Last week we learned a few things about the Mallee-fowl of Australia and their huge mounds of dirt. We have no way of knowing if the name Adam gave them was changed (see opening verse), but we have a clue to their present name. They are of the species known as “megapodes,” which means mound-builder or incubator bird.
After building the large mound of dirt with their feet, each male bird picks a spot on the top and scoops out a hole about three feet deep. Then he places green leaves, grass, flowers and plant stems into the hole and covers it all with the dirt he has just dug out. The bird follows God-given instincts in what he does and seems to know the covered vegetation will soon decay under the dirt, producing much heat. In fact, he stays nearby and each day checks on the nest until he feels the temperature rising. Then he again digs into the hole and calls several hens to come lay their eggs in it. He then covers the eggs with the material he has just scooped out. Sometimes, instead of digging a nest at the top of the pile, a male makes a tunnel into the side until he finds a spot where the temperature is just right. Then he guides a hen to that spot to deposit her eggs.
At that point the hens consider their responsibility finished and they disappear. But the male bird stays on the job, checking every day to make sure there is plenty of heat to keep the eggs well incubated. If not, he scrapes hot sand over them and may do this over and over for several weeks. He is one busy, faithful father bird.
The male is so faithful in his care that if rain threatens, he will pile additional sand on top to absorb the moisture, and when the storm is over he will scrape it all off again. Finally, the chicks hatch, climb up through the dirt, and wobble weakly off to the brush where they learn to take care of themselves.
These unusual birds remind us of the wonders of all God’s creation and the pleasure He had in forming them all. We may wonder how these birds thought of such an unusual way to incubate and hatch their eggs. But we know they didn’t have to learn how to do this, for the Lord God arranged it for them when He first placed them on the earth and provided instincts that have been followed ever since. God loves and cares for you, too. Have you ever thanked Him for this?
ML-09/17/2000