10,000 Birds

JULY 20, 2019

If a list also shows the status for each species, birders on their way to Costa Rica would realize that they shouldn’t really expect vireos with white eyes nor blue heads (but would hopefully know that they should very much report those species on eBird so local birders can chase them!). Toucan species with new names.

Costa Rica 202

Costa Rica Birds Owls South America 202

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 28, 2015

In most countries, long, sweaty, expedition birding is required to see the only curassow species in Middle America. That changes in Costa Rica, where the vulnerable Great Curassow is easily seen at several protected sites. In Costa Rica, it’s pretty common and easy to see in and near just about any protected forest.

Costa Rica 180

Costa Rica Turkey Ecuador Hunting 180

10,000 Birds

APRIL 28, 2018

Central America is much smaller than the land encompassed within the borders of Canada and the USA. Given such limited geographical dimensions, one might be tempted to assume that Central America is pretty much the same, that the region is fairly homogenous in a number of ways. The Rufous-collared Robin is one of those birds.

Costa Rica 120

Costa Rica Guatemala Birds Nicaragua 120

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 29, 2016

The proximity of both slopes also facilitates seeing a lot of different species in a short span because the montane barrier has resulted in differences in terms of species and habitats. But, if you want to go further afield, fear not, there is some wonderful lowland forest birding up near Nicaragua and down south by Panama as well.

Costa Rica 166

Costa Rica San Jose Panama Birds 166

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. Here’s the kicker though.

California Condor 190

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 190

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2014

Larry starts us off right with an owl that makes birders drool: I was able to see and photograph many great birds in 2014 but my Best Bird of the Year would have to be the Great Gray Owl , the largest Strix in North America. Once endangered, they lead happy, protected lives, oblivious to the tourists who love them.

2014 197

2014 Costa Rica South Africa Birds 197

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 28, 2011

The conservation need is urgent: great attention has rightly been paid to Brazil’s Amazonian rainforest but not enough resources have gone to the Pantanal and the Cerrado, of which only 4% and 5%, respectively, are protected. Talk about a win-win!

Brazil 212

Brazil Wildlife 2011 Birds 212