10,000 Birds

MARCH 21, 2015

These and several other species might end up being armchair ticks if and when we take a closer look at their evolutionary history. Taxa that could end up being split into one species occurring north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and one south of the isthmus. (2). Two subspecies of the same species that differ within Costa Rica. (4).

Costa Rica 212

Costa Rica Species South America America 212

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

They’re also one of the most diverse, with approximately 330 species, all in the Western Hemisphere. White-necked Jacobin ( Florisuga mellivora ) in Ecuador © David J. They are tiny but often highly ornamented species, sporting some of the most breathtaking head and tail plumes in the entire hummingbird tree.

Family 199

Family Ecuador Costa Rica United States 199

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 31, 2015

Yep, those two guys identified 331 species in one small area, sans vehicle. Can you imagine even identifying more than 250 species while walking and using a canoe in one day? Essentially, their record was broken in 1986 by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe when they recorded 342 species during one calendar day in Kenya.

Costa Rica 165

Costa Rica South Africa Kenya Ecuador 165

10,000 Birds

MAY 4, 2017

In 2009, I traveled from New York City to the tropical rainforest of Ecuador. Though each chapter offers a wealth of mind-boggling knowledge, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on “Tropical Intimacy: Mutualism and Co-evolution,” with its examination of species interdependences and evolutionary oddities.

South America 151

South America Ecuador Reptiles America 151

Animal Person

NOVEMBER 21, 2010

When I was asked if I wanted to read Jeff Corwin's 100 HEARTBEATS (Rodale 2009) I was ambivalent. It has entertaining stories, includes animals people care about because they like them (and also addresses that concept), and it describes how the numbers of various species decreased to the point of being classified as "endangered" or worse.

Polar Bears 100

Polar Bears California Condor Bald Eagle Lions 100

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2014

But I had seen one in 2006 and I have since seen them twice more so the species never rose to the level of nemesis bird for me. I mean, sure, I’ve had my share of dips but none of them were multiple attempts at a single species that did not end up in victory within three attempts. Otherwise, they will become true nemesis birds.

Costa Rica 195

Costa Rica Hungary Honduras Birds 195