The Wonders of God’s Creation
“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16).
The grouse is mainly an American bird, although there are many of them in Europe and Asia as well. For the most part they are forest birds, but some prefer the open plains and sagebrush country. In the United States and Canada there are ten species which include the prairie, blue, sage, sharptailed and ruffed, which we will talk about in our next issue.
While there is quite a difference in sizes, they are all similar in appearance, and most of them nest in low bushes or concealed places under logs. Their food, too, is much the same, including seeds, leaves, buds, berries, snails, etc.
Camera-carrying hikers discover that the grouse is hard to find. When the bird is aware of a person coming near, it immediately dashes behind a tree or into the brush where it is well hidden because the color of its feathers blends so well with the ground or brush. Sometimes if a grouse is aware of a person getting too close, it will fly from the ground with such speed that a hunter with his gun is usually too startled to take a shot. Although unable to fly any great distance in these fast flights, grouse will land where they are well hidden, and the hunter doesn’t have a chance of seeing them a second time.
When a fox or coyote approaches, a mother grouse will signal her brood of chicks to scatter to safe hiding places and lie perfectly still. Then she lets the animal see her fly to a tree limb where she waits out of reach of its snapping jaws until it gives up and leaves the area. Only then will the mother hen drop to the ground, call her little ones to her side, and go on searching for food.
Although they are shy and clever birds, the males all follow amazing patterns of “drumming,” strutting and dancing when trying to win a mate. This will be described in detail in a following issue.
The grouse, so well equipped for its life in the wild, is another example of the care our Creator took in providing for the needs of each creature. But His greatest care and love is shown to people. Just think of His expression to each person who will listen: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:33The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3). Have you accepted that love by receiving Him as your Saviour?
(to be continued)
ML-05/21/1989