Canada, are year-round residents.

“Vagrant Cedar Waxwings are occasionally spotted in Iceland and Great Britain.”

They are not too shy as stated above, and confidently will come to gardens for berries. How fun to find one or two in your yard!

To learn about God’s personal love for you, please link here: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

*Some info gathered from various websites.

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee –Cardinal birds of Hawaii—Northern Cardinal and the Yellow-billed and Red-Crested Cardinals

This cute, little, colorful guy delighted in hanging around our veranda in Kauai, Hawaii, grabbing bites of food we offered to the assortment of winged life that perched in vacation paradise. 

Cardinal Yellow-billed male

 

Cardinal Red-crested

Cardinal birds are not difficult to attract if you live in Hawaii or South America. They feed on “seeds, fruits, vegetables and insects.” What a diet of variety! They seemed to consume anything I set out when on vacation.

Sugarcane plant stalks are abundant in Hawaii and viewed along the side of roads and in fields. I would often ask myself “are those cornstalks or sugarcane?” Of course, sugarcane was once Hawaii’s bread and butter. These plants of God, allowed the Hawaiians to be sustained. “Around 600 A.D., the first settlers in Hawaiʻi brought to the islands several varieties of sugarcane. The Native Hawaiians cultivated sugarcane, or kō in Hawaiian, and ate it as food and medicine.” Later, in the 1800s, it was primarily shipped to America’s mainland. 

The last operating sugar plant in Hawaii, atop photo—“Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company.” It closed its doors in December 2016. The second photo is of an old cane transportation truck left at the deteriorating Kauai sugar mill.  

You can locate fresh sugarcane in stores in Hawaii and the canes are also sold at farmers’ markets and also sugarcane juice.

Northern Cardinal with art effect

Their name “cardinal” aptly fits, as they are superior in loveliness. The outstanding Northern Cardinal (all red) reminds us of winter fun, festivities and Christmas. Cardinal means “red.” 

And the red might remind one of the precious blood Christ spilt on behalf of all men that they might be saved by asking God to cleanse them and be eternally saved by Christ’s blood.

Cardinal-Yellow-Billed

The Red-crested and Yellow-billed Cardinals certainly display beauty in radiant red as well. 

Cardinal red-crested mad

The Red-crested is also categorized as the Brazilian Cardinal. They are native to South America (“northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul and southern part of the Pantanal”). And this ave was introduced to exquisite Oahu, Hawaii around 1930 and landed later on the other islands.

From the photos, you will notice the Red-crested (Paroaria coronata) owns a bright red head, crest, and upper chest. They are dark gray above, and the rear neck and underparts are white. Their bill is silver-gray. Females are similar though display an orangish/light brown head and crest and upper chest.

Cardinal Red-crested female

All three cardinal species are mid-sized songbirds with a body length of 8.3–9.3 inches, and a wingspan of 9.8 to 12.2 inches. The adult weighs in at 1.19 to 2.29 ounces. Males are slightly larger than females. 

All are very romantic and are monogamous (mating for life) Where would we be today if God had not created both male and female? 

As with many birds, affection involves the male feeding the love of his life and serenading her. Following the cardinal romancing period, the female will lay 2-5 eggs, being buff-white with dark marks, which she incubates for 12-13 days. 

The male keeps a close eye on his mate and the surrounding territory for predators. He dutifully feeds her on the nest. Once the fledglings hatch, revealing their cute brown heads, the doting parents engage in the feeding process. The male is not simply a spectator, he works in every way to provide for his family. 

The cardinals will attempt two broods each season. 

Jesus Christ manufactured birds to lay a certain number of eggs, often superseding two, so species are not readily eliminated. God’s reproduction science is a calculated, involved process for all kinds. 

Cardinal red-crested male

God allows them three to six years on the earth.

The Yellow-billed (Paroaria capitata) was the latest of inductees, introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s.

It’s native to “Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.”

What makes this cardinal most unusual, is it has no crest (no lovely puffy head adornment or red bouffant).

This photogenic ave exposes that vibrant red head, far deeper red than you would notice on any red-headed person’s head. Followed by a lovely white neck collar and a white chest and gray/black back.

Yellow-billed Cardinal moms usually lay “three white eggs with brown streaks in a deep cup-shaped nest in trees or close to the ground in shrubbery.” Incubation period is 13 to 14 days and performed by the mother. Chicks fledge or fly within 10 to 12 days of hatching. Immature Yellow-billed Cardinal males reveal brown heads instead of red.

They, like other cardinals, live three to six years.

We all adore the fact, adult males, Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are dressed in bright red, appearing royal. A male wears a black face mask over his eyes, extending to his upper chest. The color becomes duller and darker on the back and wings. He does display a red beak to match his manly, bright costume. 

Northern Cardinal female

Females mostly display a fawn coloration, with a reddish tint on the wings, crest, and tail feathers. The lovely face of the female is gray to black, with some tawny brown. And she displays a distinct red/orange beak, resembling bright red lipstick.

Both sexes possess that prominent raised crest that sets apart this bird. The beak is cone-shaped and strong for its designed tasks. 

Their crest may reveal their mood, if lowered, they are relaxed; and if uplifted, it may express the fact they are agitated, though they seem to enjoy singing with their crest elevated and it certainly adds to their pizazz. 

In early spring males will aggressively claim territories for their planned families.

Males do select a gal for life so it is an important decision. And a gal can reject a suitor. Northern couples enjoy singing repertoires together throughout their lives; yes, and past the breeding season. Additionally, the male cardinal is always willing to forfeit his existence to protect his life love and their offspring.

The mother-to-be will build a shallow-cupped nest with a bit of assistance from the father-to-be. The female will weave differing materials together of bark, grasses, twigs, leaves, etc. She will line it with animal furs or other soft materials. We have one bunny, Sweet Thing, running around our yard and our neighbor has three rabbits. They go under the fence to visit each other. I believe their scattered fur on the grass is often used for bird nests due to its disappearance. Sweet Thing, is an indoor-outdoor bunny and loves being in the front yard where he receives lots of attention from passers-by. Here is a link to my cost-free ebook about him and his bunny friends, As Cute as a Bunny—Sweet Thing’s True Stories—https://wp.me/piRgw-1Mz 

Sweet Thing video: 

They fledge or fly at 10 to 11 days of age. 

Juvenile cardinals, both sexes, reveal coloring similar to the adult female with fawn coloration—reddish-brown on lower body and forehead, wings and tail. During the autumn season, they molt (lose their present feathers), developing their adult feathers.

God crafted them to endure the winter months in wintery states by fluffing their down feathers which trap the warm air set next to their body. And they will maintain body heat for their legs by taking turns tucking one leg at a time within their body area.

Both the male and female will sing clear, whistled song patterns, being repeated several times, then their repertoire is varied as we note when we listen to the myriad of songbirds. They may sing a sharp “chip-chip-chip or a long cheer-cheer.”

The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven American states—more than any other ave—“Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.”

One of the most interesting facts about Northern Cardinals is they practice what is appropriately called anting. In actuality, over 200 species of birds, mainly songbirds, cover themselves in ants. Ornithologists suspect ants release “formic acids,” assisting birds to repel lice. “The cardinal will hold an ant in its beak, spread and lower its wings, and brings its tail forward between its legs, wiping the outer wing and tail feathers with the ant.” There is a youtube video whereby you can observe the process.

Regarding not being too fearful of humans, there is a video of a Northern Cardinal that came to perch on a man’s finger and didn’t want to leave him. And they will eat from a stranger’s hand if the person is fairly still. They also have been known to sit on people’s shoulders, etc; not wanting to fly away, right away, that is.

Holding great loveliness and song, the Northern Cardinal was once prized as a pet all across America up till 1918. Since then it has been illegal to sell as a caged bird. 

In extremely rare circumstances, God dresses this bird in a yellow motif. One yellow cardinal is spotted a year in our country.

The lifespan of the Northern Cardinal is three to five years as with all other cardinal birds, though a few have lived far longer. “The longevity record for a captive Northern Cardinal is 28 ½ years.”

There is also a Vermilion Cardinal which looks almost identical to the Northern though it displays a taller crest or spiked hair 😊, and might display a brighter or duller plumage in instances. Their crest reminds me of a cockatoo parrot. 

They inhabit the northern coastline of South America.

cardinal red-crested male

All Cardinal birds are found near watery areas and will visit bird feeders. Cardinals visit “forested marshes, flooded fields, riparian scrub and forest, and wooded lakeshores.” They can be spotted by towns and cities where water is abundant, including towns situated by a river or lake.

Cardinals do not appear to be disturbed by the human presence if a little distance is maintained.

They are preyed upon by larger sky and ground predators.

Cardinal aves do not migrate and of course, what bird would want to wander from Hawaii?

Love to all, Val (All photos by © Val Lee)

Letter to the Bird Enthusiast—https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—African Golden Weaver Bird

 

The African Golden (or yellow) Weavers, Ploceus subaureus, are intricate artisans! Males are the architects and constructors of painstakingly weaved or sewn creations. People are enthralled when they gaze upon their ingenuity. These creations are their renown. 

They create by God’s implantation the ideal African environment for their young; a lovely rounded green treehouse. God manufactured each bird and He knows which nest will best accommodate each species in regard to their composition and environment. I am set in awe as I observe homes of breeding aves. Complex, engineering capabilities have been embedded in each bird, classified as “Weavers” or non-weavers. 

The Golden Weaver male who wants to make the plunge into a relationship and fatherhood will build one of these remarkable rounded nests which dangle from a tree. He is most selective regarding the timber for protection purposes. God instilled wisdom in this bird so he can avoid humans, animal predators and weather obstacles. It selects a tree that is covered in biting insects, including ants. Who or what would want to venture near? 

It is obvious Jesus Christ is absolutely awesome in His wonders. The songs, flight and nesting distinctions of flyers are worth our observation time.

The dad-to-be begins his home plot with one long blade of grass, which he snips at ground base with his black beak and in which he carries it away to a strong limb where he ties it securely.

Examining a Limb

His beak and balancing skills are his tools of necessity, implemented for every aspect of his nest.

Dad-to-be must carefully sew each blade of grass—the thread, with his beak—the needle. This might be reminiscent of a young lady sewing a wedding dress by hand. Though it only takes a Weaver a couple of days to build a nest sewing through the holes he makes.

The rounded nest requires hundreds of blades of grass woven tightly together to make it durable. The nests are winsome—you could put a price tag on many a one.

He eventually forms a nest hole entrance, using his head as a guide for size (no tape measure is ready-handy) for the doorless portal that will be placed at the base of the home that must not be too large or predators can see in and get in.

Perfect Fit

Perfectly sized entry door for home Snakes are unable to slither in with this type of architectural style. They drop to the ground having no support while they attempt to reach it. A bottom-holed nest also protects from the torrential, flooding, African rains or monsoons. A regular nest, cradle-like, would flood over and over again.

This nest crafting can take a great deal of practice and sometimes the nest falls through lack of fatherly experience.

Male suitors know an eligible lady will be most particular about the nest she chooses. She seems to know best for her future young’s protection. Her designing desires are mainly on the nest, not the male carpenter suitor. I mean, of course, she is going to place her unhatched babies in it and they will be nurtured and raised within. It must be of the finest, practical art form.

Birds who have never had previous families know the cycle of procreation; God has laid it in their hearts and minds as the Bible teaches in Jeremiah chapter 8—“Even the stork in the heavens Knows her appointed times; And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord.”

The male courter will wave his wings and call to get a gal’s attention after the nest is completed.

Male bird waving his wings in my video above.If the gal is a bit interested, she will inspect the complex nest to see if it is suitable for a family. Often times a male’s arduous work will be rejected to his deep disappointment. If no interest is awarded him and the nest is turning brown, he will simply have to untie the nest, letting it drop. A brown courting nest is never acceptable. It is akin to a wilted bouquet offered to a lady by a male suitor. 

Then, the male Weaver must begin again the tedious construction with hundreds of more blades of grass to be sewn in a different design in hopes of future acceptance. Don’t feel too sorry for the young fellow, outside of forging for his daily diet—insects, seeds, flowers and nectar on the ground and in vegetation, this is all he has to do. 

Mom-to-be does have her small part involving the nest. She lines it with soft grasses and down to protect her precious wee ones, she being the one who truly wants them in soft snugness. Moms can relate to this.

God has implanted in female birds just the right time for their laying. It would be harmful for moms-to-be, to hold within the growing eggs beyond God’s perfect prescription. He knows the precise timing for the womb process of release. Of course, this is true of women as well. A wife does not want to be carrying a 50-pound baby around in her belly. A child appears when it is done in her oven.

When the two to four durable, Golden Weaver, light blue eggs are laid, Mom will solely incubate the eggs. 

God protects His vulnerable creation including bird moms. This is what He commanded in the Old Testament regarding bird eggs and newly hatched snatching that allows for the protection of the mother—Deuteronomy 22:6-7:
“If you happen to come upon a bird’s nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” African tribesmen and their offspring hunt for Gold Weaver eggs for food; hopefully, they do not harm the mothers.

A Golden mother may experience deception from a Cuckoo bird. Her laid eggs may include an egg from this hoodwinking flyer. The Cuckoo often engages in brood parasitism—placing their eggs in other bird nests. (Only God truly understands the heart of parasitism birds—birds who want others to raise their chicks. God does create some  animal life to make us laugh.) I guess they don’t feel they have the time to build a home and raise a family, or are simply too lazy to do so. The scoundrels will use the mothering instincts of the Golden Weavers for their selfish benefit. They place their egg in a Golden’s nest, disposing of a Weaver egg when mom is away foraging for food. Cuckoos are aware of the counting abilities afforded to all birds by God.

Mothers know the cry of their hatched young. They know the voice of their mate and nearby nesting birds. When a baby Golden gets extremely hungry and wants Mom to know, it bellows its voice to make it annoyingly loud and strangely unusual. A chick wants Mom to feel sorry for it and to get on the move with food. This fact came to light through a German and Swiss ornithologists’ study of Goldens.

God wisely uses a female bird to address unfaithfulness in the Bible—Proverbs 27:8, “Like a bird who wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.” Of course, if a mother ave were to lose her way, taking a too distance of a flight, and could not find her path homeward, she could not nourish her needy young. She would be in deep and sad distress. She would know this means the death of her offspring! 

A man who chooses to be unfaithful to his wife and leaves her and their children carries no wisdom or godly faithfulness. He acts like a fish out of water so to speak, being one who has abandoned his home for what he thinks are greener pastures. He may believe he is having a party-freeing time, but his life is eventually torn into pieces and he pays the consequences for the rest of his life. The wife and children grieve the most. Such a departure leaves lifetime scars. I have a friend and her son-in-law left her beautiful daughter and their sons to do his own thing. Today, many years hence, he says it was the worst decision he ever made. His life became a mess, like a nest fallen to the ground. 

Male Golden Weavers are bright yellow, and they display a tinge of orange on the head. Females are light brown with a lighter underside and possess pink-brown beaks. They are native to south and east Africa. Their lifespan is unknown.

Here, I must divulge that I did not shoot the photos and video in Africa. That would have been great if possible. I have only viewed Africa from afar, and that was when peering at its Northern end from Gibraltar. 

I did have a cousin, Maxine, once removed, who served as a missionary in Africa the majority of her life. She has been significantly used of God, introducing many to Jesus Christ. My husband, other family members and I visited her in Sebring some years ago. She really put on the food spread and relayed many stories. She had once resided outside a cannibal graveyard, in a hut, and rode her bike to get about with God’s message of eternal hope. 

When Maxine was on furlough in the states, she would teach children the Good News of Jesus Christ. She has never been one to sit around and neglect God’s message. 

She entered heaven at age 99.

To understand eternal hope, please click here: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=99&action=edit

My husband and I were in Florida when I shot the photos and video. It was at Animal Kingdom in the African aviary for the bird photos.

This theme park houses many captivating species of beasts. We have been here twice.

A couple more photos of African wildlife shot in Florida. The first is of the African water tree (Baobab) that can live up to 2500 years. The biggest baobabs can hold 30,000 gallons of water or more. They are also called upside-down trees as they appear to be topped with a root system. Renowned as Africa’s tree of life, it can provide water, food, shelter and relief from sickness.

 

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee – Nēnē Geese or Hawaiian Geese

Hanakapiai Falls of Kauai, Hawaii

 

My photo of Nene who are gregarious or sociable

These are Nēnē Geese (pronounced “nay-nay”) also known as “Hawaiian Geese.” (Branta sandvicensus—Branta” is Latin for goose and “sandvicensus” for the Sandwich Islands. Thus dubbed by Captain James Cook for the Hawaiian Islands of today.) 

On these islands once dwelt the Giant Hawaiian Goose or nēnē-nui which stood four feet tall. Thirty-two species of Hawaiian birds are now extinct. 

My photo of Nene

The Nēnē is the official bird of the state of Hawaii. These photogenic anserine (geese) somewhat resemble the Canada Geese as my photos and video reveal. The Nēnē (meaning whimper) obtained their Hawaiian name from their soft call. However, they do “honk” with a sound similar to the call of Canadian Geese. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6f0sqF9KjU&feature=youtu.be

My Nene Geese video

Nēnēs are noted for their shyness. I know when I was around them, they would not let me venture too near. Though they can obtain familiarity with people, especially those who feed them.

The Nēnē is a land and water bird, exclusively found in the islands of Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi (the main island). And in 2014 they were first sighted on Oahu.

My photo of Nenes

These flyers often enjoy walking, though love to fly as well, and have flown from one side of the Big Island to the other, crossing over 4,000 square miles. They are a smaller goose, but God has equipped them to fly many miles.

This goose and the Monk Seal (Hawaiian name meaning “the dog that runs in rough waters”) are native to Hawaii and both are endangered. 

My photo of Monk Seal in Kauai

There is even a Nēnē street crossing sign for warning motorists of their “pedestrian” presence, with an illustrated representation of mother and baby—sublimely cute.

The Nēnē is known as the world’s rarest goose—experiencing near extinction. Fortunately, protective laws were enacted. Presently, there are around 800 wild Nēnē in Hawaii and the numbers are rising with each breeding season, though still listed on the endangered list. 

“When the Nēnē were in danger of going completely extinct, an English conservationist named Sir Peter Scott, founder of the Slimbridge Wetland Wildlife Reserve near Gloucestershire, England, helped to save them in the 1950s. He brought breeding pairs to his reserve, and while some of them were returned to Hawaii and released into the wild, several hundred of their descendants still live at the refuge.”

“In 1778 when Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii, there were around 25,000 of these gentle, aloof birds.” (However, I do not know who counted them, and which Hawaiians cared to do all this work back in 1778. I certainly am not convinced of these numbers.)

The adult, male gander reveals a black head with brown/peachy cheeks and some black on the rear of the neck. And owns a white eye-ring. The neck has black and white diagonal stripes which also crisscrosses and can also appear peachy in color. This area is quite thick and adds to the beauty of this beast. A brown to black ring is presented on the bottom of the neck. It is at this point, on the back and breast, where this goose resembles the Canada Goose, though a tinge lighter. And the Nēnē Goose is smaller and weighs less than half of the Canada Goose. 

“Nēnēs’ bills, legs, and half-webbed feet are black. Nēnēs strong toes have much-reduced webbing.” This is God’s adaptation to the lava flows on which this ave breeds.

The adult, female goose is similar to the male in coloring though slightly smaller, more on the petite side. This is true of Canada Geese as well.

The goslings are similar to the gander but displayed in duller brown.

Nēnēs are “omnivores, eating primarily grasses, seeds, buds, flowers, leaves, fruits and berries.” Though they also will add insects and fish to their diet according to observers. 

My photo of Nenes

Generally, young Hawaiian Geese reach the reproductive state at around three years of age, though they have sometimes matured as early as two years. At this time, males will court females, but females will make the ultimate decision as to who will be her mate. Often in the birding world, a female chooses her mate, therefore a male has to put on quite the act to catch a gal’s eye. She does not prefer a mean, aggressive, macho goose. 

The Nēnēs generally mate on land, unlike the Canadians which mate on a pond or lake and perform a head water-dunking, rhythmic dance over and over again. It is quite cute to watch. The Nēnēs will still perform the head and neck up and down, cute movements with curved necks, akin to bathing; though, generally performed on land. Also, occasional acrobatic flights might be involved in the courtship rituals.

Unlike most other wild waterfowl, they can breed all year round, though wintertime is the prevalent time. Some choose various times of the year. They have the longest breeding season compared to all other geese as they can breed during any season. Because they home in such a wondrous location, they do not have to migrate to escape the snow and ice.

These birds of sky and ponds mate for life, they are monogamous by God’s design.

The mother Nēnē chooses the nesting site and she performs all the construction and decor of the nest. The home nests are often constructed in sunken areas on the ground, where they can be camouflaged by vegetation. “A kipuka (Hawaiian word) is a rogue bit of shrubbery within a desolate lava field.” Kipukas appear to be a favorite nesting spot for Hawaiian geese. They will nest on the sides or slopes of volcanoes, often beneath shrubs surrounded by lava, though will nest in many other areas as well. 

The mother Nēnē will incubate one to five eggs for thirty days while her lifelong mate, the gander, serves as her guardian—protector. Father Nēnēs defend the nest from predators. Of course, we observe this within the human race as well. Most women do not have the powerful strength found in men and men generally see themselves as the main protectors of their families and homes. 

These nests for the young are lined with down and can be reused each season by the same couple. It can always feel like home.

Upon hatching, the goslings do not volitate (fly) for another two and a half to three months.

Young Nēnēs, goslings, feed themselves being precocial. They simply put their heads down to eat grass and bugs. During the parenting stage, these Nēnē replace their feathers as do other birds and are temporarily flightless while molting, akin to Canada Geese. At this time, they can become easy prey—a vulnerable time. Nēnē who survive these seasons can reach the age of twenty-five, or older. Though the average lifespan is eight years. 

God established a covenant with birds in Genesis 9:9-15. Following the flood, God promised never to flood the entire earth again. Yes, He made this covenant with humanity and every rainbow is a visual confirmation. However, if you read these verses, you will see He made a covenant with the animal kingdom as well and birds are specifically mentioned. Jesus Christ oversees all His creation in His sovereignty.

Info gratefully gathered from web sources and I also wrote my observations.

 

Letter to the Bird Enthusiast: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Black-winged Stilt or Common Stilt

Black-winged Stilt, male, © Val J. Lee

I shot this ave with long, skinny, pink-limbs in southern Spain at the Fuente de Piedra (Fountain of Stone) Lagoon.

Fountain in Spain © Val J. Lee

Spain in May is quite quaint. My husband relishes placing me on a winged, metal bird—soaring me away to wondrous global scenes of the world. This time, massive wings set us down in Paris and then Spain. We also drove to Gibraltar, a British Crown territory within Spain’s region. My slide video of photos with music:

One of the things I relished in Spain was the fact servers automatically placed olives on the table when we dined, similar to having ketchup on every table. Of course, Spain is known for its scrumptious olives.

Spain olive grove not far from where I shot the bird photos

© Val J. Lee

Fuente de Pedra is a shallow lake, brimming with remarkable birdlife and it also functions as a migrating flyway. It is the place to go in Spain to survey migrating birds and stationary ones. 

This is my video of rowdy, gregarious, Stilts grabbing bug-bites:

Their call is a sharp “yep” or “kek.” You might catch them performing a high-leaping display with an air-floating descent. Mankind does not understand these artful performances. However, the LORD Jesus Christ does, being He created Stilts with agility, marveling the mind. They, like other aves, can fly in bunches without a collision. You never see them in any head-on crashes or side impacts nor pileups. 

Stilts fly with the body fully outstretched. Legs are straight as a board, stationed behind tail wings. This flyer represents quite the elongated flight form as you might have noted from the video.

Female Black-winged Stilt © Val J. Lee

While shooting shots and videos of the Black-winged Stilts in the water and in flight, a thunderstorm crept in without me noticing. My dear husband and I had walkie-talkies to keep in touch, but I had turned mine off—the battery registering low. He had tried to SOS me, but it was useless. Finally, when I noticed lightning bolts uncomfortably close, I turned on the WT and spoke to him. I told him to get inside the interpretive center and not wait for me. Seeing him struck down dead would not be a pleasant memory. 

Fear had ahold of me knowing I had to run a distance to reach cover in the interpretive center. I tell you, I was praying to the Creator of every one of those electric sky strikes. (Please read Job chapter 37, verses 2-5 in your Bible or through an online search.) In tears and in fear I begged the LORD to preserve my husband and myself! Needless to say, He graciously did.

As I drew near the interpretive building, I noticed my darling husband was still outside waiting for me. I once again told him emphatically to “get inside.” (I must say I am not normally in the habit of ordering my husband about ☺.) When I reached the building, he was still outside lingering, to my deep disappointment! 

Upon us entering the building, it started to pour rather large hailstones. It was a thundering and a lightning, hailing and windy—the essential components of a genuine, storm exhibit. 

The curator was quite surprised by it all, being it was May and warm; though, she did not speak English, we certainly understood the situation together.

She appeared as your typical American in every way so I was surprised she was completely untutored in English. English is supposedly taught as a second language in Spain’s schools. We did not find this to be true though it is evident in other countries which claim it as a second language.

Male Black-winged Stilt © Val J. Lee

Leaving this rabbit trail and getting back to birding, you may have noted from the video, this winger walks miraculously well on those strong, pink, bending stilts. He wades effortlessly through the waters of turbulent motion with those wire-like limbs which bend at the knee and they can place them directly beneath their bodies when at rest. What man could design such walking stilts? What man could design their perfect feet—partially webbed for any action? They are marvelously designed for their role in the world.

Video reveals their adjustable and bending stilt legs:

Female Black-winged Stilt

Stilts, like most aves, are of the gregarious sort—most friendly within their own species—though they can expose an aggressive temperament at times and will engage in aerial combat for property rights. If they are made to feel frightened, they will head-bob, revealing agitation. 

You note in both videos how talkative they can be, whether grounded or in flight.

Stilts might be noticed foraging in Stilt flocks of several thousand . . . amazing! This is true community oneness. The true church of the LORD Jesus Christ is to walk in oneness with those who fear Him and obey His Word.

“The Black-winged Stilt aka the Common Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed skinny-legged wader in the avocet (wader) and Stilt family (Recurvirostridae).” There is also the lovely Pied Avocet with brown markings and bluish legs of Europe and Central Asia.

God placed on the Black-winged Stilt extraordinary legs—7-9 inches—the longest relative to body size. Ostriches have the longest legs of any ave, though they are flightless. 

Black-winged Stilt, male, © Val J. Lee

Adult Stilts are 12-14 inches long. Their wingspan is from 26 to 32 inches. Along with their pink legs, they display a long, thin, black bill; like a long needle extending from them for needling in mud and sand to locate food to snatch in their beaks for a delightful dish. You would think it would get in their way, though they maneuver it masterfully, often placing their heads under water where not so shallow. 

They are blackish above and white below, with a white head and neck displaying a varying amount of black. Males have a black back, often with greenish gloss. Females reveal a black with a brown hue, contrasting with black remiges (flight feathers). Males and females are often hard to distinguish. Plus, slight head hue alterations can occur with the seasons.

Immature Stilts have grey remiges, turning to black as they age.

All these Stilts are overseen by their Creator and He reminds us a sparrow cannot fall out of the sky without His knowledge and no doubt other aves as well. (Matthew 10:29 in the Bible)

These Black-winged Stilts display lovely red eyes though they can appear black in some lighting. Their sight is incredible, designed by God so they can find the smallest of staple sources.

These wingers can be spotted in Europe, Southern North America, Central America, Peru and Brazil, and in the winsome Caribbean; also visible in Australia and New Zealand. Northernmost populations migrate south in winter. Those of Spain and of other parts of Europe may migrate to Africa in winter.

These stilted marvels shop for their provisions in sand or water. Their diet mainly consists of insects, fish, crustaceans, worms and seeds. They feed in both salt and fresh waters on half-webbed feet which allow them to swim—although this is a rarity.

God equips them with day and night vision and day and night alertness. Implementing their remarkable nocturnal vision, these agile, rapid dabblers will feed on a windy, moonless night. I am sure they get some shuteye, sometime.

Dating or courtship commence in late winter. When a Stilt locates that special someone to mate with for life, they might hug each other . . . head and body-hugging—one head under the other in sweet unity. They demonstrate affection and attentiveness quite well without arms.

Regarding their reproductive biology, Stilts usually breed in colonies of two to 50 pairs; sometimes with other members of the avocet family (birds who wade and display long legs). By God’s design, all avocets are faithfully monogamous. Timing of breeding varies over ranges. The happy, bonded couple will make a nest scraped with mud, shells, sticks, scraps or plants piled in a mound near marshes, shallow lakes and ponds. At times, it may be a well-lined, floating mass of water weeds.

Females generally lay 3 or 4 eggs. Both father and mother incubate the eggs for 25 days. Fathers will spend more time than the mothers at the nest, mostly building the nest and covering the eggs—their sweet offspring. They are dutiful dads. Mothers spend more time foraging than the fathers. During late incubation, moms spend significantly more time at the nest than the dads. Upon hatching, both parents attend to their young. The young are precocial—they are born with their eyes open and they start moving about soon after hatching. The parents will still provide their babies with nourishment until they are able to forage for themselves.

Fledging (flying) takes place at 28–37 days.

The maximum longevity of this ave is slightly over 10 years.

When my husband and I were outside the city of Sidney, Australia, I was able to shoot the Black-winged Stilt.

Various male birds can represent the faithfulness of God for His children—that is born again Christians who have yielded their lives to Jesus Christ of the Bible. If you do not know Jesus Christ personally, you can learn about His personal love for you, and His desire to give you an abundant fulfilled life. Please link to Letter to the Bird Enthusiast— 

https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

Statistical data gratefully gathered from informative web pages.

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Pacific Reef-egret or Pacific Reef-heron or Eastern Reef Heron/Egret of Isle of Pines of New Caledonia

(Pacific Reef-egret its dark morph in photos and video)

My photos of Isle of Pines which can be enlarged when clicked on:

This habitat of the Pacific Reef-Egret (Egretta sacra) is gorgeous, being overshadowed with towering pines and palms on the Isle of Pines.

I feel privileged to have walked along its shore and to have explored within its admirable trees and foliage. Many of the trees on this creamy pearl of the sea reveal trailing growth on twisting trunks.

It is truly a paradise set in God’s designed world of islands and land masses and waters of varying hues.

“Captain James Cook in 1774 spotted the island and named it on his second voyage to New Zealand” though he never walked on its land. Cook titled it “after seeing the tall native pines (Araucaria columnaris).” Also dubbed the Cook Pine or New Caledonia Pine. It is the species of the tall pine you view in Hawaii and in southern California, introduced from New Caledonia.

White and dark morph Pacific Reef-egrets and intermediate hued species of brown and grey inhabit the Pacific seas and its presence is noted in the coastal areas of Japan and Korea and Southeast Asia along shorelines.

The Pacific Reef-egret displays long yellow legs (though classified as short. I say long in comparison to typical perching birds) Both the male and female own a long, thick beak in comparison to its body length, varying from yellowish to greyish and sometimes grey-brown. Their eyes are a striking yellow! 

The Pacific Reef-egrets are classified as medium-sized—reaching over 22 inches to 26 inches lengthwise. They have a wingspan range varying between 35 and 43 inches. It weighs in at around 14 ounces. Yes, they are less than a pound.

This ave is quite similar to the Slaty (meaning slate—gray, green or bluish) Egret (Egretta Vinaceigula) of Africa though the Slaty Egret has dark eyes not yellow. It does display the yellow legs.

Sexes are similar in appearance, with the males naturally a bit larger. Reefers produce young throughout the year because the weather is always of a balmy, tropical pleasantry.

As with other herons and egrets, you will never catch a lovely voice sounding in your ears. They are the squawkers and the croakers, and also speak forth deep, nasal tones. Their sounds are loud and distinct. Though, you may think you are hearing a crocodile and not an egret/heron if you are not familiar with the crocodile’s intimidating, frightening growls. When you are aware of the sounds of these aves, you recognize them from afar as they do not hold a dainty tune at all.

God often makes us laugh with His creation. He manufactured this lovely, graceful bird with irritating utterances.

My video:

Reefers assume many positions when fishing as a wading bird, though this ave requires no pole, line and worm. God awarded him swiftness as a game hunter. And these game hunters are hermits in most instances. They do not appear to be lonely and enjoy the solitude of concentration. However, you may see two fishing not far from another, though this is rare. 

The Pacific Reef-egret is classified as a Heron-type hunting bird. Herons and egrets are magnificent to view and can appear graceful in their moves. An Egret detaches itself from its gracefulness when it snags a fish in lightning speed and drowns it in its throat.

Though Reefers’ diet includes crabs, you notice in the video it takes no interest in the one walking sideways which could have been nabbed with an easy grab. Is it not interesting how crabs walk sideways by design? This Reef fisherman obviously was looking for its desired entrée of the early evening and it was not ordering the crab. 

The Pacific Reef-egret will also consume insects, mollusks and lizards. It even dares to snatch the eggs and chicks from nesting tern birds.  

This ave forges day and night for the kill, understanding the tides of the Pacific by the brilliance offered it by the LORD Jesus Christ—the Creator of every remarkable creature; Colossians chapter 1. He is the Creator of all things as all things were created by Him and for Him; He being part of the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Largely of the inviting, turquoise coast, the Pacific Reef-Egret is rarely found far inland and, of course, its daily meals are mainly aquatic.

When it comes to the heron family, never have I noted a Blue Heron fishing with another or those of the egret family in general.  However, during the mating season, I noticed two Blue Herons fishing in waters not far away from one another, but still not together. Though I have watched a mated pair fly off together in the evening sunset.

What I find mind-provoking as a human is their loner behavior; however, when we were on the island of Barbados, we saw a huge rookery of countless white egrets. Though, it was probably a nesting colony. 

On a birding field trip, I was surprised to observe a Blue Heron rookery; many in a close housing situation. There was an expansive amount of their gigantic nests in one tree, like a tree apartment. Apparently, this is organized to protect the young, though not many birds are going to argue with a Blue Heron. However, it does occur as “eagles, raccoons, bears, turkey vultures, and red-tailed hawks” will feast on the fledglings and sometimes even kill the parents. I personally, have never observed a large bird attack a member of the heron species, excepting a Red-winged Blackbird when it hunted too close to its nest. Of course, it is not unusual to notice a little bird, including the itsy bitsy hummingbird, chasing a large ave from its claimed, brooding territory.

Death can also occur within the Reefer family when one mate notes unfaithfulness and takes revenge. Also, if one Reefer tries to steal the food of another Reefer it can mean a deadly struggle.

In most occurrences, the egret and heron species remain faithful to one another during the breeding season. They are monogamous on a yearly basis per se; though, that is not to say they cannot choose their previous mate from the previous breeding season as is sometimes the case.

When it comes to home safety, egrets and herons will often abandon a housing rookery after an assailant takes the life of a parent or chick in the area. They desire to reside in a safe neighborhood as do we humans and will investigate for a new apartment development if trouble lurks.

When the Pacific Reef-egret desires to breed, it develops thick feathers displayed on its neck or back. This ornamentation highlights this ave’s elegant appearance during this time of family preparation. 

They definitely desire to bond with the one which pulls its heartstrings. When this bond is secured, the two love birds share brooding tasks after their sweet young make their appearance, whether the young are within protective egg shells or hatched. 

The Reefer mom lays two to three pale, greenish-blue eggs within a nest fabricated with various items—branches, grass, stalks or lovely blossoms. The home is set within mixed backdrops—from rocks, ledges to trees. This nest is usually sheltered to protect. Both Mom and Dad share brooding tasks—warming the eggs beneath their chests with their God-instilled, incubating capabilities. This is usually 28 days. Upon hatching, both parents provide approximately 5 weeks of caring support. Their young chicks depart from the nest around 3 weeks of age. However, they are unable to implement their wings until over a month of age.

Fledglings or juveniles are a paler, smoky-grey when compared to the adult bird.

The population of the Pacific Reef-egret remains substantial.

Egrets can live 12 or more years.

I am graciously grateful for the specifics gathered from informative birding blogs.

Letter to birders: 

https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Anhinga

Anhinga Female © Val J. Lee

My photo above reveals a large black and white bird, referred to as the Anhinga of the Cormorant family/Phalacrocoracidae family.

The Anhinga (word defined as “darter” from Portuguese) is a bird of the southern swamplands. The aves I shot were in the wondrous Florida Everglades of alligators and crocodiles and other interesting genres.

Crocodile of Florida © Val J. Lee

A million gators make Florida their home and one to two thousand crocs. It is unusual for both of these kinds to live together and the only place they do is in the Everglades. This because God’s glades offer brackish or saline waters which crocs thrive in and non-brackish for gators.

The Anhinga is also dubbed the “piano bird” as its wings resemble black and white piano keys on a long keyboard as viewed in the first photo.

This ave is also referred to as the water-turkey for its broad tail, so much so, as to resemble an actual turkey’s feathers, though not a complete wrap around. A turkey’s fan feathers wrap around its body with additional decorative feathers adding a more a dressy effect. Obviously, a turkey has no desire to place it’s unique structural design underwater to catch a fish. Turkeys are crafted by God to be adept swimmers though they prefer not to swim. They can swim through surface waters by tucking their wings in close, spreading their tails, and kicking. But it is not considered proper etiquette to throw one in the water to simply watch it swim, being they are land lovers. Though there is a video showing a wild turkey that loves to be in the water swimming—a rare exception with rare personality.

The Anhinga is additionally known as the “snake-bird” for its habit of swimming with just its long head and neck viewed on the surface. And sometimes referred to as “darter” and as stated above, this is the definition of “Anhinga.” It darts here and there in the water to curve its carnivorous cravings.

An Anhinga can remain under water for a length in time when it submerges for the hunt. You wonder if it will ever surface again from its lovely and swift dive. It feeds mainly “on fish, but also aquatic invertebrates, insects, reptiles and amphibians.”

Anhinga male © Val J. Lee

The God-fashioned, lengthy neck of the Anhinga holds within a vertebra, a formed agile organ of movement, with an expanding throat, allowing the sprinting of its head in rapid movement to spear its prey with its elongated, sharp bill.

It appears the Anhinga can do just about anything with its rope-like neck, except tie a knot.

The expanding neck allows the swallowing of the entire fish of a good catch.

It is a marvel of the LORD Jesus Christ, the Creator of all, and all things hold together in Him; Colossians chapter 1. And believers acknowledge the Godhead moves as One in creation from the time of “Let Us” make man in Our own image; Genesis 1:26-28.

My video:

Anhingas must dry out their feathers after a hearty swim. However, they do own a preen oil gland or uropygial gland at the base of their body, above their tail feathers. They rub their beaks and head onto this oil-well or source to deposit on their feathers. This uropygial gland has been installed in many waterbirds—Ducks, Pelicans, Petrels, Ospreys and Oilbirds (Oilbirds are a unique, nocturnal, monogamous, South American, flying, fruit-eating species with whiskers. Both cats and Oilbirds use whiskers for night hunting. In the past, Oilbird chicks were captured and boiled down for their oil content and thus their name. They obtain much of their fruity nutrition from oil palms.)

I believe the LORD God designed the Anhinga’s wing-drying necessity for us to rejoice in; this masterpiece of feather designing. To me, it resembles an intricate, winsome black and white quilt on a clothesline set out to dry.

Anhinga male with webbed feet wrapped around branch © Val J. Lee

Anhingas are also blessed with webbed feet for their water sporting. These beauties kick their feet to move through the waters when they engage in deep dives. They plummet for fish, frogs, young alligators, etcetera. Their masterfully-crafted feet also wrap neatly around branches when perching.

This ave has an obvious, appealing wingspan—3.7 feet.  Its length is 30-37 inches and can weigh in at three pounds or a bit less.

Anhingas soar overhead like a hawk when hunting for prey and once found, they dive deep into the water or simply surface swim like a swift snake.

Anhingas are monogamous—mating for life. Pairs may reuse nests from year to year and will even seize abandoned nests of large bird kinds such as Blue Herons.

Anhingas can breed in colonies above salt water, though they hunt in fresh waters.

A male will entice a gal by soaring and gliding and marking a potential nest site with leafy twigs for courtship and to let her know he is throwing away bachelorhood for family life.

He displays gorgeous, large,  neon aqua-blue and neon light-green hues of skin which surround his eyes. These lovely lores are naturally attractive to a gal. These bright colors are a delight to behold by birders as well. Males also display a large, neon, aqua-blue eye ring, and within is seated his extraordinary, ruby eyes.

Anhinga male © Val J. Lee

Males also exhibit lengthy, fancy plumes arranged down its neck and bodily black and white satin feathers.

And for the grand finale, he will perform an attractive, perfectly synced, rhythmic dance just for her.

And when they have chosen each other, they both may move in synchronized fashion in a courtship ballet-like dance.

Anhinga and Cormorant Rookery © Val J. Lee

These water birds are like social butterflies, they love company and nest with other Anhingas and Cormorants in a rookery aka a breeding colony or what I call a tree-wooded village of watery views. They will also nest in communities with Herons or Egrets.

Of course, safety in numbers applies here as well. This colony life is true of Blue Herons too, though when not breeding, Herons are fishing loners.

It is interesting to me that all the Anhingas can recognize their mates in a look-alike colony, excepting male and female distinctions. God is incomprehensible in His intelligent designing.

The soon-to-be-mom constructs the nest for their arriving young by weaving sticks together and cushioning them with green leaves—the best soft mattress she can make herself. The papa-to-be brings his dear sweetheart nesting materials and places them in her beak. He does his best to do his part for his gal and to please her in nursery preparation.

No gynecologist is needed to tell the couple they will soon have babies. God tells them!  Jeremiah 8:7 in the Bible, “Even the Stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; And the Turtledove, the Swift, and the Swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD.”

And from Job chapter 8: “But now ask the wild animals, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?”

It is quite heart-touching to observe two Anhingas working to form the perfect nest for their offspring. Though it appears the gal is in charge of forming the perfect crib.

The highly territorial papa-to-be will defend, if necessary, any threats to his babies’ bassinet with extensive, forceful displays to protect. It can peck the neck and head of a threatening bird.

Moms are less aggressive; nevertheless, she will defend the nest if necessary. It is a joint mom and pop operation.

The Female is duller than her male mate, displaying a buff brown neck and upper breast. She does display white and silver on her wings like her male counterpart. In her breeding plumage, she too exhibits magnificent neon green lores and neon blue eye-ring around striking, bright red eyes.

Mom will lay 2 to 5 bluish-white or pale green eggs. Incubation lasts 25 to 30 days and both parents participate.

I would like to add, even after mating and while caring for chicks, the couple can express touching affection toward one other, and even signal with their body movements … body and beak-touching.

Ornithologists have observed Anhingas performing loving acts when changing egg incubation duties—the couples for life intertwine necks and pass nesting material when changing positions.

Chicks hatch free of feathers though they may display some white and dark down on the sides of their body. They are brooded or nursed by both parents for 12 days.

First, parents feed chicks by dripping fluid and the regurgitation of fish directly into their open throats. When chicks become older, juveniles, they place their heads into parents’ bills, then thrust them in their throats to obtain aquatic delights, as seen in my video. At this age, they beg unceasingly for meals for their insatiable appetites; and can be quite aggressive as they pester their parents. Obviously, this stage requires far more work for Mom and Dad. These adolescent chicks resemble human teenage boys who seem to have a belly which never registers full.

The chicks are totally dependent upon their parents for three weeks. After the three-week stage, they can climb on a branch near the nest and start exercising their wings, beginning the swerve to independence.

If the young are threatened at their nest at three weeks of age, they are able to drop into the water below and perform a swim-escape.

They fledge or fly at about six weeks. However, they will remain with their parents for several weeks following.

After a length of weeks, the white down on the feathers turns dark; this when maturing into adulthood.

Young reach their sexual maturity at about 2 years old.

The Anhinga does not call out in lovely tones and is mostly silent. If it speaks, it is in a raspy, croaking voice … and signals its mind with snaps, squawks and grunts.

No need for the Anhingas to migrate in their all-year warm range from the coastal areas of the southwest of the US—North Carolina to Texas. This ave also resides in Mexico, Central America, Panama and Cuba. In South America, it is found from Colombia to Ecuador, and from east of the Andes to Argentina. Anhingas thrive in tropical and subtropical regions all around the globe. Many in the world are blessed by their loveliness.

The longevity of these birds is twelve years. God is gracious to allow these flyers length of life.

Letter to bird enthusiast: https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

In gracious appreciation for information gathered from various websites.

Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee—Laughing Gull of Caribbean

 

Laughing Gulls and they mate for life @Val J. Lee

Among the many islands in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua is most popular among tourists due to its breathtaking nature repertoire.

Antigua Island @ Val J. Lee

I shot these Laughing Gull photos when vacationing with my husband in Antigua and on the Island of St. Thomas. A community of these gulls can provide a pleasant evening of soaring entertainment, as they descend on and consume small fish navigating near the surface of the ocean and snatch insects on the wing.

Laughing Gulls in a community @Val J. Lee

Their entrée desires include “mollusks, fish, bird eggs, young birds, squid, crabs and other crustaceans, insects, carrion, and garbage.” Like many aves, they will eat whatever is available, though Laughing Gulls, like other gulls, will even steal food.

Bold gulls will come and take from an uplifted hand in offer of a french fry or anything edible.  Of course, they too love to catch food when thrown. Ivar’s Restaurant in Seattle is famous for such gull dock feedings; in fact, if food is tossed in the air, a gull can easily snatch it up! (Though these are not Laughing Gulls). Gulls will fight other birds for food as most birds do.

Laughing Gulls also engage their flying skills to pluck fish from birds in flight, and can shift maneuvers to pester prey birds until they drop the food which a gull will catch before it hits the water. Yes, quite the flying acrobats.

These entertainers laugh like a bunch of crazy people when aroused. Easy to guess their label acquirement.

There is a posted video showing a seagull walking into a store nonchalantly, snatching a small bag of potato chips without even paying for it. 😊 The bird did this everyday, going for the bright orange package near the door, getting a distance from the store and then opening and chowing down. There is also another video of a gull flying through a kitchen window and stealing food on plates, and another of one walking in a back door and stealing kitty food out of the bowl, the cat being too lazy to care.

Laughing Gull © Val J. Lee

The Laughing Gull is rarely seen solo with no other seagull in sight. Their entertaining characteristics include being gregarious.

Laughing Gull © Val J. Lee

Yes, that is quite the wingspan you see in the above photo—around 42 inches. Seagulls exhibit remarkably long flight wings. Their body length runs between 15 to 18 inches and they weigh up to 13 ounces.

My video:

 

The Laughing ones flight range expands from Nova Scotia to Trinidad and winters as far as South America. They never wander far inland, loving the eastern coastal waters of tasty nuggets.

The adult, Laughing Seagull’s body is white, apart from the dark-grey rear wings, black tail wings and its black head with eyes outlined in white and beet-hued beaks.

Laughing Gull © Val J. Lee

When they open their mouths to talk, you can note, it is beet-red too. (See photo above) All lovely colors chosen from the Master’s pallet.

Their black faces and black eyes—highlighted in white, is the striking stand-out for viewers.

Seagulls own excellent vision … birds, in general, own incredible sight-seeing attributes. Seagulls are one of the few bird species comprised of eyes able to move within the sockets. Yes, miraculously, formed by Jesus Christ the Creator of all; Colossians 1:15-20 (the Bible). All things, including birds, were created by Him and for Him.

Laughing Gulls © Val J. Lee

Laughing couples form communities, housing 25,000 pairs or less. A couple of Laughing love birds enjoy company at their nesting door. And they are love birds as Seagulls mate for life. These Laughing colonies also serve to ward off predators. Around a hundred gulls will angrily drive most terrorists away; on occasion, maneuvering them into the sea to drown. No, you do no want to mess with these gulls if you have criminal intentions.

Studies expose a highly developed, complex communication system within the gull family (existing of 28 species), using a wide range of vocalizations and body movements which causes many gulls to move as one, if necessary, to remove anything annoying.

Job 12:7-10 provides us with an education, teaching the birds of the heavens understand God is their Creator and sustainer of life. They know their origin is not held in question:

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;

And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;

And the fish of the sea will explain to you.

Who among all these does not know

That the hand of the Lord has done this,

In whose hand is the life of every living thing,

And the breath of all mankind?”

Being quite the architects, a cute Laughing Gull couple will construct a sturdy nest of weeds and grasses on the ground of offshore islands. This, a parenting job they perform together, enjoying each other’s company. Three or four olive-colored eggs with splotches of dark brown are laid. Following three weeks, the embryos emerge. Yearlings are grayer below and display paler heads. Adult plumage is achieved in three years. Male and females appear alike.

Seagulls’ intelligence is observed through their God-provided ingenious, feeding methods … including dropping clams and other shelled mollusks onto rock surfaces, breaking them open. They teach their mature fledglings their maneuverings and other creative hunting cunningness. God cares for all aves and their survival in the wilds of life.

Australia and  New Zealand’s Silver Seagull displays cute polkadots on the tail wings; with the Laughing Gull, you may spot one or two polkadots, as seen in video above.

Laughing Gull © Val J. Lee

During the time of fancy hats with their feminine crafted plumage, gull populations plummeted, though they now have wholeheartedly returned. Most birds now thrive under protective laws.

The longest living, known Laughing Gull was at least 22 years old.

Letter to bird enthusiast:

https://birdsbyval.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/letter-to-bird-enthusiast/

In gracious gratitude for the info I gathered from various websites.