10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2013

The smellier the better, particularly as, unusually for birds, many species can boast a robust sense of smell. In any case, our hang-ups with vultures clearly stem from our own issues rather than any inherently bizarre trait of the species themselves. Vultures famously feed on carrion. Dead things. New World Vultures.

California Condor 180

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 180

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 24, 2014

“But lets see … I’d say one of my most memorable releases is that of a Purple Martin , a species of special concern in California. Their population is in serious decline, so their breeding colonies are monitored by biologists. Biologists are trying to get them to adopt nest boxes, but no luck with the CA birds so far.

Wildlife Rehabilitation 220

Wildlife Rehabilitation Ohio Tulsa West Virginia 220

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 20, 2012

The very first thing we notice about this large member of the Galliformes is that there is a wild version and a domestic version, and although the two are rather different, they are both given the same species name, Meleagris gallopavo. This is the time of year that we rightfully contemplate the noble Turkey. Which would be weird.

Turkey 201

Turkey Columbus Spain Fowl 201

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

The scientific species name of the Golden-throated Barbet is franklinii , commemorating Capt. The HBW section on this species’ behavior mostly repeats the phrase “more information needed” Though of course scientists, hungry for grants and topics, say that all the time. Ok, I made that up.

Birds 174

Birds China Woodpeckers Breeding 174

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

It is the 100th Anniversary of the extinction of the species known as the Passenger Pigeon and writers are paying attention. Errol Fuller’s The Passenger Pigeon is a beautifully illustrated, elegantly written “celebration” of the passenger pigeon and the artists who illustrated and photographed the species. It is a hodgepodge.

2014 160

2014 Killing Michigan Kentucky 160

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

Hunting sandhill cranes in Kentucky is a bad idea from a public relations standpoint, considering the growing cadre of birders and nature enthusiasts for whom cranes are a touchstone species. Initiating a hunting season on a large, charismatic species like a crane is no way to resuscitate hunting. Isn’t that neat?

2011 245

2011 Kentucky Tennessee Hunting 245

10,000 Birds

MARCH 6, 2011

Outside of the breeding season a few birds may join together in a loose flock if the feeding is good. The nom de blog Redgannet was adopted to add an air of mystery and to make himself more attractive to women. Very interesting species. Wicked, right? Married to a Canon? That I understand! Hat-tip to Stella.

2011 181

2011 Deer India New York 181

10,000 Birds

JULY 2, 2019

And, I looked at my eBird list and realized I’ve seen nine species of Antpitta and one of Gnateater. Antpittas and Gnateaters covers 64 species in six genera and two families. (I The Species Accounts feature highly detailed text by Harold Greeley, distribution maps, and over 250 photographs by a number of photographers.

Research 140

Research Eggs South America Costa Rica 140

10,000 Birds

MARCH 19, 2011

In southern Africa, there are two species. Outside of the tropics, nesting would usually take place in the spring (in the southern hemisphere, spring and the height of the breeding season occurs before Christmas); these pictures were taken in March as the weather in Cape Town is beginning to cool. Wicked, right?

2011 163

2011 Deer Africa Peru 163

10,000 Birds

MARCH 5, 2011

Orlando is so rich in roadside and overhead birds that I kept a list of species seen from the car which ran to 30+ on the first morning and included a Bald Eagle nonchalantly sitting on a street lamp by a Target store. The nom de blog Redgannet was adopted to add an air of mystery and to make himself more attractive to women.

2011 116

2011 Alligators Florida Deer 116