Bird Devotional 84

Olive-sided Flycatcher, Contopus cooperi

(Photo by Tucker Jones Lutter)

“Come,’ each one cries, ‘Let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.’” Isaiah 56:12

There is no way around it. “Quick! Three beers!” is exactly the sound made by the Olive-sided Flycatcher. The field guides indicate that is what these birds say, and I had heard it for myself on several bird-call recordings. However, until I actually saw an Olive-sided Flycatcher perched on a dead branch and singing that phrase, I really did not believe it. Standing on the edge of a forest clearing and listening to a bird ordering beer is quite a unique experience. Olive-sided Flycatchers spend the summer in coniferous forests of North America, but they can be found throughout most of the continent during migration.

As you read through today’s Bible verse, you likely recognized someone, perhaps even yourself. First you hear the urgent desire for something: “Let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer!” Then you hear the false hope that the desire for something will bring fulfillment: “Tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.” In our human experience we see the pattern over and over. Whether the thing we desire is alcohol, drugs, sex, fame, power, money or something else—we think it will bring happier days and a brighter tomorrow. Sadly, it never does, and we find ourselves trapped in a cycle from which we cannot escape. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15). However, there is an answer: “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25). “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life has set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). Receive that freedom now.

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often feel trapped and unable to escape. I thank you for the freedom that you have promised through your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Spirit Mound

Spirit Mound rising from the prairie

Just north of the Missouri River in extreme southeastern South Dakota lies Spirit Mound. This landform was observed by Lewis and Clark on August 25, 1804. According to legend, the local native people were afraid to go to this mound because it was inhabited by fierce little people. Perhaps the people were really afraid of Spirit Mound, or perhaps they just wanted outsiders to stay away from it. The members of the Corps of Discovery were sufficiently curious as to spend a whole day walking from the river to observe this wonder. Here is an excerpt from Clark's journal that describes part of what they observed that day, including an interesting observation of birds. I left the original spelling intact in order to challenge you a bit:

Augt. 25th Satturday 1804… Set out to Visit this

mountain of evel Spirits, we Set out from the
mouth of the White Stone Creek, at 8 oClock,
at 4 miles Cross the Creek in an open plain, at
7 ms. the dog gave out & we Sent him back to
the Creek at 12 oClock we rose the hill
Some time before we got to the hill we obsevd.
great numbers of Birds hovering about the top of
this Mound when I got on the top those Birds
flw off. I discovered that they wer Cetechig a
kind of flying ant which were in great numbers
abought the top of this hill, those insects lit on
our hats & necks, Several of them bit me verry
Shart on the neck,

Spirit Mound

I have tried to find more information about the type of birds observed by Lewis and Clark on Spirit Mound, but could find very little. My speculation is that they were probably some species of swallow... Barn Swallow or Cliff Swallow, perhaps. If you are ever traveling in southeastern South Dakota, Spirit Mound is worth a visit. I made these images last week when I took a short detour so I could drive past this historic place.

Basic Plumage

Common Loon in basic plumage

All birds molt. That is, they lose and replace all their feathers. Many birds molt twice each year, usually in the spring and fall. These birds commonly have a very different appearance after the spring molt than they do after the fall molt. The feathers worn during the winter, or non-breeding season, are referred to as basic plumage. The feathers worn during the summer, or breeding season, are referred to as alternate plumage. Common Loons molt around the first of October, and then again in mid-March. The molting process takes place just prior to the birds' migration. The bird pictured above was swimming yesterday in the Missouri River near Pierre. It is a fine example of a basic plumage Common Loon.

Facing the Blast

Ring-billed Gull facing into 60 MPH wind gusts

The huge storm cell that has been covering much of North America for the past three days has affected the Pierre area just as it has everywhere else. We had our first snowfall (less than an inch), and wind gusts of up to 60 MPH! I saw very few birds out in that wind. A few raptors were braving the breezes. Some flocking birds were quickly flying from one sheltered area to the next. And down by the river, a small group of Ring-billed Gulls was standing in the full force of the wind, their heads pointed into the face of the blast. I shot this photo from inside my car with the window rolled down just far enough to stick the lens of my camera out. That was as much wind as I could tolerate. I don't know how the birds can hang on like they do.

Why Herring?

Herring Gull

Yesterday I saw some Herring Gulls hanging out in a riverside parking lot with some Ring-billed Gulls. Herring Gulls are large birds, with yellow, red-spotted bills and pink legs. I was curious as to why they are called Herring Gulls. I'm sure they will eat herrings if they have a chance, but they will also eat nearly anything else that comes their way. It turns out that herring is an Old Norse word that means "army." The fish, herring, is always found in large schools, or "armies." Likewise, in many parts of the world, Herring Gulls are always found in large numbers or "armies". At any rate, these birds have been called Herring Gulls since the 17th century so I think the name is here to stay.

Two Herring Gulls comprise a very small army

Seafood Buffet

Ring-billed Gull with crayfish

Dozens of Ring-billed Gulls are always hanging out along the LaFramboise Island Causeway in Pierre, looking for a handout. Some people love to throw bits of bread or French fries to the gulls and watch them fight over the free food. Human foods are not particularly good for wild birds, so I was thrilled today to see this Ring-billed Gull eating a fresh crayfish. Then I was absolutely astounded to see a second Ring-billed Gull eating a crayfish down on the other end of the causeway. Those were the first crayfish I have seen in that area. I'm sure the fresh seafood is much better for the gulls than stale white bread.

Another Ring-billed Gull...another crayfish

So... just how am I supposed to eat this thing?

Tom's Blackbird

Brewer's Blackbird at Fort Pierre National Grasslands

I found a flock of Brewer's blackbirds today while driving through the Fort Pierre National Grasslands. These blackbirds are migrating through here on their way south. The Brewer's Blackbird was named by John James Audubon for his friend, Thomas Mayo Brewer, a Boston physician. Audubon discovered Brewer's Blackbirds in June 1843 while on a trip to the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.

Male Brewer's Blackbird

Brewer's Blackbirds, female between two males

Abundance of Redtails

Red-tailed Hawk perched on utility line

I drove across the state of South Dakota this weekend, and was happy to see Red-tailed Hawks in abundance. At times, it seemed I could not travel one mile without spotting one of these raptors perched on a utility pole or soaring in the sky.

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk shows off its striped tail

Red-tailed Hawk flying away

DeGrey Discards

Signs at entrance to DeGrey Lakeside Use Area

For today's blog, I was planning to write about the interesting signs at the entrance to DeGrey Lakeside Use Area east of Pierre. So, yesterday I drove out there again to try to get a better photo of those signs. After getting a few photos, I drove down by the edge of the Missouri River, and found a pile of pheasant carcasses. I'm sure that is not the legal way to dispose of dead pheasants. Perhaps the Game, Fish and Parks Department needs to erect one more sign at the entrance: NO DUMPING OF PHEASANT CARCASSES.

Dead pheasants at DeGrey Lakeside Use Area, 10-19-10

Teenager

First Winter White-crowned Sparrow

Many birds do not attain their beautiful adult plumage until their second, third, or even fourth year of life. The above White-crowned Sparrow is a first winter bird. That means it has already molted out of its juvenile plumage, but is not yet wearing the feathers it will as an adult. So in other words, it is a teenager. In fact, if you look at first winter White-crowned Sparrows, you may wonder how the species got its name. Take a look at the adult bird pictured below, and you will have no doubt the bird-namers got it right this time.

Adult White-crowned Sparrow

Hunting the State Bird

Two rooster Ring-necked Pheasants,

South Dakota's State Bird

Hunting South Dakota's State Bird, the Ring-necked Pheasant, is one of the major industries in the state. People come here from all over to hunt pheasants each fall. The official "Pheasant Opener" was at noon this past Saturday, and out-of-town hunters filled the local hotels over the weekend. Nearly everyone in South Dakota is a pheasant hunter, it seems. I heard a story about a hunter from the east coast who was quite surprised when he was introduced to one of his hunting partners and discovered that the man in the blaze-orange hunting garb was the governor of South Dakota. I don't hunt myself, but while driving around town yesterday, I did see the two rooster pheasants shown here. They were cavorting on a lawn within the Pierre city limits. I told them they'd better stay in town. It's too dangerous for them out in the country.

Bonnies Are Back

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte's Gulls are dainty, little gulls that breed in Canada and spend the winter in the southern United States. Every year in mid-October they come through South Dakota on their way south. I have seen large numbers of "bonnies" catching fish below the big dams in central South Dakota in the past week.

Bird Devotional 83

Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos

“Humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children…to protect us from enemies on the road.” Ezra 8:21-22

Traveling along a South Dakota highway at 65 MPH I saw something looming on the road up ahead. As I got closer I could identify a male Mallard standing erect and still, right on the edge of the roadway. I moved over toward the center of the highway in order to avoid hitting the duck. As I rushed by, just a few feet from the bird, I saw the reason it remained standing on the road: There at its feet was a dead female Mallard. Do birds have the capacity to mourn the loss of a mate? I do not know the answer to that question, but I do know that this particular Mallard seemed to be standing vigil over the dead female. This behavior did of course place the male Mallard in grave danger as well, but it seemed totally unconcerned as cars continued to whiz by. Millions of birds are killed on highways every year. They are drawn to roadways for many reasons. During harvest season birds flock to the edges of country roads to consume grain that has spilled from trucks traveling between field and market. Many species of birds go to roadsides to pick up grit that is necessary for their digestive systems. Other birds are killed as they fly low across highways in pursuit of insects or other prey. Whatever the reason for their presence there, roads are dangerous places for birds.

In today’s Bible passage Ezra had called for a fast and prayed for a safe journey for those returning with him to Jerusalem from Babylon. He did not ask the king for protection, but relied totally upon God, because as he said, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him” (Ezra 8:22). God answered their prayers, and the people arrived safely in Jerusalem. We all will encounter “enemies on the road” as we travel our life’s journey. Pray for God’s protection and He will answer your prayer just as He did for Ezra.

Dear God, as we face dangers and trials on the road of life, we ask for your protection for our families. We thank you for hearing our prayers. Amen.

Mew Gull!

Mew Gull

I received a report of a Mew Gull that was sighted on the Legion Club Beach in downtown Pierre yesterday afternoon. So, today after work I went down there, and quickly spotted this Mew Gull hanging out with a flock of Ring-billed Gulls. Mew Gulls breed in Alaska and northwestern Canada, and spend the winter along the Pacific Coast. Every once in a while, a stray Mew Gull wanders over into the central part of the continent as this one apparently did. Mew Gulls are very similar to Ring-billed Gulls, but Mew Gulls are smaller, and have daintier bills that lack the ring of their ring-billed cousins.

Ring-billed Gull on left; Mew Gull on right

I Craned My Neck

Sandhill Cranes flying over my house

I keep a yard list of all the birds I see in my yard or flying over my yard. It's up to 66 species in the two years we have lived here. The very first birds I observed here on the day we took possession of the house were a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. I guess I have come full circle. Today I saw another flock flying over the house, the first Sandhill Cranes I have seen here in town since that group two years ago. They were heading due south at a pretty good clip. I did manage to rush into the house and grab my camera in time to get the picture you see here.

Hairpiece?

Western Grebe at Lake Andes, South Dakota

I was sorting through some old photos this morning, and came across this picture of a Western Grebe. Do you think it looks as if the bird is wearing a toupee?

In the Leaves

Tennessee Warbler hiding behind a leaf

Most warblers migrate through South Dakota in late August and early September. However, there are a few that are still straggling through as we move into the second week of October. I saw a Tennessee Warbler earlier this week, and was reminded of these photos of a Tennessee Warbler I chased through the bushes a few years ago. It seemed that every time I managed to get a shot of that bird, it was behind a leaf like in the photo above. Finally, the little bugger came out long enough for me to get the shot below.

Tennessee Warbler almost out in the open

Warm Welcome

Western Meadowlark perched on sign

I drive by DeGrey Lakeside Use Area in central South Dakota several times each week. I often stop there to check out the birds, and I almost always find something good. Yesterday is the first time I have actually seen a bird perched on the entrance sign. What a warm welcome that was!

Sun-Dried Vulture

Turkey Vulture

One morning last week I observed this Turkey Vulture perched in the sun with its wings spread. Several species of birds engage in wing-drying as the Turkey Vulture is doing in this photo. Cormorants, Anhingas, storks, pelicans and vultures all exhibit this trait. Birds spread their wings like this for two main reasons. The first reason is to dry their wet feathers. There was a heavy dew that morning, and I suspect this vulture may have become covered in dew while roosting in that tree overnight. Second, they spread their wings in the sun for purposes of thermoregulation. That is, they can increase their internal body temperature by standing with their backs to the sun and spreading their wings. So, this wing-spread vulture was merely warming up and drying off in preparation for his day. I guess I do that myself by toweling off after my shower and then drinking a hot cup of coffee. Each species to his own.

City Heron

Great Blue Heron

There are hundreds of lakes in Minneapolis, and there are probably hundreds of Great Blue Herons living in those lakes. I found this one at a small lake right in the heart of the city earlier this week.

Duckweed or Pond Scum?

Male Wood Duck in duckweed

I was attending a meeting in Minneapolis this week, and took a little time to wander around a city park. I found a pond that was entirely covered in duckweed. Some people call these tiny little plants pond scum, but I prefer the more positive-sounding, duckweed. I guess whether you think a duckweed-covered lake is ugly or beautiful depends on your point of view. One thing is certain, though-- the ducks, like this gorgeous male Wood Duck-- love the stuff!

Bird Devotional 82

Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura

“Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.” Matthew 24:28

As I was driving down a lonely South Dakota highway I could see a large, dark object in the middle of the road up ahead. When I got a little closer, parts of the object separated from the other part and flew away. Three Turkey Vultures had been feeding on a freshly-dead deer carcass, and I had disturbed their dinner. I safely dodged the road-kill, and when I looked in the rear view mirror, I could see the vultures already returning to finish their meal.

The Turkey Vulture is the most common and widespread of the three vulture species found in North America. It soars for long periods of time, holding its wings in a V shape, and searching by smell and sight for the carcasses of dead animals. It feeds exclusively on the flesh of freshly dead and decaying animals, chiefly mammals. A vulture’s head is entirely devoid of feathers, allowing the bird to plunge its head into a carcass without getting its feathers fouled with blood and rotting flesh.

In today’s verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the last days. He has just told them that the return of the Son of God will be as visible and as obvious as lightning illuminating the entire sky. Then He uses the reference to the vultures to further illustrate the point that His return will be seen as clearly as vultures coming to a carcass. As surely as vultures come whenever there is a dead animal, and as completely and as thoroughly as they consume the entire carcass, so will Christ’s coming be certain and complete. Let us be ready when He comes.

Dear Father, I long to be in your presence. Thank you for sending your Son that I might have the promise of eternal life. Help me to remain steadfast and diligent as I await your coming. Amen.

Back in the Yard

Red-breasted Nuthatch

The first Red-breasted Nuthatches of the fall season arrived in my yard yesterday. They quickly found where I had moved the black oil sunflower feeder, and went right to work. Red-breasted Nuthatches are present in central South Dakota every winter, but they are more numerous some winters than others. These birds are dependent on the seeds of coniferous trees such as spruce and fir. Some years they "irrupt" from Canada in large numbers when there is widespread failure of cone crops. This may be such a year. According to reliable winter finch and nuthatch predictions, "there have generally been poor cone crops in spruces, balsam fir and white pine in the coniferous forest region of Canada." I have two spruce trees in my yard with pretty good cone crops. That may be what attracts the nuthatches to my place, but it's the well-stocked feeders that will keep them here. I sure do love those cute little guys!