10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 20, 2014

’s bird family tree in a new tab and follow along as you read. It looks as though “New World” vultures are sister to hawks and eagles after all, not anything stranger or more exotic (and certainly not storks). In 2008, Nick Sly published a review of Hackett et al. titled Avian relationships – What do we know?

Family 279

Family Birds Parrots 2014 279

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 22, 2011

“My biggest regret in life was raising my binoculars to observe this monstrosity of a bird” – Ethel M. This is the downside of having eyes like an eagle, and is extremely aggravating. If you misidentify something, you bring great shame and dishonor to both you and your family. Long-tailed Jaeger. I assure you.

Puffins 249

Puffins Albatross Penguins Experience 249

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

This outstanding member of the wattlebird family is unique among songbirds in having different shaped beaks for each of the sexes. We’ll also keep our eyes open for several members of the New Zealand wren family. The forests around Wellington will let us clean up any North Island endemics we may have missed. Laughing Owl.

New Zealand 211

New Zealand Ducks Australia Mountain Goats 211