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The Cattle Egret Expansion

10,000 Birds

I’d like to introduce you to a diminutive heron, the Cattle Egret Bubuclus ibis. The Cattle Egret is native to Africa, where it is a familiar sight among herds of large mammals. They feed on insects stirred up by the herds, at times sitting on the animal itself picking off ticks and other insects. coromandus.

Cattle 171
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Birding Gir National Park, India

10,000 Birds

This park protects the largest remaining tract of dry deciduous forest in the west of India, offering visitors 37 species of reptiles, 38 species of mammals and, not to be forgotten – almost 300 bird species. The commonest large mammals of the park are smallish, spotted forest deer – Chitals, and we often encounter small herds.

India 147
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Birding Mkuze

10,000 Birds

In particular, there is one hide that is built over a watering hole, allowing great views of both birds and mammals (though for a dedicated bird watcher like me, those are more of an obstacle than a bonus). Cattle Egrets using public transport. Alone time. Taking a bath …. And drying on a giraffe with your friends. What a life.

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Sentient: a book review

10,000 Birds

The subtitle of Jackie Higgins’ book Sentient: How Animals Illuminate the Wonder of Our Human Senses , aptly sets forth her thesis – though the “wonder” it refers to could equally well be used to describe animal (not just human) senses, as she shows in fascinating detail. Sentient is a fine addition to that field. __.

Humane 259
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How to Bird Murchison Falls

10,000 Birds

An expanse of habitat as vast as Murchison Falls NP in Uganda, as excessively generous in beauty and biodiversity, permits endless ways to experience both its birds and animals. Plus, any place you can see both 15 different raptors and 15 different mammals in the same day sounds worth a visit, doesn’t it? Rock Pratincoles.

Uganda 217
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The Lion Forest of India

10,000 Birds

This park protects the largest remaining tract of dry deciduous forest in the west of India, offering visitors 37 species of reptiles, 38 species of mammals and, not to be forgotten – almost 300 bird species. The commonest large mammals of the park are smallish, spotted forest deer – Chitals, and we often encounter small herds.

Lions 244
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Honey, I Shrunk The Dinosaurs!

10,000 Birds

It is technically correct, and recently fashionable, to insist that any living animal is a member of the larger group that contains it phylogenetically, i.e., ancestrally, with that group often named after the known animal that roots the tree. Meanwhile I have a few random thoughts. Whales are cows. So, for example, humans are apes.

Camels 211