10,000 Birds

MARCH 2, 2011

In particular the South Island destination of Kaikoura is world-renowned for the flocks of albatrosses and giant petrels floating right off the pelagic boat, and the ease of the trip makes it a must-visit for any visiting birder. The final large petrel species is another gadfly petrel, albeit a much larger one than the Cook’s Petrel.

New Zealand 176

New Zealand Albatross 2011 Cooking 176

10,000 Birds

MARCH 11, 2011

So right now I’m feeling pretty good about Eurasian Collared-doves. A Eurasian Collared-dove photographed by Mike in the Bahamas , which is pretty different from midwinter Montana Eurasian Collared-doves, as you may have gathered from the name, are not part of our native avifauna. Wicked, right? Thanks for visiting!

Montana 141

Montana 2011 New York Bahamas 141

10,000 Birds

MARCH 16, 2011

There are are presently thought to be five species of kiwi with a possible sixth extinct species, all of which have suffered varying degrees of range contraction since the arrival of humans. Both these tours are for the Little Spotted Kiwi , the smallest species and one now one mainly confined to offshore islands. Wicked, right?

New Zealand 152

New Zealand 2011 Deer New York 152

10,000 Birds

MARCH 9, 2011

Like Kapiti the island is an offshore refuge for many species extinct on the mainland, with a lot of the work being done by the voluntary Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. One species I really hoped to find on the trip was the Kokako. Wicked, right? Saddleback ( Philesturnus carunculatus ) on the beach. Thanks for visiting!

New Zealand 150

New Zealand 2011 Deer Cats 150