10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2013

People ascribe near mythic status to the members of the family Delphinidae (and other related families). Even people with no other interest in wildlife, who couldn’t tell a sparrow from an ostrich (or even a dolphin from a fish) love dolphins. Dolphins are basically just smart sharks that breath air.

Dolphins 156

Dolphins New Zealand Sharks Albatross 156

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2014

In Hawaii I stood on a beach as albatrosses fledged and Tiger Sharks prowled for the less successful ones. In the Bahamas I swam in a pod of feeding dolphins. Ugandan Mangabeys were part of my family once. This Laysan Albatross died from ingested plastic. In Belize I cruised above reefs few people had ever seen.

Uganda 161

Uganda Sharks Africa New Zealand 161

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

It is acceptable to point out other sea creatures–dolphins or whales or dragonflies–but the main goal is the observation and identification of the birds. Extreme rarities, such as Yellow-nosed Albatross are excluded. It is a challenging activity. No rails or gallinules. There are Eiders, King and Common.

Ducks 234

Ducks Groups Species North America 234

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

But what I have long wanted to do is get out on a boat in California, the fabled land of albatrosses, murrelets, and auklets. So you can imagine my great pleasure when it worked out for me to stay in California for two extra days at the end of our family vacation out west. Black-footed Albatross (LIFER!!!!!!) This one did too.

Whales 110

Whales Whaling Albatross Dolphins 110