The lovely oriole has always been a favorite bird of Europeans, with its musical flute-like songs sung from the treetops. When Europeans migrated to North America, they were happy to find orioles here too. Altogether there are nine native oriole species living throughout the United States and southern Canada, with some as far north as Nova Scotia. Most migrate to the Caribbean Sea area or Colombia for the winter.
East of the Rocky Mountains the Baltimore oriole is the most common species, in the West the Bullock’s oriole, and in the South the orchard oriole. All of these robin-sized birds, relatives of the blackbirds, are examples of the wonders of God’s creation. The males are a beautiful combination of black and orange or deep yellow, but the females are not as brightly colored. This is a wise plan of the Creator, because it helps them to remain hidden when hatching their eggs.
This insect eater is interesting not only because of its beauty and song, but also because of its unusual nest. The nest is usually built as a deep pouch hanging from a fork of a tree. A favorite building material is orange milkweed which is stripped into long fibers. The female weaves these strips into a basket nest with her beak. Long strands of grass may also be used, or fibers and leaves from trees or desert plants. Whatever the material, their complicated, hanging nest is made by intricate stitching, tying of loops and knots, and perfect shuttle-like weaving. A soft lining such as wool, fine grass or even horse hairs is added. The nest is open at the top but hidden underneath large leaves or branches, concealing it from enemies. These happy birds seem to enjoy the swinging motion of their suspended nests.
Orioles need no lessons on how to build such strong, wonderful homes. The Lord God has given them this ability to make a nest just like their ancestors made hundreds of years ago. The oriole was given its skill by the One who delights in all His creation. None of us could make one so perfectly, even with a model to copy from and unlimited time to practice.
Few birds sing as often as the oriole. The loud musical voices of various species differ from each other but are always pleasant. They seem to be saying that this bird is happy and content with the way God has provided for it. When we think of all that He has done for us, shouldn’t we be happy too? Yes, and we should also be thankful as the Bible verse tells us, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:1515Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)).
The “unspeakable gift” was the giving of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Saviour of all who will accept Him as their very own. Have you done this, and can you join in the song of our opening verse?
SEPTEMBER 14, 1997
ML-09/14/1997