10,000 Birds

JUNE 15, 2012

On the first day, before the sun was even properly up, I already had one of my target species under my belt: the storied and spectacular White Stork. My travelling companion, also from the University of Montana creative writing program, was not a nature girl at all, but she could relate to birds that played a role in stories.

Spain 174

Spain Europe Industry Rodents 174

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

Jennifer Ackerman brings a sense of curiosity and wonder to her material, whether she’s interviewing evolutionary ecologist Christopher Clark about the mechanics of an owl’s silent flight or looking for Northern Pygmy Owl nests in Montana with a team from the Owl Research Institute. They are also hunted.

Owls 219

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 219

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

My best bird of the year is based on the sighting rather than the species. My best bird of the year was without a doubt the Montana Baikal Teal , a bird that combined rarity, beauty, and the good grace to stick around long enough for me to actually see it. Montana’s Baikal Teal by suneko. Rock Warbler by Clare Morton.

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167

10,000 Birds

APRIL 8, 2011

Gray Jay : This drab but charismatic species demonstrates that the more a bird interacts with humans, the more colloquial names it will tend to pick up. Northern Flicker : And then there are the times when officialdom changes not only the name, but the whole species, away from the former conventional wisdom.

Hunters 184

Hunters Falcons Ducks Montana 184