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The Wonder of the Bar-tailed Godwits

September 29, 2011 By Jean Wise


Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) - Photogr...Image via Wikipedia
Ever hear of them?  The bar-tailed Godwits.  I didn’t until earlier this week when I read about their incredible feat this time of year.
If you saw these ordinary brown, black, and gray birds, they probably wouldn’t even draw your attention. They aren’t that pretty with their long legs and have large bills. Their name, Godwits, originates in Old English with god meaning good, and wit coming from white, meaning creature.
But it is what they do this time of year that makes them unique.
Every autumn the bar-tailed godwit undertakes an eight-day journey from Alaska to New Zealand. The bird flies non-stop, without once breaking the journey to rest or eat. Then when spring comes, the bar-tailed godwit makes the 7000-mile journey back to Alaska.
They are the only birds known to fly this enormous amount of miles without stopping. They seem to wait until storm winds can jumpstart their journey south, but by the time they reach the equator, the winds change and they continue with flight without much help. What perseverance.
One bird that was tagged with a transmitter flew the 7369 miles to New Zealand in 8.1 days.
Fascinating for such an ordinary looking bird.
I wonder what wonders I miss everyday hidden in the routine, mundane matters.
What fascinating creatures of God I don’t see buried under ordinary dirt or concealed behind the leaves.
God amazes me how He bestows extraordinary gifts unique to each individual – His personal fingerprint on each of us. What we may dismiss as ordinary, commonplace and of little value, He declares His amazing masterpiece.
God, You continue to surprise me.  Thank you for implanting part of You in all of Your creatures.

Where have you notice God in your everyday world lately?

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Comments

  1. blankPam says

    October 4, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I see God in so many of the blogs I read. Isn’t it amazing how God brings together the Christians in the blogosphere so we can encourage one another? I just found your blog and am enjoying reading your posts, Jean.
    Blessings!
    Pam at http://www.2encourage.blogspot.com

  2. blankColleen says

    October 1, 2011 at 6:49 am

    You are so right, how much we need to slow down and appreciate God’s gifts to us which are all around us! I was blessed by visiting here today.

  3. blankColleen says

    October 1, 2011 at 1:27 am

    How amazing! Thank you for sharing this with us!

  4. blankDesiray says

    September 30, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I’ve never heard of that bird sis…it’s nice learning something new each day..God bless and have a great Friday

  5. blankJean Wise says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:19 am

    I was so amazed at this ordinary bird and what they do. Reminds me how unique God made each of us and how each of us are called to do extraordinary things with our lives.

  6. blankPhather Phil Malmstrom says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    Your posts are always such a treasure trove of information Jean! God truly does make wondrous creations when we stop to appreciate their gifts.

    Have a Blessed Day!

  7. blankHeidi says

    September 29, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    You’re right I’d never heard of that bird, but wow he is an impressive one! And me too… I am in awe of the way He thoughtfully created everything! Blessings!

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