Animal Ethics

JANUARY 30, 2007

Barbaro, the magnificent thoroughbred who broke his leg two weeks after winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby (I watched both races live), was put to death after taking a turn for the worse in his recovery. See here for the New York Times story. Barbaro's killing is a case of euthanasia. It's a sad day for horse lovers.

Euthanasia 40

Euthanasia Dog Pound Killing Kentucky 40

Animal Ethics

JUNE 17, 2011

It is asking the burger-stuffer to come clean ; to show just why it is that his greed should be indulged in this way, and just where he fits into the scheme of things, that he can presume to kill again and again for the sake of a solitary pleasure that creates and sustains no moral ties. Duty requires us, therefore, to eat our friends.

Meat 40

Meat Vegetarian Battery Fast Food 40

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

Kills in Canada, Alaska and Mexico are not included in the count. Texas and North Dakota together account for 88% of the total yearly kill of sandhill cranes. Letters from Eden (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) will soon be followed by a memoir about the birds she has raised, healed, studied and followed throughout her life.

2011 245

2011 Kentucky Tennessee Hunting 245

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? Letters from Eden (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) will soon be followed by a memoir about the birds she has raised, healed, studied and followed throughout her life. The list goes on and on.

2011 242

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 242

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 31, 2021

As sad as I am to say it, I must: 2021 was one of my worst years for birding since I started looking at feathered creatures with intent in 2006. Spotted Towhee , 05 January, Baldwin Harbor Park, New York (state bird). Lark Sparrow (photo above), 30 January, Fort Tilden, Queens, New York (self-found, way out of season).

New York 256

New York Birds California Owls 256

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 5, 2012

It took several days in Florida for the idea that I was pretty much surrounded by giant reptiles that could kill me to sink in to my brain. As a resident of New York City the only predator I am ever concerned about while birding near my home is other people. In May 2006, alligators killed three Floridians in less than a week.

Alligators 167

Alligators Reptiles New York City Florida 167