Shade Tree Wisdom 12/30/07

“I care for every bird in the hills,
And everything stirring in the field is present before Me.” Ps. 50,11

For l08 years the National Audubon Society has held its Christmas bird count, not only in this country, but in Canada, Mexico, and other parts of the world as well. Areas are broken in areas roughly 15 miles in diameter, and volunteers count what birds they hear and see, and how many. The count in this area was done by the Piney Woods Wildlife Society on Saturday. Last year they counted more than 9,200 birds representing 90 species.

The National Society counts the totals to see what birds are affected by encroaching developments, are flight patterns changing, is migration different, or which may be in danger of extinction, and what, if anything, may be done to make bird life easier.

An interesting sidelight. The Andean Condor does not start to lay eggs till its 12th year, and then only lays one egg every 3 years! The Condor is the world’s largest bird. It was endangered because farmers used to shoot them because they thought they killed cattle. They only eat carrion.

Through it all, our God says, “I care for every bird in the hills, and everything stirring in the field is present before me”.

So, as we near the end of the year, let us give thanks that there are many, perhaps you are one, who help in the national effort.

GPS 12/30/07