Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Jewel # 384 (Dec. 23, 2019)


And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I 
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Prickly Hedgehog

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, 
by My great power and by My outstretched arm.  
Jeremiah 27:5

Unless you have traveled in northern Europe, Asia, southern and eastern Africa or New Zealand, it is not likely that you have ever seen a wild hedgehog.

There are people in England who make friends with hedgehogs and tame them by setting out food at night, which is when these animals do their hunting.  They usually eat any kind of insect, slug, caterpillar, small mammal or snake they may come across as well as leaves, nuts, seeds and birds’ eggs.  And this is why some people keep them as pets—to get rid of insects and other house pests.

Although when fully grown they are only about nine inches long, the Creator has provided these unusual little animals with an excellent means of protection from harm.  Except for their smooth heads, the backs of hedgehogs are covered with a complete armour of sharp, bristly spines (like a porcupine’s) down to their stubby tails.  These spines normally lie flat while the hedgehogs are resting or searching for food.  But when a dog or other animal threatens them, they roll into round balls, tucking their heads into their chests and drawing their legs up tight, which leaves the sharp spines pointing in every direction.  A dog or other creature that is stupid enough to grab this black, prickly ball in its mouth immediately yelps in pain and is left with some of those spines stuck in its mouth, nose or tongue—a rather painful lesson to learn!

Hedgehogs have this name because they make their homes under bushy hedges, hiding there in the daytime and coming out only at night.  A male and female pair stay together throughout their lives.  In nests of woven moss and grass, they raise three or four little ones each year.  The young ones’ spines at first are soft and few in number, making them look like young birds.  Hedgehogs hibernate in winter, but may come briefly to search for food and then promptly return to the nest.

These funny little creatures remind us again of the pleasure our Lord, the Creator, had in bringing so many varieties of life into the world.  But we read in the Bible that His greatest delights are with men and women, boys and girls.  For all who will accept the Lord Jesus as their Savour, He has prepared a place in heaven where all will be peace and love, which will be a wonderful change from this world of sin, sickness and death.  Have you heard or read that wonderful message,“Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 144:15)?  

Have you confessed to Him your need of a Saviour and accepted His wonderful promise of eternal life?    

Love you all - Grandpa    
    

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Jewel # 383 (Dec. 12, 2019)


And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord, of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.”
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Big Gobbler

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.   Psalm 50:11 

The thanksgiving holiday is a time when many homes have a turkey dinner.  This is a custom that started over 200 years ago when the Pilgrims made a feast to thank God for their bountiful crops.  
Native Americans who were invited brought wild turkeys, and this tasty meat proved to be so popular that the annual feast usually includes roast turkey.

The wild turkey, which lives throughout much of North America, is a resourceful creature.  It has excellent sight and can spot intruders before they can come near.  Its bronze colours help it to blend into the brush.  It can run from danger at speeds of 15 miles an hour or take to the air at more than 50 miles an hour!

A wild tom is an interesting sight, particularly when he is seeking a mate.  He approaches a hen with loud gobbles, and the pouch-like area at the front of his throat, called a wattle, becomes brilliant red.  With his breast and body feathers puffed out, he spreads his wings to the ground and fans out his multi-coloured tail, then struts around in a proud manner.

The hen makes her nest in dry leaves for the four-week incubation of a dozen eggs.  Almost immediately after hatching, the chicks can feed themselves, and the hen trains them to  find nuts, berries, fruit, seeds and insects.  They are not aware of it, but we know it is the Creator’s care that provides for all their needs.  The Bible says, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap . . . yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26).  He certainly does count us “much better than they” and wants you and me not only to know of His deep love for us, but His wonderful invitation to live with Him in His heavenly home.

As soon as the young turkeys can fly, they leave the nest and roost in trees at night, which is much safer.  In about two years, they are fully grown and weigh from 20 to 30 pounds.

If a rattle snake shows up, the hens puff out their feathers, and with loud hissing they usually frighten it away.  But if it continues to threaten them, a tom turkey soon shows up, and the snake is doomed.  Striking the tom, all it gets is a mouthful of feathers.  The tom’s sharp beak soon kills this enemy. 

These birds of the forest are clever, but the Bible tells us God has made us wiser that they are (Job 35:11).  This wisdom is given so that we might seek the Lord and answer His promise:  “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me” (Proverbs 8:17).  

Are you wise enough to follow God’s instruction?    

Love you all - Grandpa  

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Jewel # 382 (Dec. 4, 2019)

Common Marmoset                 Pygmy Marmoset

Golden Marmoset

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Lively Marmosets

Consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above,
and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”  
Deuteronomy 4:39

If you think monkeys in the zoo are interesting, you would really enjoy seeing the miniature marmosets in the rain forests of Central and South America and Mexico.  These are true monkeys but are the world’s smallest ones.  With few exceptions, a full-grown marmoset is only about the size of a small kitten, but at first glance their long, furry tails make them look nearly twice as large.

They are captivating little creatures, with small round faces surrounded by a long cap of white fur.  The rest of their fur is a variety of colours.  Their diet is made up of fruits, insects and the green stems and leaves of shrubs and tees.

Unlike most animals, baby marmosets are cared for mostly by their fathers.  It is not uncommon to see a tiny one clinging to its father’s back as he scampers through the trees, but at feeding time it goes back to its mama.

God has given us marmosets in many varieties, one of which is known the golden marmoset, named for its bright, silky, golden fur.  It is truly a beautiful little animal.  But perhaps the most graceful of all is one called silky marmoset.  Its fur also has a golden sheen but is more chestnut in colour.

The smallest is understandably named the pygmy marmoset.  It is only about the size of a large mouse.  Its lovable appearance includes long, soft fur behind its ears, draping over both sides of its head, like an expensive cape and almost hiding its pretty face and large mouth.  The rest of its fur is rather dark, and its long tail is circled with light-coloured rings.  Many people consider the pygmy marmoset the prettiest of all monkeys, large or small.

Another, almost as small, is called the buffy-headed marmoset.  Its light-brown face, inquisitive, dark-rimmed eyes and black chin whiskers account for its name.  Its heavily furred arms and legs are dark or light brown or sometimes blackish.  This one lives in small groups apart from the others, and it is difficult to get more than a quick glance at one as it scampers through the lower branches of the deep jungles of Brazil where it lives.

It’s good to know these interesting creatures are always under the Creator’s care, as the Bible verse tells us: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9).  Have you ever thanked Him for His extra-special care over you and His love in providing a way of salvation for you? Have you accepted Him as your Saviour?  

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Proverbs 10:13) 

Love you all - Grandpa

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Jewel # 381 (Nov. 22, 2019)


And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I 
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17 

To my dear grandchildren

Helpful Guinea Pigs

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground,
by My great power and by My outstretched arm.  Jeremiah 27:5

In some parts of South and Central America and Mexico, guinea pigs are considered a choice food, roasted and served with potatoes or rice.  They are inexpensive and easy to raise.  But being gentle and small as a little bunny, they are also often treated as pets and allowed to scamper around the house.  Very clean and quiet, the only noise they make is like that of a kitten, but instead of a “mew,” their call is more like “coo-ee,” and because of this they have the nickname “cuy.”

Guinea pigs come in a variety of colours—black, white, tan, brown and bluish-purple.  A full grown one in the wild weighs a pound or two, but when provided with plenty of food, they often reach four pounds.  They are cute, have no tails, rarely bite and are a favourite pet for children.  It is hard to figure how they got the word “pig” included in their name.  They are rodents and are not pig-like at all.  Instead, they are clean and pretty with soft fur, small, dark eyes and a head shaped more like a baby seal than a pig.  Often they will be heard chattering quietly in squeaky tones.

In the wild, mothers give birth to six to twelve young and only care for them for about six weeks.  After that they can take care of themselves.  Those raised commercially, along with those in private homes, total in the millions.  Since they are so popular as a food product, many natives find raising and selling them an easy way to make a living.

In North America and other parts of the world, guinea pigs are not thought of as food.  Besides being kept as pets, many are used in scientific experiments.  Scientists infect guinea pigs with diseases and then try to cure them.  This has been very helpful over the years in developing many good medicines and keeping off the market those that are harmful.  Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Don’t make a guinea pig out of me!”  What that person means is, "Don’t use me to test anything.”

As we consider the great variety of birds, fish, animals and other creatures, we are amazed at how the creator designed and provided for each species.  The Bible tells us that the Lord God had pleasure in creating each one.

Let us also remember that His special love and thoughts are toward every boy, girl, man and woman in the world.  He has promised that all who come to Him, confessing themselves to be sinners and accepting Hm as Saviour, have His promise, “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16.

Is He your Saviour?

Love you all - Grandpa       

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Jewel # 380 (Nov.12, 2019)


And They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Manta Ray

God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which
the waters brought forth . . . after their kind.   Genesis 1:21


The manta ray is the largest member of the ray family and lives throughout the tropical seas of the world.  It measures up to 22 feet across its ”wings,” 10 feet long from head to tail, and weighs up to 3,000 pounds.  Its mouth can be 3 feet wide!  Surprisingly, it has very small teeth and is actually one of the harmless creatures of the sea, unless harassed.

This gentle giant can be found close to the shore, as well as out in the open sea where it swims almost continuously as it searches out the best feeding areas.  It feeds mostly on plankton (tiny plant and animal life) and schools of small fishes.  This majestic fish will sometimes “breach” like a whale.

A diver who saw one tells that at first he was afraid of it, but then he was surprised to find it quite friendly.  After looking the diver over, the manta ray dropped down below him, barely moving.  In a bold moment’s decision, the diver also dropped down and gently landed on the manta ray’s back with his legs spread out and his hands on its shoulders.  Soon its wings began to slowly beat, and the diver realized he was off on a trip with no idea how it would end.  But he was pleased to find he wasn’t thrown off and that the manta ray seemed to like his company.  The ride didn’t last long but was quite a thrill.

Some others have had similar experiences such as this diver had.  We hope each one was impressed with a real awareness of the wonders of God’s creation, for all the creatures of the oceans are included in the Bible verse that says, By Him were all things created . . . and He is before all things, and by Him all things continue to exist.” (Colossians 1:16-17).  

The Bible also tells all boys and girls to remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”  Ecclesiastes 12:1 and to know Him not only as the One who created and watches over them, but as the God who loves each and every one.  He invites you to know His Son, the Lord Jesus, as your Saviour.  He died on the cross to put away the sins of all who trust Him to forgive them.  He will then accept you as one of His own children, with the promise of a heavenly home when life on earth is ended.

If you do not belong to Him yet, don’t wait any longer!  Come to Him in prayer and accept Him as your Saviour this very day.  

“Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.”  
2 Corinthians 6:2.

Love you all - Grandpa 

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Jewel # 379 (Nov. 4, 2019)

     
Proboscis Monkey                           Sichuan monkey


  
White-nosed Monkey

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

SOME SPECIAL NOSES

Once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, 
and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.  
1 Kings 10:22 

This Bible verse tells us that King Solomon included monkeys in the shipments he ordered every three years.  He must have found them interesting to watch, just as many of us do today.  Following are descriptions of three kinds of monkeys with unusual noses.

Mr. Bignose of Borneo:  The nose of the male proboscis monkey is the most noticeable thing about this red and yellow creature with big brown eyes and a hairy face.  But there is something most unusual about this monkey’s nose—it gets bigger every year!

Most of the time its big, three-inch nose hangs over its mouth, and it has to shove it out of the way so it can eat.  The babies, like mischievous youngsters, tease him by tweaking it, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

The Creator had a special purpose in this unusual feature.  As the “man of the house,” he has the responsibility of guarding his family.  When danger comes near, he blows his nose up even bigger, making a loud, honking noise, which not only warns the family but scares the enemy away.

Another nosey one: In New Guinea there is a much smaller relative, called the white-nosed.   Its prominent nose has a triangular white spot on its tip with a separate white fringe around it.  This little monkey, with pretty olive-green  and yellow fur on its back and sides, is usually playful but can be cranky at times.

It seems most happy to perform for onlookers and enjoys their applause for its variety of stunts and pranks.  But if any of its companions try to get in on the act, it angrily chases them away.

Some with tiny noses:  Three varieties of these live in China.  All look quite similar except for the colour of their fur.  These are named snub-nosed.   Their tiny noses hardly show at all because they are squeezed between bulging eyes and their thick upper lip.

The most common of the tiny-nosed monkeys is named Sichuan and has beautiful golden fur.  It lives in the mountains along with the panda bears.  The names of the other two are Guizhou and Yumman.  These monkeys are very few in number, and many people have learned to love them.

We know the Creator delighted to include these interesting animals in His creation.  We also know they are not aware of His watchful eye over them, but we are aware of His watchful eye over us.  And His love for us is far greater.  When they die, that’s the very end for them.  But there is a wonderful promise of a home in heaven for every boy and girl and man and woman who has accepted the Lord Jesus as his or her Saviour.

Will you be included with those in heaven?

Love you all - Grandpa          

Friday, October 25, 2019

Jewel # 378 (Oct. 24, 2019)



And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildrem

The Great White Shark

By the Lord God were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.  Colossians 1:16


There are about 350 kinds of sharks in the oceans of the world.  We usually think of these creatures as dangerous, and many are, including the one know as thegreat white shark.  When one of these 20-foot, fearsome-looking citizens of the sea is spotted, it is easy to see why they are called great white sharks.  They swim extremely fast and can keep up with big ships as they follow them for the food scraps that are being thrown overboard.

These sharks are found in many places, including off the coast of South Africa and Australia, and along the Pacific coast of North America as well.  They usually travel alone or in pairs and are always on the lookout for fish and other seafood, including seals, sea lions and small porpoises.  

Their most common method of capturing food is to hide in rocks deep under the surface, waiting for a seal or other victim to swim by.  They make a quick dash, attacking the victim from underneath if it is too large to be swallowed whole.  Their jaws have many strong, sharp teeth, with spare ones embedded under those on top.  The spares soon fill in the space of any that break off.

It is through its snout that a great white senses the nearness of other creatures swimming nearby.  This is a more reliable way of locating food than by their rather poor eyesight.  Incidentally, it is thought by marine experts that the rare attack on a human is the result of mistake identity—probably thinking a swimmer is a seal.  These experts suggest that where sharks of any kind are likely to be, it is best for swimmers not to wear dark swimming suits.  They say divers and others who wear black wet suits may really be asking for trouble.

Baby great white sharks are about three and a half feet long at birth and look just like a miniature of the mother.  They stay close to her while learning how to catch their own food. 

We might wonder why such vicious creatures were placed in the oceans, but they were not vicious until sin came into the world and spoiled all of God’s creation.  But there is a day coming, after
those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are taken to heaven, where all creation will be at peace again.  This is the time referred to in Isaiah 11:6 where we are told, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the baby goat; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”     

Will you be with us in heaven looking down on this happy peaceful scene?   


Love you all - Grandpa

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Jewel # 377 (Oct. 16, 2019)

Red-Billed Oxpecker


Yellow-Billed Oxpecker

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

Helpful Oxpeckers

The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works.
Psalm 104:31

South of the Sahara Desert in Africa are forests and fields where many wild animals and birds live.  Among the animals are giraffes, rhino, buffalo and warthogs.  These feed on grass and foliage which often conceal insects that leap or fly onto the grazing animals.  These insects eat into the skin of the animals, causing much discomfort and pain.  Some animals will roll in a dusty spot in an effort to get rid of the insects.  However, most of the pests just seem to hang on a little tighter .

The Creator has provided relief for the animals.  The oxpecker, a bird about the size of a large pigeon, finds the insects good to eat and easy to get.  The oxpecker clings to the animal’s back, side or head where, gently swinging its bill back and forth through the hair, it finds and eats the ticks, lice and other insects.

There are two varieties of these birds—one called red-billed and the other yellow-billed, both of which have dark wings over light-brown bodies, short legs and strong claws.

These birds spend most of the daylight hours on the backs, sides, legs and faces of the distressed animals and remain there several hours or even a full day, eating the insects.  The birds may take naps or even get into noisy fights with one another, but the animals pay no attention.  They never try to shake the oxpeckers off,  even when they peck insects from tender spots like eyes, ears and nostrils.  The animals seem to know the birds are doing them a big favour.

As a matter of fact, if the Creator had not provided such relief, none of these animals would survive very long, for the open sores the insects cause would result in infections that would have wiped them out long ago.  Of course, the animals don’t understand that, but God has given them a sense that oxpeckers are really their friends.

The Creator has been kind to send these helpful birds to the animals.  But some may ask, “Why does He allow the harmful insects to bother them?”  When God created the world and all things in it, every insect was harmless.  But when Satan tempted man and he became a sinner, all things were spoiled, including insects.

Our sins will keep us from entering heaven forever when life on earth ends.   But Christ has died on the cross to put those sins away forever from all who accept Him as their Saviour.  A Bible verse tells us, “I will forgive their iniquities, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).  

Have you admitted to Christ that you are a sinner and accepted Him as your Saviour?  
If so, you are assured of a home with Him in heaven.  And that’s good news!

Love you all - Grandpa         

Friday, October 11, 2019

Jewel # 376 (Oct. 8, 2019)


And they shall be Mine saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I
Make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17


To my dear grandchildren

An Underground Resident

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see Him? saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:24

The mole is a little underground animal that thinks it is hidden from every eye, but it doesn’t know about God, it as Creator, whose eye is always on every living thing.

About eight inches long, the mole is a tireless, rapid digger which the Creator has prepared for its underground life.  Its body has a round shape with a narrow, pointed nose that helps it dig through the soil.  Its front feet, which do the digging, have long, broad claws and are twice the size of its back feet.  It has tiny eyes and is almost blind, which is suitable for its underground life.  In spite of small ears, it has good hearing, as well as a keen sense of smell.

The mole’s fur also has a special design.  It looks and feels like velvet and is made up of short hairs that lie smoothly in any direction in which they may be rubbed.  This enables it to move forward or backward in the tunnels without getting its coat full of dirt.

This little fellow spends all its waking hours either enlarging its tunnels or hunting for worms, insects, spiders and snails.  It always stay underground except for very short trips outside to eat a few green plants.

Their tunnels are always wide enough for two moles to pass and lead from one feeding ground to another, with a living area in between.  As a safeguard, two circular rooms are made at different levels that connect to each other.  When danger threatens, the little animals can escape through any of the many runs that come out from these rooms.  Since it likes a lot of water to drink, it makes little wells in the passageways, enabling it to stay underground.

People with lawns and gardens often consider the mole a pest because its tunnels near the surface raise the soil slightly.  But it does have a useful place in God’s creation by controlling many harmful insects and improving the soil by loosening it as it digs.  

How instructive it is to see the wisdom of God in providing for each of His creatures according to the special needs of its environment.  Have you considered His goodness in providing for your needs?  The Bible says, “God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glorify by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Most blessed of all, He knows the need that each person has for deliverance from sins and judgment.  He has also provided a Redeemer, His own beloved Son Jesus, for all who put their trust in Him.  “He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4).  

If you have not yet accepted this wonderful gift, do so today and thank Him for it.  

Love you all - Grandpa    

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Jewel # 375 (Sept. 27, 2019)


 
Tip-Up Sandpiper                  Large Beak Spoon Bill Sandpiper

   
 The Greater Yellowlegs Sanpiper                     Red-headed Sandpiper

And they shall be Mine saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
Make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear Grandchildren

Charming Sandpipers -  Part 2

Of the Lord God, and through Him, 
and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever.
Romans 11:36

In the last issue we looked at the lovely sandpipers in general.  Here are some interesting facts about a few of them.  The one named spotted is one of the best known all along the Pacific coast.  It is usually seen running along the shore, stopping now and then to teeter up and down several times, then running again.  This has given it the nickname tip-up.” 

The large-beaked-spoonbill and the broad billed are among the great migrators.  Their large beaks contrast with the small beaks of others.  The westerns, also migrators, are very pretty with white breasts and underparts and mottled dark and light brown wings, tan heads and sharply pointed beaks.

An unusual one that doesn’t migrate is named eastern.  It spends winters and summers in the midwestern United States in deep woods, wading in shallow ponds and swamps, stirring up food with its feet.

The greater yellow has long, colourful legs, making it nearly a foot tall.  Another tall one is the nine-inch stilt, living along the Atlantic coast and in Texas.

Among the shorter ones is the least, probably given this name because it is so small.  It is quite pretty with black wings, speckled top and tail feathers and white underparts. Its head, with a sharp, black beak, fits snugly into its round little body.  It often stands a long time on one leg, with the other tucked under its bodying and completely hidden.

The one called purple is really black with gray and brown markings.  Its winter home is in Central America, but it migrates far north in spring and summer.  Then there is the red-headed, with a long, black beak and pretty, reddish feathers so smooth against its small skull that it looks almost bald.

A provision the Creator made for many birds is in Delaware Bay, near Washington, D.C.  This is where great numbers of horseshoe crabs migrate each spring and lay millions of eggs, which many birds eat.  Great numbers of sandpipers find this a good stopping place when migrating north, including the semi-palmateds.  Feeding on this tasty treat, they fatten up for the last lap of a several-thousand-mile migration.  Many other kinds of birds join them in this feast.

We must stop here, although there are many more interesting species.  These are all examples of God’s creation, placed on the earth by Him and dependant on Him for their short life span.  
They do not know of God’s care over them, but we can know about His care over us and thank Him for it.  The Bible tells us, “The Lord is good, and a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him” Nahum 1:7.      
      
Do you know His care, and do you trust in Him?

Love you all - Grandpa

Friday, September 20, 2019

Jewel # 374 (Sept. 18, 2019)

             
Western Sandpiper                                 Spotter Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

Charming Sandpipers  (Part 1)

Thou art worthy, O Lord . . . for Thou hast created all things, 
and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11

When we look at the great variety of birds the Creator has placed on the earth, it is not difficult to understand the above Bible verse and see that He had real pleasure in creating them.

There are many millions of sandpipers in many varieties throughout the world.  They are found mostly in North America and Europe but some live in other countries also.  The one most often seen in Europe is known as the common sandpiper, and the two most common ones in North America are the spotted and the western.  Some of them are given nicknames such as “stilts,” “shanks” and “peeps,” because of their special habits.

Most sandpipers migrate, spending fall and winter in warm southern areas and flying thousands of miles to northern Canada, the Yukon and Alaska in spring.  As an example, over six million of the western species leave South America in May for northern places where they nest, raise their young and find abundant food provided by a kind Creator.

Some of these fly along the Pacific coast, others across Midwestern states, but the greatest number prefer the Atlantic coast.  Whichever route is taken, many stops are made along the way for eating and resting.  They fly in great masses, but not in formation like geese and ducks.

Sandpipers find much of their food in water or on sandy shores, eating mostly at night.  Food includes many kinds of small sea life, such as clams, mussels, a small fish now and then, and many insects caught while flying over the seashore.  Large groups often stand perfectly still on the sand, heads pointed into the wind, and many, if not all, stand with one leg tucked up under their feathers.  They are also interesting to watch as they run rapidly in a group, feet in shallow water, some stopping now and then to poke their beaks into the sand or water to snatch a tasty bit of food.

Sandpipers usually nest on the ground, scraping out a shallow round spot and lining it with grass.  Two or four eggs are laid, with both parents taking turns incubating them.  By late fall, parents and young are ready to make the trip south to their winter homes.

In the following issue we will look at a few of the interesting varieties in more detail.  Meanwhile, if you are near a sandy lakeshore or ocean beach, keep your eyes open and you may see them.

We have already mentioned the Creator’s pleasure in placing these bird on the earth.  Another Bible verse tells of His watchful care over them: “Thou hast made . . . the earth, and all things that are therein . . . and Thou preservest them all” (Nehemiah 9:6).  

Have you thanked Him for His watchful care over you?

Love you all - Grandpa       

Jewel # 458 (Oct. 11, 2021)

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