“[God] sendeth the springs into the valleys... [where] the fowls of the heaven [sky]... sing among the branches.”
Last week we learned about vireo birds in general. Now let’s consider a few varieties that make their summer homes in America.
Least bell’s vireo: What a cute little bit of creation this bird is, nesting in the willows and cottonwood trees near Santa Barbara, California. Its little, round, dark-feathered head is accented with large eyes and little beak. Its gray top feathers and white underparts and large dark eyes make it a charming little bird with a pretty song.
The red-eyed vireo: This one has a blue cap on its head, contrasting with red eyes which have a white line with a black border above them. It’s difficult to spot this olive-green warbler as it sends its melody through the bushes.
The solitary vireo: Like the red-eyed, this one’s home is in the eastern United States. It has a light-purple head, white chest and underparts and big dark eyes set off inside a yellow circle. Its back is tannish-yellow with two white stripes stretching across its brown wings.
The white-eyed vireo: One variety lives in Florida and another in Texas. They are among the smallest of the vireos and are quite pretty. The tops of their heads are bluish, fading out to blend with totally white lower body feathers. Brown wings with white cross stripes match short tail feathers, but dark-pupiled eyes centered in soft yellow (rather than white) help to identify them.
A few others the greenlet, the black-capped, the yellow-throated, the warbling vireo and some others are all residents of the western or central United States with many more in these areas.
Vireos are all examples of the wonders of God’s creation and His delight in placing them on the earth. He is always watching over them, even though they are such small creatures and there are so many of them. We know He really does watch over them, for a Bible verse tells us: “In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing.” Job 12:1010In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10).
Jesus, talking with His disciples, said to them, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father [knowing it].” Then He added, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29,3129Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29)
31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31).
At another time He said to them (and to us too), “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap... and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls [birds]?” Luke 12:2424Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Luke 12:24). Yes, His loving eye is always on you and He invites you to know Him as your Saviour. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden [burdened with sins], and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). If you have not yet accepted His loving invitation, will you accept it today?
ML-12/20/1992