10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2013

People ascribe near mythic status to the members of the family Delphinidae (and other related families). Yes, the same Kaikoura I keep banging on about that is a great place to see albatrosses. Which has always mystified me slightly. Dolphins are basically just smart sharks that breath air.

Dolphins 156

Dolphins Sharks New Zealand 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 California I smelt the breath a Blue Whale as it passed feet beneath my boat. Ugandan Mangabeys were part of my family once. This Laysan Albatross died from ingested plastic. I still have that marker.

Uganda 161

Uganda Sharks Africa New Zealand 161

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. I’ve been on a whale-watching trip in Orange County , twice gone out to Santa Cruz Island , and even visited Protection Island off the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. I FINALLY SAW AN ALBATROSS!

Whales 111

Whales Whaling Albatross Dolphins 111