Aug
31
what are the most common birds in Southern California?
Filed Under Do It Yourself (DIY) | 6 Comments
Pam asked:
I am helping my daughter make a bird feeder for our backyard and we wanted to put some homemade birdfood in it instead of the generic store bought ones. Does anyone know what the most common birds are in SoCal and what they eat?
SYLVESTER
I am helping my daughter make a bird feeder for our backyard and we wanted to put some homemade birdfood in it instead of the generic store bought ones. Does anyone know what the most common birds are in SoCal and what they eat?
SYLVESTER
Aug
30
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Mike McCoy asked:
Birds can be attracted to your home and surroundings simply by offering food, water and shelter, the three most important ingredients for all living creatures. I want to share with you how I have crated a paradise in my own backyard that is loaded with birds year round.
First-You must discover what species of birds live in your area. You also must know that some of these species you discover will come and go depending on what time of year it is and whether they are migrant birds or birds that live near you year round. There are several ways to go about this discovery but one of the easiest ways to get this information is from your local Audubon Society. They will most likely have a bird list specific to your area and loads of information on those specific birds.
Second-You must find out which species of birds live in your specific habitat. Do live in a wooded area? Is it a mixed forest with conifers and deciduous trees or maybe more of a savanna with grasses and Oak trees? Do you live on a farm in the country or in a big city neighborhood? Different species of birds are adapted to different environments and this will be a defining factor in your decisions on which birds you want to attract to your yard and what kind of feeders and birdhouses you will put up. A good field guide to birds will be invaluable in this respect.
Third-So you know which birds live in your area and may be attracted to your yard in your specific habitat, now what? You need to put up some bird feeders! Birds can live very easily without you putting up bird feeders but you want to see them don’t you? If you want to see them, you have to get them closer to your house. This requires that you put up some bird feeders, but which ones? There are so many different kinds.
The best thing to do is put up a variety of feeders if they are appropriate for your habitat. Here are a few suggestions. A starling-resistant suet feeder, a house or tube feeder for sunflower seed, a bluebird feeder, a wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts, a nectar feeder, a tube feeder for thistle, a stationary or tray fruit feeder and a house or platform feeder for millet.
Fourth-Whatever types of feeders you install, make sure they are safe from predators. Cats are the number one killer of songbirds. Make sure your bird feeders are safe from cats or better yet, keep your cats indoors. If you have squirrels around, make sure you mount your bird feeders so the squirrels can’t get to them or purchase squirrel proof bird feeders.
Fifth-Water is essential for birds. Not only do most birds need water to survive, they love to bath in it! Even without putting up bird feeders, you can attract many birds by installing a bird bath or fountain in your yard. If you have the choice, install a fountain or a waterfall as moving water will not only attract more birds but you will also attract other wildlife as well.
Sixth-Shelter for your birds. If you want to enjoy bird watching to the fullest degree, you must put up birdhouses. The thrill of watching birds go through their mating rituals and raising their young is unforgettable. There are birdhouses for all different species of cavity nesting birds. It is important to note however that not all birds use birdhouses. It is also important to choose only birdhouses that are safe and built specifically for the species of bird you want to raise.
Seventh-Landscape for the birds. If you have the ability to landscape around your house, use native plants that attract wild birds. You can get a list of plants for your area from a local nursery or arbor society.
DREW
Birds can be attracted to your home and surroundings simply by offering food, water and shelter, the three most important ingredients for all living creatures. I want to share with you how I have crated a paradise in my own backyard that is loaded with birds year round.
First-You must discover what species of birds live in your area. You also must know that some of these species you discover will come and go depending on what time of year it is and whether they are migrant birds or birds that live near you year round. There are several ways to go about this discovery but one of the easiest ways to get this information is from your local Audubon Society. They will most likely have a bird list specific to your area and loads of information on those specific birds.
Second-You must find out which species of birds live in your specific habitat. Do live in a wooded area? Is it a mixed forest with conifers and deciduous trees or maybe more of a savanna with grasses and Oak trees? Do you live on a farm in the country or in a big city neighborhood? Different species of birds are adapted to different environments and this will be a defining factor in your decisions on which birds you want to attract to your yard and what kind of feeders and birdhouses you will put up. A good field guide to birds will be invaluable in this respect.
Third-So you know which birds live in your area and may be attracted to your yard in your specific habitat, now what? You need to put up some bird feeders! Birds can live very easily without you putting up bird feeders but you want to see them don’t you? If you want to see them, you have to get them closer to your house. This requires that you put up some bird feeders, but which ones? There are so many different kinds.
The best thing to do is put up a variety of feeders if they are appropriate for your habitat. Here are a few suggestions. A starling-resistant suet feeder, a house or tube feeder for sunflower seed, a bluebird feeder, a wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts, a nectar feeder, a tube feeder for thistle, a stationary or tray fruit feeder and a house or platform feeder for millet.
Fourth-Whatever types of feeders you install, make sure they are safe from predators. Cats are the number one killer of songbirds. Make sure your bird feeders are safe from cats or better yet, keep your cats indoors. If you have squirrels around, make sure you mount your bird feeders so the squirrels can’t get to them or purchase squirrel proof bird feeders.
Fifth-Water is essential for birds. Not only do most birds need water to survive, they love to bath in it! Even without putting up bird feeders, you can attract many birds by installing a bird bath or fountain in your yard. If you have the choice, install a fountain or a waterfall as moving water will not only attract more birds but you will also attract other wildlife as well.
Sixth-Shelter for your birds. If you want to enjoy bird watching to the fullest degree, you must put up birdhouses. The thrill of watching birds go through their mating rituals and raising their young is unforgettable. There are birdhouses for all different species of cavity nesting birds. It is important to note however that not all birds use birdhouses. It is also important to choose only birdhouses that are safe and built specifically for the species of bird you want to raise.
Seventh-Landscape for the birds. If you have the ability to landscape around your house, use native plants that attract wild birds. You can get a list of plants for your area from a local nursery or arbor society.
DREW
Aug
30
How can I keep birds from pooping on my patio and lawn furniture?
Filed Under Other - Home & Garden | 8 Comments
Madison72 asked:
I have a nice patio and nice lawn furniture but everyday when I got out to sit, there is bird **** all over my patio. Any suggestions on keeping the birds away?
DANA
I have a nice patio and nice lawn furniture but everyday when I got out to sit, there is bird **** all over my patio. Any suggestions on keeping the birds away?
DANA
Aug
29
ManZ asked:
It’s mesmerizing to see fish act as one to avoid being eating by sharks or birds flocking together and flying through the air switching directions and choosing landing spots…How do they choreograph it?
JEROME
It’s mesmerizing to see fish act as one to avoid being eating by sharks or birds flocking together and flying through the air switching directions and choosing landing spots…How do they choreograph it?
JEROME
Aug
28
What level should Umbreon be to battle against the legendary birds in Pokemon Platinum?
Filed Under Video & Online Games | 4 Comments
iHeartU asked:
I’m trying so hard just to try and catch the legendary birds, but my umbreon is too slow. As of now, my Umbreon is in lv. 70 and yet the birds run away before it makes a move. I even gave it some carbos to boost up it’s speed and it doesn’t seem to work. I want to use Gengar that I had got in a trade, but sadly it doesn’t know Mean Look
I’m trying so hard just to try and catch the legendary birds, but my umbreon is too slow. As of now, my Umbreon is in lv. 70 and yet the birds run away before it makes a move. I even gave it some carbos to boost up it’s speed and it doesn’t seem to work. I want to use Gengar that I had got in a trade, but sadly it doesn’t know Mean Look
Any tips?
HARRISON
Aug
28
Filed Under Religion | Comments Off
Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil asked:
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood, 3) Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse, 4) A new method for Education is to ask the birds, 5) Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom” because the birds are spying out on you, and 6) The Birds have four legs, a statement that contradicts with the science.
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are: 1)What are the Birds, 2)The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus), 3) The Birds beat a Christian Army, 4) The Birds and the unbelievers and 5)The Birds and the believers in the afterlife.
Upon reading the Birds in Bible versus Quran, the smart just reader can easily answer this dogmatic question:” Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?”
Before dealing with the topic of the Birds in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is essential to remember that the total words of the Bible are 788,280 while total words of the Quran are 77,473. It follows that, the Bible has the potential of more than 10 times the Quran to talk about the Birds word-wise.
The Birds mentioned 129 times in the Bible and 17 times in the Quran.
The Birds in the Bible:
The Detestable and intolerable Birds
Leviticus 11
13 ” ‘These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.
21 There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground.
22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.
23 But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest.
24 ” ‘You will make yourselves unclean by these; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
25 Whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
Clean and unclean Birds:
Leviticus 11:46
” ‘These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves in the water and every creature that moves about on the ground.
47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’ “
Leviticus 20:25
” ‘You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those which I have set apart as unclean for you.
The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood.
Leviticus 14:5
Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot.
Leviticus 14:52
He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
A new method for Education is to ask the birds.
Job 12:7
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Freedom of speech is “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom”
Why? Because the birds are spying out on you…
What if the king or the rich is evil? Can not we criticize them?
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Why the God love is going to do that?
Deuteronomy 28:26
Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Jeremiah 15:3
“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the LORD, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Jeremiah 7:33
Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Zephaniah 1:3
“I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.
Birds with four legs:
This statement is mentioned in Leviticus 11:20
Herein, I will give you the different translations of this verse:
New International Version
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.”
King James Version
“All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.”
New American Standard Bible
“All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.”
Darby Translation
“Every winged crawling thing that goeth upon all four shall be an abomination unto you.”
The translation of my Arabic bible is:
“All the birds that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you”.
Can any one show me where in the earth we can find a single bird with four legs. The Bible says there are winged creatures (birds or insects) that go around on all fours. There are no birds that go around on four legs, and all insects have six legs.
This verse contradicts with the sciences.
The Birds in the Quran
Birds are mentioned 17 times in the Quran
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are:
1) What are the Birds
2) The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus)
3) The Birds beat a Christian Army
4) The Birds and the unbelievers
5) The Birds in the afterlife.
What are the Birds?
Surah 6:38
“There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.”
Surah 16:79
“Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for those who believe.”
Surah 24:41
“Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.”
Surah 67:19
“Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except (Allah) Most Gracious: truly it is He that watches over all things.”
These verses define the Birds and give the following statements:
- The Birds are communities like mankind.
- The flying birds of the air with wings outspreads are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator
- The birds spreading their wings and folding them in are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator.
- It should be emphasized that the Quran never said that there is a detestable bird(s).
Abraham and the Birds:
Surah 2:260
“Behold! Ibrahim said: “My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead.” He said: “Dost thou not then believe?” He said: “Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said: “Take four birds; tame them to turn to thee; put a portion of them on every hill, and call to them; they will come to thee, (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
In this verse, Allah showed Abraham how to give life to the DEAD. This meaning is not found in the Bible.
Joseph (The Son of Jacob) and the Birds:
Surah 12:36
Now with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: “I see myself (in a dream) pressing wine.” Said the other: “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating thereof.” “Tell us” (they said) “the truth and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good (to all).”
Surah 12:41
“O my two companions of the prison! as to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do enquire.”
These are the dreams that have been seen by the two companions of the prison while Joseph was in jail. Joseph interpreted the dreams and told them that one of the two will be freed up to go back to be with the king and the other will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head.
A similar story is found in the Bible in Genesis 40:19
King David and the Birds:
Surah 34:10
We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from Ourselves: “O ye Mountains! sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! and We made the iron soft for him;
38:19
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
The mountains and the Birds were singing back the Praises of Allah with David.
This implication is not found in the Bible.
King Solomon and the Birds:
Surah 21:79
To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things).
Surah 27:16
And Solomon was David’s heir. He said: “O ye people! we have been taught the speech of birds and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)”
Surah 27:17
And before Solomon were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
Surah 27:20
And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: “Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
These verses indicate that:
- Allah made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David.
- Allah taught Solomon the speech of birds, and bestowed him of all things and his kingdom on the earth has no similar.
- Solomon had an interesting story with the Hoopoe
(Read my article about the Hoopoe in Bible and Quran).
All of these connotations are not found in the Bible.
The Lord Jesus and the Birds:
Surah 3:49
“And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;”
Surah 5:110
“Then will Allah say: “O ‘Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it, and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the Clear Signs, and the Unbelievers among them said: `This is nothing but evident magic”.
These two verses designate to two important miracles of the Lord Jesus that Allah gave him and both are not mentioned in the Bible.
The first is that he used to make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave
The second is that he talked to the Israelites while he was about one week old.
The Birds beat a Christian Army
Surah 105:1-5
[1] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
[2] Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
[3] And He sent against them flights of Birds,
[4] Striking them with stones of baked clay.
[5] Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
At the year of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, a strong Ethiopian Army went towards Makkah (the city of birth of Mohammad) in order to destroy the Holy Home of ALLAH (the place of pilgrim). The Arabs had no power to fight against that very big and strong army. The Arabs left Makka alone. Allah sent flights of Birds and defended His Holy House. Hundreds of birds which had never been seen before flew towards Makkah. Each bird had 3 little stones. These Birds beat the Ethiopian Army.
That year is called the year of “Elephant” because the Army brought a dozen of elephants in order to destroy the Holy House of Allah.
This story emphasizes the unlimited power of Allah Who can beat any big army with birds or microbes or viruses etc.
Of course, this story is not present in the Bible.
The Birds and the unbelievers
Surah 22:31
“Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, he is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
This is a parable of the unbeliever illustrating his loss.”
The Birds and the believers
The Birds in the afterlife
56:21
“And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.”
The believers in the Paradise will eat delicious flesh of fowls; cooked, presented and served according to their desire.
Now, I will let the smart fair reader to answer the dogmatic question:
Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?
LEONARD
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood, 3) Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse, 4) A new method for Education is to ask the birds, 5) Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom” because the birds are spying out on you, and 6) The Birds have four legs, a statement that contradicts with the science.
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are: 1)What are the Birds, 2)The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus), 3) The Birds beat a Christian Army, 4) The Birds and the unbelievers and 5)The Birds and the believers in the afterlife.
Upon reading the Birds in Bible versus Quran, the smart just reader can easily answer this dogmatic question:” Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?”
Before dealing with the topic of the Birds in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is essential to remember that the total words of the Bible are 788,280 while total words of the Quran are 77,473. It follows that, the Bible has the potential of more than 10 times the Quran to talk about the Birds word-wise.
The Birds mentioned 129 times in the Bible and 17 times in the Quran.
The Birds in the Bible:
The Detestable and intolerable Birds
Leviticus 11
13 ” ‘These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.
21 There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground.
22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.
23 But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest.
24 ” ‘You will make yourselves unclean by these; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
25 Whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
Clean and unclean Birds:
Leviticus 11:46
” ‘These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves in the water and every creature that moves about on the ground.
47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’ “
Leviticus 20:25
” ‘You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those which I have set apart as unclean for you.
The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood.
Leviticus 14:5
Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot.
Leviticus 14:52
He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
A new method for Education is to ask the birds.
Job 12:7
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Freedom of speech is “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom”
Why? Because the birds are spying out on you…
What if the king or the rich is evil? Can not we criticize them?
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Why the God love is going to do that?
Deuteronomy 28:26
Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Jeremiah 15:3
“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the LORD, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Jeremiah 7:33
Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Zephaniah 1:3
“I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.
Birds with four legs:
This statement is mentioned in Leviticus 11:20
Herein, I will give you the different translations of this verse:
New International Version
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.”
King James Version
“All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.”
New American Standard Bible
“All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.”
Darby Translation
“Every winged crawling thing that goeth upon all four shall be an abomination unto you.”
The translation of my Arabic bible is:
“All the birds that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you”.
Can any one show me where in the earth we can find a single bird with four legs. The Bible says there are winged creatures (birds or insects) that go around on all fours. There are no birds that go around on four legs, and all insects have six legs.
This verse contradicts with the sciences.
The Birds in the Quran
Birds are mentioned 17 times in the Quran
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are:
1) What are the Birds
2) The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus)
3) The Birds beat a Christian Army
4) The Birds and the unbelievers
5) The Birds in the afterlife.
What are the Birds?
Surah 6:38
“There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.”
Surah 16:79
“Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for those who believe.”
Surah 24:41
“Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.”
Surah 67:19
“Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except (Allah) Most Gracious: truly it is He that watches over all things.”
These verses define the Birds and give the following statements:
- The Birds are communities like mankind.
- The flying birds of the air with wings outspreads are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator
- The birds spreading their wings and folding them in are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator.
- It should be emphasized that the Quran never said that there is a detestable bird(s).
Abraham and the Birds:
Surah 2:260
“Behold! Ibrahim said: “My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead.” He said: “Dost thou not then believe?” He said: “Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said: “Take four birds; tame them to turn to thee; put a portion of them on every hill, and call to them; they will come to thee, (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
In this verse, Allah showed Abraham how to give life to the DEAD. This meaning is not found in the Bible.
Joseph (The Son of Jacob) and the Birds:
Surah 12:36
Now with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: “I see myself (in a dream) pressing wine.” Said the other: “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating thereof.” “Tell us” (they said) “the truth and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good (to all).”
Surah 12:41
“O my two companions of the prison! as to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do enquire.”
These are the dreams that have been seen by the two companions of the prison while Joseph was in jail. Joseph interpreted the dreams and told them that one of the two will be freed up to go back to be with the king and the other will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head.
A similar story is found in the Bible in Genesis 40:19
King David and the Birds:
Surah 34:10
We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from Ourselves: “O ye Mountains! sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! and We made the iron soft for him;
38:19
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
The mountains and the Birds were singing back the Praises of Allah with David.
This implication is not found in the Bible.
King Solomon and the Birds:
Surah 21:79
To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things).
Surah 27:16
And Solomon was David’s heir. He said: “O ye people! we have been taught the speech of birds and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)”
Surah 27:17
And before Solomon were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
Surah 27:20
And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: “Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
These verses indicate that:
- Allah made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David.
- Allah taught Solomon the speech of birds, and bestowed him of all things and his kingdom on the earth has no similar.
- Solomon had an interesting story with the Hoopoe
(Read my article about the Hoopoe in Bible and Quran).
All of these connotations are not found in the Bible.
The Lord Jesus and the Birds:
Surah 3:49
“And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;”
Surah 5:110
“Then will Allah say: “O ‘Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it, and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the Clear Signs, and the Unbelievers among them said: `This is nothing but evident magic”.
These two verses designate to two important miracles of the Lord Jesus that Allah gave him and both are not mentioned in the Bible.
The first is that he used to make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave
The second is that he talked to the Israelites while he was about one week old.
The Birds beat a Christian Army
Surah 105:1-5
[1] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
[2] Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
[3] And He sent against them flights of Birds,
[4] Striking them with stones of baked clay.
[5] Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
At the year of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, a strong Ethiopian Army went towards Makkah (the city of birth of Mohammad) in order to destroy the Holy Home of ALLAH (the place of pilgrim). The Arabs had no power to fight against that very big and strong army. The Arabs left Makka alone. Allah sent flights of Birds and defended His Holy House. Hundreds of birds which had never been seen before flew towards Makkah. Each bird had 3 little stones. These Birds beat the Ethiopian Army.
That year is called the year of “Elephant” because the Army brought a dozen of elephants in order to destroy the Holy House of Allah.
This story emphasizes the unlimited power of Allah Who can beat any big army with birds or microbes or viruses etc.
Of course, this story is not present in the Bible.
The Birds and the unbelievers
Surah 22:31
“Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, he is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
This is a parable of the unbeliever illustrating his loss.”
The Birds and the believers
The Birds in the afterlife
56:21
“And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.”
The believers in the Paradise will eat delicious flesh of fowls; cooked, presented and served according to their desire.
Now, I will let the smart fair reader to answer the dogmatic question:
Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?
LEONARD
Aug
27
Conrad asked:
Above the gap, on the eastern side, a look above will usually show dozens of birds of prey flying around, with a V shaped tail. Anyone any idea what these are, and why they congregate there ?
Above the gap, on the eastern side, a look above will usually show dozens of birds of prey flying around, with a V shaped tail. Anyone any idea what these are, and why they congregate there ?
Meads.
ALEX
Aug
27
Filed Under Gardening | Comments Off
Lee Dobbins asked:
Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch, if you want. You can choose from a wide array of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.
Finches belong to the family of Fringillidae, under the Phylum Chordata. These birds are easily distinguishable with their medium-built bodies and physically powerful, stumpy beaks. Their manner in flying is somewhat bouncy in nature, thereby, creating a gleeful appearance in the environment. Most finches are good singers as well.
With that in mind, finches are said to be great attractions in one’s backyard. Most finches would love to flock together in various beautifully crafted finch bird feeders. The indistinguishable color (bright red) of the House Finch’s chest and their very genial manners are the ultimate factors that make them feeder darlings. Goldfinches can also enhance your feeding station as they flock hungrily in groups of 30 or more.
Finches are generally seed lovers. They feed on almost any type of seeds but would love to devour on the seeds of trees, such as pine, alder, maple, birch, sweet gum, and spruce. The Nyjer seed is an all-time favorite of feeding finches during the winter season.
Finch bird feeders can accommodate all of these seed types. They come in different styles and types consisting of gazebo feeders, seed finch feeders, and wooden finch feeders.
In general, bird feeders are specially crafted devices set in the backyard or porch to provide bird food to various types of birds. Finch bird feeders are special bird feeders designed to provide seeds to finches since this type of bird are generally seed-eating birds.
Choosing the right type of bird feeder is the number factor in luring birds to flock in the area. The position of the bird feeder as well as the type of food will also affect the chances of attracting certain types of birds.
For instance, thistle seed finch feeder will generally attract finches that prefer thistle seeds. Thistle seed finch bird feeder features a drawn out tube that can hold as much as one quart of thistle seeds. It has a see-through feature, which enables the owner to observe seed level any time.
Finch bird feeders can also lure other types of birds. Hence, you should not be startled if ever you get to see different types of birds flocked up to your finch bird feeding station. Most finch bird feeders are also best for cardinal birds, redpolls, siskins, and grosbeaks.
To attract beautiful finches in your area, it is important to keep these things in mind:
1. The right position
Setting up a bird feeding station may not be so complicated. However, it is still important to consider some factors to ensure finch-feeding success.
One of the most important factors to consider is the proper positioning of the finch bird feeder. Setting up a finch bird feeding station in your backyard is the ideal place since this is very conducive to most finches. However, it is also recommended that you place your finch bird feeder near your deck or window. In this way, you can easily observe and enjoy watching the finches as they gleefully enjoy their sumptuous meal.
If placing finch bird feeders near the window is not possible, it is best to set the finch bird feeder in an area that is observable from indoors. It is also best to place finch bird feeders near the areas where the finches can easily fly to safety if any danger should take place.
2. Special area for finches
Competition is always at hand whenever there is no specific place for finch bird feeding station. Larger birds may flock the area, thereby, blocking the finches from getting their food. If you have a separate bird feeder for larger birds and a specially made feeder station for the finches, both parties will enjoy their meals as well as you will enjoy their company within your garden.
So the next time you think about setting up finch bird feeder, try to consider these factors to enjoy bird watching. It is definitely one great experience you will never forget.
FRANKIE
Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch, if you want. You can choose from a wide array of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.
Finches belong to the family of Fringillidae, under the Phylum Chordata. These birds are easily distinguishable with their medium-built bodies and physically powerful, stumpy beaks. Their manner in flying is somewhat bouncy in nature, thereby, creating a gleeful appearance in the environment. Most finches are good singers as well.
With that in mind, finches are said to be great attractions in one’s backyard. Most finches would love to flock together in various beautifully crafted finch bird feeders. The indistinguishable color (bright red) of the House Finch’s chest and their very genial manners are the ultimate factors that make them feeder darlings. Goldfinches can also enhance your feeding station as they flock hungrily in groups of 30 or more.
Finches are generally seed lovers. They feed on almost any type of seeds but would love to devour on the seeds of trees, such as pine, alder, maple, birch, sweet gum, and spruce. The Nyjer seed is an all-time favorite of feeding finches during the winter season.
Finch bird feeders can accommodate all of these seed types. They come in different styles and types consisting of gazebo feeders, seed finch feeders, and wooden finch feeders.
In general, bird feeders are specially crafted devices set in the backyard or porch to provide bird food to various types of birds. Finch bird feeders are special bird feeders designed to provide seeds to finches since this type of bird are generally seed-eating birds.
Choosing the right type of bird feeder is the number factor in luring birds to flock in the area. The position of the bird feeder as well as the type of food will also affect the chances of attracting certain types of birds.
For instance, thistle seed finch feeder will generally attract finches that prefer thistle seeds. Thistle seed finch bird feeder features a drawn out tube that can hold as much as one quart of thistle seeds. It has a see-through feature, which enables the owner to observe seed level any time.
Finch bird feeders can also lure other types of birds. Hence, you should not be startled if ever you get to see different types of birds flocked up to your finch bird feeding station. Most finch bird feeders are also best for cardinal birds, redpolls, siskins, and grosbeaks.
To attract beautiful finches in your area, it is important to keep these things in mind:
1. The right position
Setting up a bird feeding station may not be so complicated. However, it is still important to consider some factors to ensure finch-feeding success.
One of the most important factors to consider is the proper positioning of the finch bird feeder. Setting up a finch bird feeding station in your backyard is the ideal place since this is very conducive to most finches. However, it is also recommended that you place your finch bird feeder near your deck or window. In this way, you can easily observe and enjoy watching the finches as they gleefully enjoy their sumptuous meal.
If placing finch bird feeders near the window is not possible, it is best to set the finch bird feeder in an area that is observable from indoors. It is also best to place finch bird feeders near the areas where the finches can easily fly to safety if any danger should take place.
2. Special area for finches
Competition is always at hand whenever there is no specific place for finch bird feeding station. Larger birds may flock the area, thereby, blocking the finches from getting their food. If you have a separate bird feeder for larger birds and a specially made feeder station for the finches, both parties will enjoy their meals as well as you will enjoy their company within your garden.
So the next time you think about setting up finch bird feeder, try to consider these factors to enjoy bird watching. It is definitely one great experience you will never forget.
FRANKIE
Aug
26
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Alvin Loh asked:
If you have already put up some birdhouses in your own backyard, you are probably wondering how you are going to attract and get more birds to come and visit your birdhouses. This article provides some ideas that you can easily implement to attract more birds to your backyard and your birdhouses.
First, as with humans, food is always a popular way to attract birds to your birdhouses and your backyard. You can provide different kinds of food to cater to different types of species of birds. Some of these food include nectars, small insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. In addition to these food sources, you should also always provide fresh water to the visiting birds. Bird baths and small ponds are some good ways to provide the visting birds with water.
The fastest way to a bird’s heart is through its stomach. By providing food and water to the birds, you are performing bird feeding. Bird feeding is also a great way to observe different species of birds and their respective unique characteristics. Bird feeding is particularly important to birds because it provides them with a source of food and water during periods when food and water are scarce such as winter time. However, bird feeding can be done all year round as it supplements the visiting birds with their food needs. As such, its a great way to attract more birds to your birdhouses and backyard.
So how can you use this knowledge to attract more birds to your birdhouses and backyard ? For one, you can choose a safer spot in your backyard and set up a simple feeding station. The spot you choose should preferably be away from predators. You can take some precautionary measures to make the chosen spot safer like installing a ultrasonic cat deterrant and making sure there are no food near the spot so as to avoid attracting hungry animals. You can encourage birds to visit your feeding station by placing bird food in different areas around the feeding station. You can then vary the distance and shorten it as time goes by.
As mentioned, you don’t have to build or buy an elaborated feeding station. The most important factor that your feeding station should have is the ease in which you can maintain it. It should be easy to refill, it should display the food prominently to birds, it should also hold a reasonable amount of food so you do not have to keep topping it up with food and finally it should be able to hold more then one bird at one time. Some of the simple feeding station you can consider buying would be the tube-feeder in which the seeds stay dry and its design prevents spillage of food or you can choose the hopper type of bird feeders which dispenses food automatically when they are needed.
As for water, it is essential if you want to attract more birds to your birdhouses. You should note that different species of birds have different requirements of how deep they like their water source to be. For example, some species of birds like small puddles while other birds like bird baths that are relatively deep. Providing various depths of water will attract different species of birds. However, do take note that your water depth should not be more then 2 inches deep as some birds may drown and do not choose a bird bath with an elaborated and striking pattern or design at the bottom of the bath as it may confuse the birds and discourage them from using the bird bath.
Besides all the points mentioned above, you should also keep in mind the number one factor that influences the attractiveness of your birdhouse to visiting birds. What’s the number one factor that people always don’t take note ? Its the safety of your birdhouses to the visiting birds. If you are attracting a certain kind of species of bird, customize the entrance opening hole of the birdhouse to suit just the species of bird you want to attract. Removable of birdhouse perches and the reduction of backyard predators also play a big part in making your birdhouse safer and more attractive to birds.
MORGAN
If you have already put up some birdhouses in your own backyard, you are probably wondering how you are going to attract and get more birds to come and visit your birdhouses. This article provides some ideas that you can easily implement to attract more birds to your backyard and your birdhouses.
First, as with humans, food is always a popular way to attract birds to your birdhouses and your backyard. You can provide different kinds of food to cater to different types of species of birds. Some of these food include nectars, small insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. In addition to these food sources, you should also always provide fresh water to the visiting birds. Bird baths and small ponds are some good ways to provide the visting birds with water.
The fastest way to a bird’s heart is through its stomach. By providing food and water to the birds, you are performing bird feeding. Bird feeding is also a great way to observe different species of birds and their respective unique characteristics. Bird feeding is particularly important to birds because it provides them with a source of food and water during periods when food and water are scarce such as winter time. However, bird feeding can be done all year round as it supplements the visiting birds with their food needs. As such, its a great way to attract more birds to your birdhouses and backyard.
So how can you use this knowledge to attract more birds to your birdhouses and backyard ? For one, you can choose a safer spot in your backyard and set up a simple feeding station. The spot you choose should preferably be away from predators. You can take some precautionary measures to make the chosen spot safer like installing a ultrasonic cat deterrant and making sure there are no food near the spot so as to avoid attracting hungry animals. You can encourage birds to visit your feeding station by placing bird food in different areas around the feeding station. You can then vary the distance and shorten it as time goes by.
As mentioned, you don’t have to build or buy an elaborated feeding station. The most important factor that your feeding station should have is the ease in which you can maintain it. It should be easy to refill, it should display the food prominently to birds, it should also hold a reasonable amount of food so you do not have to keep topping it up with food and finally it should be able to hold more then one bird at one time. Some of the simple feeding station you can consider buying would be the tube-feeder in which the seeds stay dry and its design prevents spillage of food or you can choose the hopper type of bird feeders which dispenses food automatically when they are needed.
As for water, it is essential if you want to attract more birds to your birdhouses. You should note that different species of birds have different requirements of how deep they like their water source to be. For example, some species of birds like small puddles while other birds like bird baths that are relatively deep. Providing various depths of water will attract different species of birds. However, do take note that your water depth should not be more then 2 inches deep as some birds may drown and do not choose a bird bath with an elaborated and striking pattern or design at the bottom of the bath as it may confuse the birds and discourage them from using the bird bath.
Besides all the points mentioned above, you should also keep in mind the number one factor that influences the attractiveness of your birdhouse to visiting birds. What’s the number one factor that people always don’t take note ? Its the safety of your birdhouses to the visiting birds. If you are attracting a certain kind of species of bird, customize the entrance opening hole of the birdhouse to suit just the species of bird you want to attract. Removable of birdhouse perches and the reduction of backyard predators also play a big part in making your birdhouse safer and more attractive to birds.
MORGAN