An unusual bird found in Africa and in Europe is the Cape Penduline tit. It is about the size of a sparrow, but with a much longer tail. It is not a colorful bird, having just a few scarlet and yellow feathers by which it can be identified.
These little acrobats hang upside down on swinging leaves and swaying branches when looking for insects, seeds and berries. They travel in groups of ten to twenty, constantly calling back and forth with low, pretty whistles.
An outstanding feature of this bird is its elongated nest, a bag-like, waterproof nest suspended from a branch. The male usually starts to build the nest, weaving hoops of grass and fibers to form its basic shape. Soon his mate joins him, and sometimes others come to help. After the framework is completed, the bottom, walls and top are finished. Finally, soft, fluffy materials and feathers are woven in for a soft, comfortable lining.
The entrance to this nest is most interesting. Two-thirds of the way up the side, a large opening is made on one side. It looks like an entrance, but it actually leads into an empty chamber, walled off all by itself. However, it serves a purpose.
When the parent bird returns with food, it flies directly into this empty chamber, settles to the bottom, then cautiously looks out to make sure no enemy is around. Satisfied that it is safe, it reaches up with its beak, tugs gently on a concealed section, and another opening appears into which it enters. This is the true entrance that leads down to where the baby birds are housed. The trap door closes by itself after the parent bird enters. A clever use of spider webs and silk from caterpillar nests makes a flexible hinge on this trap door, keeping it shut when not in use. When leaving the nest, the bird goes through the same safety routine, hopping into the big opening before flying off.
When the baby birds grow up, they will also make identical nests and without having any lessons. How have they learned this? You may already know the answer - the Lord God provided these abilities and instincts when He created them. And these are passed on from one generation to another. No lessons are necessary!
Hebrews 4:1313Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13) tell us that God watches over them at all times: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest [visible] in His sight.” And since you are one of His special creatures, He is watching you and knows everything you do and think. How good to make the prayer of David your prayer also: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:1414Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)).
ML-04/28/2002