10,000 Birds

APRIL 26, 2024

First recorded breeding on the island in 2013, this dove is now both widespread and common. Though it has spread naturally, Anders Gray from BirdLife Cyprus told me that it’s numbers had been boosted by releases of captive-bred birds by hunters. One September I watched a pack of seven Eleonora’s hunting a juvenile Swift.

Cyprus 229

Cyprus Breeders Falcons Hunters 229

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Yes, Germans were a particularly supersticious breed in the days of old, and would not dare to use the word devil even when cursing. But no, there is another reason for this surprisingly creative way of describing the gruesome killing of a creature: the characteristics of hunting in Germany. You know, cavity breeders.

Germany 195

Germany Birds Hunters Owls 195

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

The Mourning Dove is a prolific breeder. Even though the female lays only two eggs per nest attempt, they enjoy a protracted breeding season in which multiple nesting attempts can occur every 30 days, and in Southern locations, nearly year round. Use of non-toxic shot when hunting waterfowl has been mandatory, nationwide, since 1991.

Hunters 180

Hunters Hunting North America Game 180