This week my thoughts turn to the apparent truth that when humans move into an area previously not populated with humans they often due to their opportunistic selfish natures excessively take advantage of a specie or species of creatures and plants as they are free for the taking. With them come ferule rodents (rats and mice), dogs, cats and foxes which add to the carnage. Eggs, young birds and animals and ancient nesting trees all become vulnerable, driving the species to extinction. The idea of conservation only raises it’s head when numbers are so low that the species is threatened by extinction. The old adage rises its head again: The only thing that humankind learns from history is that they do not learn from history.

The Lord Howe Island Woodhen endemic to Lord Howe Island, and found only there, is such an example.

Lord Howe Island is a popular destination for birders, walkers and climbers. I have visited it several times birding and as those who have been there say:’ I will be back !’. Many species of ocean and tree birds are present and breed here each year. Already due to human habitation of this small scenic Australian island 600 km off the east coast from Port Macquarie, NSW, five endemic bird species are already extinct, as well as other species of plants and creatures. which were not found anywhere else in the world. This beautiful island boasts of a coral cove unsurpassed anywhere in the world for its purity and coral health.

The main reason numbers of this once numerous bird quickly dwindled when man set foot on the island was because the Woodhen is a flightless bird which had no fear of humans and could be easily beaten over the head and taken for food as it tasted good and was the only source of easy protein on the island. Click on image to enlarge it.

Lord Howe Island Woodhen
on the beach in search of figs

Black Rat (Rattus rattus) eradication device seen below. These were placed all over the island to poison only the rats, and was a very successful conservation project which led to the recovery of the Woodhen population.:

The main problem was eliminated with a great community conservation effort, with the eradication of black rats brought to the island on ships. PVC elbow water piping proved very useful for safely planting baits. The rats would eat the Woodhen eggs and the rat population multiplied in great number, as they do, and almost wiped out the Woodhen population even after they were designated a protected endangered species. Ferule cats and dogs added to the problem. Today after their recovery in the last 15 years means the population is much better being most likely over a thousand birds.

Lord Howe Island Woodhen foraging

Sadly most conservation efforts to preserve remaining bird or animal populations are afterthoughts and only occur after humankind has ravaged the population, either for food or sport or they have destroyed its natural feeding and nesting habitats, resulting in a continuing fall in breeding numbers. If humankind was wise enough, less selfish and more aligned with God their Creator’s charter for humans, we would not have this problem.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ” – Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

This is why we as responsible and caring people need to support conservation programs where ever we can to save what is left of this planet’s non human life forms, since the yearly species extinction rate just gets greater and greater each year, silently in the background. Most people today are becoming more insular inside dwelling hermits and have become more addicted or influenced by the technology and social media platforms that feed their lives and opinions on life. Therefore most give little concern to their natural heritage which helps sustain all life on this planet we all share.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the changing season as the birds move to their next season homes.

Pondering the quote mentioned above which my high school history teacher said on my first lesson (so I took Geography instead) : The only thing that humankind learns from history is that they do not learn from history, we can see how this works out in many aspects of the daily lives of many people, and has done so historically for as long as human life has been on earth. We simply allow our desires and lusts of our selfish nature get beyond us at times especially when we are low or feeling depressed. The Bible tells us what assists in instigating our down fall, where we forget or override what we know is the healthiest, safest and wisest choices for our lives: Firstly Jesus refers to the sneaky suggestions, accusations and doubts implanted in our minds when we least expect it, by the Devil or Satan, yes he is a very real spirit being assisted by evil angels, who hates us because God loves us so much and wants to usurp God’s ownership over our lives and enjoy seeing us disobeying God.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ” – John 10:10 (NIV)

The Devil, our enemy, comes to steal away our peace and trust in God, to entice us to doubt ourselves and our wisdom to make foolish and rash actions. He kills and destroys relationships and friendships through encouraging stubbornness, selfishness, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentfulness, anger, frustration, violence and depression. Secondly, James explains the mechanism and how the devil plays on our sinful natures:

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:13-15

Jesus came to be our Saviour which is what his name Yeshua in Hebrew and Jesus in Greek means. Jesus is God’s final answer to our hard wired selfish problem the Bible calls Sin. Note the I in the middle, that’s our selfish will. God’s Son Jesus came to earth and cancelled our sin out by living a wholly righteous selfless life on our behalf and took the penalty for our sin into his own body and died in our place on a horrid excruciating Roman cross. God raised him back to life, so that we might have new life through Jesus by faith in him and his loving act on our behalf. We can add nothing or do nothing to earn it, he has done all that is needed for us to have a real and personal relation ship with God our Creator through him. He is the Way to God, the Truth of God and the Life of God himself offered freely to us. You can not earn it you simply turn from your old selfish life, Believe and Receive God’s free gift in Jesus.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Posted on 13 By aussiebirder Australian Birds Posted in Australian Birds Tagged #, , , , ,
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aussiebirder

My wife and I share a love of bird observing and bird photography which takes us all over Australia. We love sharing our experiences. Birds live in the beautiful parts of our country. We always get blessed with beautiful gifts of new birds and unexpected experiences each time we go out birding or just walking in the parks and reserves in our wonderful land. We love Australia, and the variety that each state and region offers in its wildlife and nature aspects. Join us in sharing our love. We have always found other birders enthusiastic and friendly people who appreciate the good things in life.

13 Comments »

  1. Hello Ash,
    Thank you very much for yet another informative and thought-provoking post.
    These are the same thoughts that have been nagging me for many years, and it is a reflection on us as a species. And I am sad to say that the situation you describe reflects the state of conservation in my country too… When we humans arrogantly think we can “play God” tragedy occurs in all forms – as our history has proved time and again. (Your history teacher was very wise when he said “The only thing that humankind learns from history is that they do not learn from history…”)

    I came down with a nasty cold which left me out of commission for most of this week, but finally starting to feel better. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your wife and please wait a bit more for our update.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks Takami, we are sad to read you have experienced a severe cold. Hoping the warmth of spring will bring a pleasant change. We are just starting to feel the bite of early winter with cooler weather which I love. We will be praying for a full recovery for you. We are currently out west visiting family and the weather is quite cool cut the sun is lovely and warm. I love that the dreadful humidity disappears during our cooler seasons. May you both enjoy a blessed and enjoyable week.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks Deborah, yes we are thankful the island conservationists are active and successful in saving this unique bird and preventing further species loss. There are strict laws as to how many people can be on the island at one time and who can live there as well as what can be brought onto the island.

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  4. Thanks for this post Ashley. It is quite sad that a lot of conservation efforts are not put into action until it is almost too late. You have probably heard recently about the issues of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania affecting the survival of the endangered maugean skate. There is often some story in the news here in Tassie about some kind of animal threatened by Man’s selfish actions with little care of the consequences for other species. On the upside, it was good to read in your post that the woodhen on Lord Howe Island is starting to thrive again. I would love to visit there one day and do some hiking and birdwatching.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks Sue, yes I have recently heard about the Salmon crisis in the mouth of the Gordon, and do remember seeing them hosing the many small crowded areas of each captive farming plot the several times I have cruised the river. It turns you off eating Salmon from there, which is so healthy and we love eating. It is not fun swimming in your own excrement. And yes, you would so enjoy Lord Howe it is such a beautiful treasure of ours, and thankfully our state looks after it, and Queensland ended up with Norfolk Island and all its crazy people problems. You would love Lord Howe. Everyone travels by bicycle or walks. My Red-tailed Tropicbird logo is from there. It was this island and that bird that attracted me to birding and took me away from nature photography and gave me the love of birds. I still have wonderful recollections of the Sooty Terns dormant in the air looking at me face to face only a couple of feet away. Sue you must go. It is a week, one lot fly out Saturday one come in as population on the island is controlled. Flights from Sydney or Port Macquarie (in season). Enjoy your weekend my friend. I am hoping to visit Tassie again this year if I can. What is the best time to see the southern lights?

      Liked by 1 person

      • I will definitely put Lord Howe on my wish list, although it is getting longer all the time! As for when to see the aurora in Tassie, the best time is during winter and I believe it is best seen further south around Hobart. If you are on Facebook, there is a good group called Aurora Australis Tasmania run by Margaret Sonneman, and they give heads up on auroras and where to see them as well as posting photos of them. Otherwise, you can probably check with any locals where you are staying, I’m sure they would be happy to help. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks Lisa, It is a truly beautiful island and very unique in many ways, The coral is some of the best in the world and to actually put your head under the water has a wow factor 🙂 The woodhen is endemic to the island and this is the only place it is found and able to be seen. Enjoy your weekend my friend.

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