10,000 Birds

MARCH 27, 2021

The Red-shouldered Hawks , the quick flapping Accipiters and the legions of blackbirds and ducks moved through the cool airs of March and April but the orioles, grosbeaks, and wood-warblers wouldn’t show up until the trees had their buds and many had their leaves.

Costa Rica 264

Costa Rica West Virginia Baltimore Virginia 264

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 8, 2018

I would wake up in darkness, gather my camera and binoculars and drive to Alabama for a birding tour along a river. A few Great Blue Heron blended in with the reeds from afar, and a flock of mystery ducks made a bee-line for open water over our heads. Originally, I had big plans for the October Big Day. Driving the boat.

Florida 113

Florida Alabama Kansas Pelicans 113

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

Over the winter, the universe lost four whooping cranes to what appears to be recreational shooting: three gunned down together in Georgia on December 30, 2010, and another in Alabama on January 28, 2011. Most of the deer and duck hunters I know lament the loss of an old growth forest or flood-plain swamp as much as I do.

2011 242

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 242

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2018

Other reminders of December in Costa Rica are palm trees festooned with Christmas lights, an abundance of annual bird counts, and sightings of winter birds like gulls, ducks, and a scattering of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Personally, I had a year accompanied by a blend of changes and birds. It has been good, I am grateful!

Costa Rica 166

Costa Rica 2018 Birds West Virginia 166