10,000 Birds

JANUARY 1, 2013

In early December we had the privilege of filming the inaugural Peru Birding Rally Challenge , a six day, five night event where teams from around the world compete to see the most species of birds. A Spectacled Bear and its cub performing for us for several hours. The star bird for us all was without doubt a bear.

Bears 166

Bears Mammals Peru South America 166

10,000 Birds

JULY 6, 2021

In 2012, I reviewed The Jewel Hunter , an absorbing narrative in which author Chris Goodie travelled throughout Asia, Africa, and Australasia to observe and photograph every Pitta species in the world. Hummingbird species, on the other hand, number in the hundreds.

Costa Rica 264

Costa Rica Brazil Ecuador Bolivia 264

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 4, 2014

Sometimes, they even have the same species… I’m looking at you, House Wren ! The Red-ruffed Fruitcrow ( Pyroderus scutatus ) is a big, beautiful omnivore distributed across five distinct subspecies found in specific locales ranging from the humid western cordilleras of Colombia and Ecuador to the forests of northeastern Argentina.

Colombia 190

Colombia South America Argentina America 190

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2014

But I had seen one in 2006 and I have since seen them twice more so the species never rose to the level of nemesis bird for me. I mean, sure, I’ve had my share of dips but none of them were multiple attempts at a single species that did not end up in victory within three attempts. I better not miss this bird again.

Costa Rica 193

Costa Rica Hungary Honduras Birds 193

Animal Person

NOVEMBER 21, 2010

It has entertaining stories, includes animals people care about because they like them (and also addresses that concept), and it describes how the numbers of various species decreased to the point of being classified as "endangered" or worse. For only $450,000, we could buy almost all of the habitat neded to protect Ecuador's remaining frogs.

Polar Bears 100

Polar Bears California Condor Bald Eagle Lions 100