10,000 Birds

JANUARY 9, 2019

In the end, I truly did set out to reduce the number of birds that I feature here from 1302, my years total species, down to 10-12. The birds are now breeding in the area, but are quite happy to keep coming to the daily feeding station in groups of over 100 birds. I finally caught this one in the Alexander Skutch Bird Sanctuary.

2018 178

2018 Costa Rica South Africa New Zealand 178

10,000 Birds

MAY 10, 2017

My recent trip was fantastic, and really re-kindled my love of diving, so much so that I’ve started planning and saving for a diving (and birding) trip to Costa Rica in 2019. Note the beaked mouth, used for hunting invetebrates. I can’t explain it, maybe some kind of breeding aggregation? Very very close!

Costa Rica 100

Costa Rica Porcupines Fish New Zealand 100

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2014

I got to see a beautiful female and owlet on a trip to a secret nest location near Howard Prairie Lake (human-made nest structures have enhanced local breeding for these huge owls whose nest success is boosted to 83% on artificial platforms vs. 66% at natural sites). Larry’s BBOTY – Great Gray Owl.

2014 202

2014 Costa Rica South Africa Birds 202

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

When Costa Rica becomes a topic of conversation, we don’t usually hear the word “extinction” being thrown around. But how about when the Costa Rica conversation involves a birder? It’s easy to bedazzle the bins with this one when birding in Costa Rica. Must be a joke, right?

Costa Rica 234

Costa Rica Species Panama Birds 234

10,000 Birds

JULY 17, 2012

Our recent trip to Selva Verde Lodge in Costa Rica was one such trip that held an unexpected surprise. A displaying Sunbittern close to Selva Verde Lodge, Costa Rica Secondly, Sunbitterns belong to a monotypic family, Eurypygidae. But I digress. I’ve had the same difficulty getting a good sighting of Elvis.

Costa Rica 259

Costa Rica Suriname Eggs Hunting 259

10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2016

For those who happen to be faithful followers of posts about birding in Costa Rica, no, you haven’t accidentally browsed to the wrong place. It might not be Costa Rica, but it is one of the most important, birdiest events on the planet, and checking it out was a dream come true.

Costa Rica 185

Costa Rica Eagles Birds 185

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

My best bird of the year is based on the sighting rather than the species. Obviously my best bird of the year is going to come during this trip, what with several species of endemic pitta and broadbill possible, not to mention 8 species of hornbill and numerous babblers, storks, kingfishers, trogons and even the endemic Bornean Bristlehead.

2013 168

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 168