The Wonders of God’s Creation
If ten people were asked which of all the birds they liked the most, there would probably be ten different choices. One might say the peacock, another an eagle, another a pheasant, but quite likely one or more would choose a swan. It is difficult to make such a choice, because every creature of God stands out in some way; different beauties and features are seen in each of them.
We can easily understand a person choosing a swan. They are so lovely, so graceful, so majestic to look at as they glide slowly over the smooth water of a pond or lake. A pair of them together almost looks like the king and queen of all birds.
There are several species of swans and it is difficult to tell one from another, but the one called the trumpeter is the largest. In fact, it is the largest waterfowl in the world: an adult weighs 35 pounds or more. With its neck extended it may measure five feet from the tip of its bill to the end of its short tail. Each of its huge wings is nearly four feet long — in other words about as tall as many girls and boys. If a big swan were mounted half way up the wall of your bedroom, the tip of one wing would touch the ceiling, and the tip of the other would reach the floor.
Those beautiful white wings are not only for flying, but they also make powerful weapons with which to strike an enemy, along with their strong beaks and large webbed feet.
It is impressive to see a flock of swans flying in perfect formation high in the sky. It is also interesting to watch these big beauties land on the water. As they drop down near the surface, their strong webbed feet are extended before them and, just like a water-skier, they zip along the surface a short way before settling down. It is equally amazing to see them take to the air from the water. Paddling hard with their big feet to gain speed and at the same time beating their big wings fast, their feet soon rise to the surface. They run along it, as though racing on the water, until finally with necks stretched out and feet tucked under their tails they are clear of the water and usually on the start of a high flight.
Although unknown to them, there is never a moment when these unusual birds, called trumpeters because of their loud calls, are not under the watchful eye of the Creator, as the Bible tells us: “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven... the earth, and all things that are therein... and Thou preservest them all.” Nehemiah 9:66Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. (Nehemiah 9:6).
(to be continued)
ML-04/09/1989