aussiebirder

As we enter into a new year we need to be positive people of vision, faith and hope who aim to prosper in our lives delighting in the satisfaction of accomplishment, rather than negative people who act out of fear and doubt who accomplish very little because they aim to not loose. This theme follows my last past, and I will share more late.

One Australian bird that is rarely featured and rarely seen, as it forages among the leaf litter on the ground within the deep darkness of our east coast rainforests, including Tasmania, is the Bassian Thrush. Many small birds are very prone to predation and have been equipped by Intelligent Design from their Almighty Creator, various means of protection. Take a look at this photo:

The Bassian Thrush protects itself by:

*Remaining out of sight on the forest floor;

*Remaining perfectly still when noticed;

*Blending in with its surroundings;

*Staying quiet and not calling;

The Bassian Thrush is a ground feeder, in a similar way to the Lyrebird, scratching among the leaf litter on the floor of the forest for insects and invertebrates. It is often difficult to get a clear and non blurred photo of this bird until it infrequently emerges from the forest into the light. You can see the contrast of the two photos below of the background and how the forest floor naturally camouflages the bird.

Here is an excellent example of this bird’s ability to blend in with its habitat. The bird has seen me and has frozen perfectly still hoping I will not detect it, which for this bird is very wise as movement attracts attention. In a dark forest you could walk right bye this Bassian Thrush without knowing.

The only cousin to the Bassian Thrush is the much rarer Russet-tailed Thrush which is limited to rainforests southern Queensland and northern NSW. It has a slight variation in size and has more rufous plumage and white edges to its tail, which are difficult to see unless it is flying, which one seldom observes. I continue to struggle with the differentiation.

Have a wonderful week out birding if you are able, the weather has not been too kind to us here in Sydney this last week. It is a hot, wet humid, stormy Summer, so what’s new ?! 🙂

Every day of our lives we take risks and exercise faith, often without realising or being too concerned. Driving a car through traffic is one good example. People who prosper and live less stressful lives are faith orientated people who aim for success, achievement and prosperity in life. They are people of vision, always moving forward. Doubt and fear limit our ability and blur our hope and vision, often stopping us in our tracks. There must be a reason why God says over 360 times in the Bible: ‘Do not be afraid !’ which is often followed by the words: ‘… for I am with you says the Lord.’

We need courage and strength to move confidently into the new year. However, without a vision or setting a goal ahead of us it is unlikely we will succeed. ‘If we don’t aim, we don’t gain’. The Bible is full of testimonies to people who trusted and obeyed God, without knowing what was up ahead. But they were never disappointed only amazed at what their faith brought them to in God’s faithful and loving provision, which is the same for us today. Many people are stuck in the blame game. They blame God or others or circumstances for why they never achieved or went forward in their lives to reach their full potential and success. As my wife rightly says: To blame is to remain.We must grab the bull of our future by both horns with faith and courage and advance into this year with a clear set of goals and a positive destiny. We never grow till we go go go. It is through the challenges of life, and pressing through the difficulties with faith toward our goal that we grow strong in character, resilience, courage and ability.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

‘And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.‘ – Genesis 15:6 (NLT)

‘But my righteous one will live by faith, and I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.’ – Hebrews 10:38-39

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Adv. Dip. in Counselling and Family Therapy.

Member of Birdlife Australia

To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

And learn from them how to live a healthy and happy life.

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