Precious Black Necked Stilt
One of my favorite little waders is the Black Necked Stilt. We see them in our South Florida wetlands on the east coast during the breeding season in late spring and early summer. They have the longest red legs on any bird in relation to their the body size, second only to the flamingo. These dainty-looking birds like to build their nests in a clump of soil and vegetation right in the wetlands water which makes we admiring fans quite nervous because of alligators. But alligators, beware, because these lightweight parents carry heavyweight courage and vigor in protecting their clutch. I’ve seen them fly out to harass a gator moving too close to another bird’s nest. These pretty and tall parents alternate turns at rolling the eggs to assure each egg has full exposure to their body heat. Once the chicks are hatched, both parents feed and teach the chicks up through the time they fledge the nest. They are seen hanging out at their empty nests for a while just to make certain the fledglings are succeeding on their own. The Black Necked Stilts are quite territorial and in non-breeding times seem to enjoy associating with other stilts....
Read MoreHow Firm A Foundation
Funny how something so seemingly unconnected will cause us to reflect on something in our past. On a recent birding outing with a couple of friends, we stood in awe watching a lovely Great Egret working diligently to position and reposition the first tree branch for her nest. Here in South Florida, love is surely in the air as our avian neighbors are adorned in their oh so beautiful breeding plumage, courting one another and selecting their mates. The first duty at hand is for the male to obtain the “perfect” tree branches, twigs, etc. and fly to the awaiting female to present his nest construction materials. What a joy and privilege it is to observe. This one particular egret would carefully, with her bill, place the glorified stick in one place, then remove it to position in what she thinks would be the perfect place to start the nest. I watched her for more that 15 minutes work with that stick searching for the place it belonged. Several times, I felt like she had located the perfect place, but she wasn’t satisfied. Another person remarked “Wonder why she’s not happy with it?” I thought about it and then offered my thought which was “I suppose she is searching for the best possible place because it will truly be the foundation of the nest they will raise their family in…” Egrets are BIG birds and two adults and several chicks can be a load for a nest to bare. On my drive home I got to thinking about a foundation of a home and to myself thought, “Of course, that’s why she was taking such care.” That led me to pondering on how God, Our Creator programs each living thing with the knowledge or instincts needed for it’s entire life…just like He does for us humans. That’s one of the most special things about birding that I love and it keeps me coming back for more. My soul is nourished each time I go. One of my favorite older hymns is “How Firm A Foundation” and I have such affirming memories of singing this hymn in church with my parents, grandmother as a child and with my own family later on. “Fear not, I am with thee, Oh be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee, Help thee, And cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.” What firmer foundation could there possibly be other than that “righteous, omnipotent hand?” Praise God from Whom ALL blessings...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
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