10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2012

It was a Benguela Nino year, and pelagic seabirds were in super-abundance in the south eastern Atlantic, with the total of species by variety and number exceeding all expectations for the birders on the inaugural trip as we pitched and wallowed about in the rolling swells on our way out to the trawling grounds.

Albatross 178

Albatross Penguins Dolphins Whales 178

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2013

Yes, the same Kaikoura I keep banging on about that is a great place to see albatrosses. Leaving from the harbour on boats were tours to swim with one of New Zealand’s most endangered mammal species, the Hector’s Dolphin. The routine for swimming with Hector’s Dolphins is slightly different to other species, however.

Dolphins 154

Dolphins Sharks New Zealand Albatross 154

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2011

And then there are the crazy-awesome Dippers and one should not forget the great diving birds like Gannets and Albatrosses. Looking through some of my photos from my last trip to Thailand, I got to wondering what birds the various fish and creatures would be if they were feathered.

Sharks 187

Sharks Thailand Dolphins Fish 187

10,000 Birds

JULY 24, 2012

What’s even more frustrating is when animal rights people learn of plans to cull nonnative species. Rats had previously preyed on eggs and young of practically every defenseless seabird on the island, and had taken to even attacking adult albatross as they sat on their nests. on a daily basis, both legally and otherwise.

Animal Rights Movement 204

Animal Rights Movement Animal Rights Rights Wildlife 204

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2012

On the subject of parrots, I have seen no less than ten species of parrot in the suburbs of Sydney, from the massive Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo to the beautiful Crimson Rosella. This ranges from the eucalyptus forests that everyone associates with Australia, and are home to New South Wales’ only endemic species, the Rockwarbler.

Australia 163

Australia Albatross Birds Pelicans 163

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2014

In Hawaii I stood on a beach as albatrosses fledged and Tiger Sharks prowled for the less successful ones. In California I smelt the breath a Blue Whale as it passed feet beneath my boat. You may not get the species counts that the race delivers, but you’ll have memories burned into your skull. I still have that marker.

Uganda 160

Uganda Sharks Africa New Zealand 160

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 18, 2014

Albatrosses. We had three species of storm-petrel keeping us busy: Wilson’s Storm-Petrel , Band-rumped Storm-Petrel , and Leach’s Storm-Petrel. The latter two species were a pleasure as I had only previously made their acquaintance during Hurricane Irene. I could dream though! European Storm-Petrel. And what birds!

New York 178

New York Sea Turtles Whales Whaling 178

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2017

I observe Piping Plovers every summer and they are amongst my favorite species overall, both because of their cuteness quotient and their ability to survive (with a little help from Plover monitors like my friend Laura, who convince beach goers that having dunes fenced off is not destroying their summer). 7) Piping Plover.

2016 108

2016 India Ducks Birds 108

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

It is acceptable to point out other sea creatures–dolphins or whales or dragonflies–but the main goal is the observation and identification of the birds. The King Eider photograph, which is the “marquee” photo for that species account, is by Hugh Harrop). It is a challenging activity. No rails or gallinules.

Ducks 227

Ducks Groups Species North America 227

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

At sea there are also New Zealand Sea Lions and Southern Right Whales. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike) Dunedin You don’t have to go very far to see spectacular seabirds in this southern city, the adjoining Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland colony of albatrosses in the world.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Penguins Sanctuary Birds 157