A Good Name



Yellow-headed Blackbird on a post

I recently posted that the Red-bellied Woodpecker has a "bad name." That opinion is based on the fact that the Red-bellied Woodpecker does not have a red belly. It just seems to me that if you name a bird a red-bellied something-or-other, it ought to have a red belly. There are other birds with bad names, too. While on a hike with my son, Jacob, this weekend, I pointed out an Orange-crowned Warbler in a tree. Then I had to tell him not to bother looking for the orange crown. I have seen hundreds of Orange-crowned Warblers, and I have yet to see the orange crown. Well, the situation with the bird pictured here is just the opposite. Yellow-headed Blackbirds could not possibly have any other name. Just take a look: Yellow head? Check. Black bird? Check. There you have it: Yellow-headed Blackbird. Now that's what I call a good name.

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1



Yellow-headed Blackbird in the reeds

Do These Look Like Horns?

Horned Grebe

The golden plumes adorning this bird's head are not actually horns, but tufts of feathers. These golden horns are present only during the breeding season. Long about August this bird will lose the golden and rust colors, and will become very drab in white and shades of gray. Then next April it will be back to breeding plumage once more.

Cooper's Hawk Goes to the Ball Game

Adult Cooper's Hawk in my yard - April 2010

On Sunday a Cooper's Hawk attended a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at Miller Park in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee hawk was an immature Cooper's Hawk, quite different in coloration from the adult pictured here. Here is a link to a video of the hawk in action at the baseball game. The Milwaukee Brewers Cooper's Hawk was chasing a pigeon. The one in my yard last year nailed a Eurasian Collared-Dove. Pigeons and doves are high up on this bird-eater's list of favorite foods. Seeing the video of the Cooper's Hawk in action at the ball game reminded me of this blog post that I wrote last year after seeing an American Kestrel at a Minnesota Twins game. Birds and baseball... two of my favorite things!!

Grouse Camouflage

Sharp-tailed Grouse
Camouflaged in the dry grass of early spring

Some folks may think the mottled coloration of the Sharp-tailed Grouse is just an accident of nature. I am convinced it is one more proof of the loving creation of God. Grouse and other grassland birds do not have many defenses against predators. One they do have is the ability to hide in plain sight. The brown and white pattern of  their feathers is perfect camouflage in the spring and autumn of the year. The bird in this photo blends right in with its surroundings. I think that is just what God had in mind.

Before the Rooster Crows

Domestic Chickens
(Photo by Paul O. Roisen)

Red Jungle Fowl, Gallus gallus gallus

“Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me. ” Luke 22:34

The most abundant bird in the world today is the domestic chicken. First domesticated in India in 3200 B.C., the bird’s ancestor, the Red Jungle Fowl, is still found in forested areas of southeast Asia. The domestication of the chicken has also led to an amazing number of varieties, two of which, Delaware Blue Hen and Rhode Island Red, are state birds. The original popularity of the chicken was more for cockfighting than it was for use as food, and at first they were bred for their fighting capabilities. Selective breeding of chickens for high quality meat and eggs came later.

The crowing of a rooster has been a familiar part of human life for thousands of years. It is a metaphor of the everyday ritual of waking up and getting ready for the day. The rooster’s “cock-a-doodle-doo” has become symbolic of all things rural, quaint or old-fashioned. To Christians, the crowing of a rooster brings to mind the story of Peter on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter boldly told Jesus, “I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). Jesus, knowing what was to come, responded by informing Peter, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three time that you know me” (Luke 22:34). Later that night, Peter did deny Jesus three times, and after the third denial, “Immediately a rooster crowed” (Matthew 26:74). If we are honest, most of us can relate to Peter. In a time of great stress and uncertainty he succumbed to the common human tendency to protect oneself. In Peter’s weakness, however, there was hope. Later in his life he wrote, “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13) and “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16). Oh, that we would learn a lesson from Peter, and not be ashamed to bear the name of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I ask for forgiveness for the times I have denied you. I thank you for the crowing of the rooster that reminds me of my need to acknowledge you as the central focus of my life. Amen.

Devotional for Good Friday

Tufted Titmouse
(Photo by Paul O. Roisen)

Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor

“I tell you, Peter...” Luke 22:34

On a stroll through the woods in the eastern United States you might hear the call, “Peter, Peter, Peter” echoing from the forest canopy. If you are quiet and careful, you may be able to get a look at a Tufted Titmouse foraging in the trees. The Tufted Titmouse is a small, gray bird with a tidy crest and a prominent, dark eye. Their “Peter” calls are usually made in phrases of two, three or four, and are repeated continually as the birds hop from branch to branch. They sing most often in the summer months, but sometimes also are heard singing in the middle of winter.

“I tell you, Peter,” was the way Jesus addressed His disciple on the night of Jesus’ arrest. Jesus continued by informing Peter, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three time that you know me” (Luke 22:34). The fact that Peter denied that he knew Jesus sometimes obscures the transformation that later took place in Peter’s life. That transformation began during the time Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. John 21:15-18 records that Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you truly love me?” and that Peter answered in the affirmative three times. The Book of Acts records that after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter was arrested three times. On the first of those occasions, Peter and John appeared before the Jewish leaders and were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Their response reflects a remarkable change from the man who had three times denied that he even knew Jesus: “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). Three was a significant number in the life of Peter. Three times he denied that he knew Jesus. Three times Jesus asked him, “Do you love me?” Three times he was placed under arrest. As you hear the Tufted Titmouse say, “Peter, Peter, Peter,” remember not only that Peter denied Jesus three times, but that he also stood before the authorities three times and acknowledged Jesus as his Lord.

Father, I thank you for the example of Peter, and that you can also empower me to overcome my fears and to acknowledge you as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Easy As Pied

Pied-billed Grebe

This bird is named Pied-billed Grebe because its bill is pied, meaning variegated or covered with two or more colors. Many people misspell and mispronounce this bird's name as pie-billed grebe. However, if you keep in mind that there is indeed a word, pied, and what it means, you should have no trouble remembering to always put the "d" sound in there.

Pheasant on Barbed Wire



Ring-necked Pheasant



This evening I took some photos of a Ring-necked Pheasant that I thought was standing on this horizontal wooden fence support. After I looked closely at the pictures, I saw that the bird has one foot up on a strand of barbed wire like some over-sized songbird. I have never heard of pheasants perching on wire before. If you look at birds long enough, I guess you will see almost everything.

One Shrike Comes, One Shrike Goes



Loggerhead Shrike
Broad black mask extends over beak, clear white undersides



April is the time of year that one species of shrike leaves the Great Plains, and another species of shrike takes its place. Northern Shrikes spend the winter months in the U.S. but head to northern Canada for the summer months. Loggerhead Shrikes spend the summer in the Great Plains, but migrate south for the winter. These two birds are so similar that I often say the best way to tell them apart is to look at the calendar. If it's January, you're looking at a Northern Shrike; if the month is June, then it's a Loggerhead Shrike. The problem comes if the month is April or October. Then you need to look more closely. Northern Shrikes are larger, and have larger bills and lightly barred undersides. Loggerhead Shrikes are clear white underneath, and have a broader black mask that extends over the bill. If you look closely at these photos, you should be able to see these differences. I was put to the test earlier this month. On April 2nd I saw a shrike that upon close inspection turned out to be a Northern Shrike. Eight days later I saw my first Loggerhead Shrike in the same area. With patience and practice, you should be able to tell the shrikes apart, too.    




Northern Shrike
Narrow black mask does not extend over beak, lightly barred undersides

 

A Bad Name

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Today I got very close to this hungry Red-bellied Woodpecker. Does the belly of this woodpecker look red to you? It doesn't look red to me, either. You can see a faint pink wash on the bird's undersides, but that is about all the reddish coloration you'll ever find. Most people agree that Red-bellied Woodpecker is one of the least appropriate names ever given to a bird. I once wrote a devotional about this woodpecker in which I said it has a "bad name." So, what do you think? Is Red-bellied Woodpecker a bad name?
 

Robins in the Snow

American Robin foraging in April snow

A spring snowstorm hit central South Dakota last night. As I sit here in the warmth of my den, I can see the snow still coming down outside my window. On a little trek downtown earlier this morning, I encountered a small flock of robins cavorting in the snow. They seemed mildly upset at the change in weather, but their mood should change tomorrow when the sunshine returns.

An American Robin faces into the wintry blast

HUGO is in the News

Three Hudsonian Godwits (HUGO)

I have been reading several reports of Hudsonian Godwits (alpha code, HUGO) that have been spotted in South Dakota this spring. At least three of the birds wore brightly colored bands that indicate they were banded in Chile in January 2010. The Hudsonian Godwits pictured here stopped at a wetland near Pierre last spring. As you look at these birds, it is almost impossible to comprehend that they have just flown in from Chile, and are about to continue their journey to northern Canada. HUGOs are amazing migrants! 

Say Hello To GREG

Great Egret (GREG)

When I saw this Great Egret on Saturday below Oahe Dam in central South Dakota, I wrote, GREG in my notebook. GREG is the four-letter alpha code for that species. These codes are used by bird banders because they take up a lot less space on those tiny little metal bands. Many birders also find alpha codes useful when making quick notes out in the field (or while driving!). The rules for alpha codes are simple for the most part. A one-word bird like Dickcissel becomes DICK. For two-word birds like Great Egret, you use the first two letters of each word, and come up with GREG. With three-word birds like Red-breasted Nuthatch, you use the first letters of the first two words, and the first two letters of the third word, and you have RBNU. There are a few exceptions (of course!) to make life interesting, but for the most part it's fairly straightforward. So, try using alpha codes and see if it saves you time when you are out in the woods making notes about DOWO, BCCH, WBNU, NOCA or other birds.

Bird Devotional 104



Eastern Screech-Owl
(Photo by Paul O. Roisen)

 Eastern Screech-Owl, Otus asio

“The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows.” Zephaniah 2:14

Eastern Screech-Owls make eerie calls that are not the typical hoots of owls, but sound more like the whinnying of horses. These are small owls that live in forested areas and feed on mice, insects and small birds. Because the owls are natural enemies of small, forest-dwelling birds, flocks of small birds will often “harass” Eastern Screech-Owls to discourage them from hunting in their area. Birders will sometimes use this behavior to bring timid songbirds out into the open where they can be more easily observed. A recorded call of an Eastern Screech-Owl is played and then the birders will watch as chickadees, wrens, flycatchers, sparrows and other birds come out of hiding to find the location of the “owl.”

Today’s Bible passage describes the scene when judgment has come upon the Assyrians. There is complete devastation—so complete that screech-owls will be roosting in the ruins and “their calls will echo through the windows.” Zephaniah says, “Rubble will be in the doorways, the beams of cedar will be exposed” (Zephaniah 2:14). The prophet indicates that the reason for Assyria’s fall was its boastfulness that put itself in the place of God. “This is the carefree city that lived in safety. She said to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me’” (Zephaniah 2:15). The phrase, “I am” has a very powerful meaning in the Bible. When Moses asked God about His name, God answered, “I am who I am.” When we begin to think that, “It’s all about me,” we are inviting into our lives the same kind of judgment that befell the Assyrians after their boast of, “I am, and there is none beside me.” Remember who God is, and give Him the first priority in your life.

Father, I confess that I most often put myself first. Help me to know that you are God, that you are the great “I Am.” Forgive me for my presumptuous and self-serving nature. Amen.

California and Utah Come to South Dakota

California Gull, the State Bird of Utah, visits South Dakota

Many species of gulls are starting to migrate through the Pierre, South Dakota area. Among those I saw yesterday was the California Gull pictured here. California Gull is the State Bird of Utah because of a very famous historical event. In the late spring of 1848, hordes of grasshoppers were beginning to destroy the crops of early settlers in the Great Salt Lake Basin. Then, in early June, vast flocks of California Gulls, Larus californicus, came and devoured the insects, thereby saving both the crops and the people. California Gulls breed in the Great Plains and western mountain basins, and spend the winter along the Pacific coast.

Bird Devotional 103

American Kestrel, Falco sparverius

“No bird of prey knows that hidden path, no falcon's eye has seen it.” Job 28:7

What is the hidden path that no bird of prey knows? Why is the falcon unable to see it? By reading further we discover that the subject of the queries is wisdom. In verse 12 the question is asked, “But where can wisdom be found?” Later in verse 21 we find that, “It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air.”

Falcons, together with eagles, hawks, kites and ospreys are members of a group of birds known as raptors or birds of prey. All raptors have superb eyesight that enables them to see their potential victims from great distances. Indeed the common phrases, “hawk eye” and “eagle eye” are well deserved. The American Kestrel is the smallest and most common of the falcons found in North America. You see them perched on tree branches or power lines, always on the alert for movement below them. They are well known for their habit of hovering prior to plunging to the earth to capture their prey, usually large insects, small mammals and birds.

If wisdom is hidden from birds of prey with their excellent vision, then how can it be found? Later in the chapter we are told that, “God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:23) and “The fear of the Lord --- that is wisdom.” (Job 28:28). In the New Testament Paul reveals Jesus as Wisdom: “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Paul goes on to compare God’s wisdom to the frailty of man’s wisdom: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). For thousands of years, humans have tried to gain wisdom through their own efforts. No one has ever succeeded. It is only through seeking God that we can find true wisdom.

Lord, I search for wisdom as the falcon searches for food. Let me realize that you alone have the power to give wisdom. Amen.