10,000 Birds

APRIL 4, 2014

Among birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, it is renowned for its incredible concentrations of birds at the end of the dry season. During this time, the fish trapped in the shrinking pools of water attract hordes of herons, egrets, storks, and other wetland species. I must mention one thing.

Brazil 165

Brazil Birds Blackbirds Paraguay 165

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Imagine waking up to the call of thousands of ducks, geese, and every kind of marsh bird you can imagine. Right, smack dad in the middle of Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge. By the time we left, I had recorded one new Lifer, 12 New Year Birds, and a total of 76 species. US species – 175. Now that is a first.

Blackbirds 121

Blackbirds Mules Beavers Wildlife 121

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 7, 2013

Every year from around January through the end of March, Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park comes alive as water levels throughout the park drop and force birds to concentrate around more permanent water sources. Suddenly, the entire trail system comes alive as birds begin their day.

Wildlife 131

Wildlife Florida Alligators Miami 131

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

This is the area that fostered my lifelong interest in birds. I imagine I have a pretty good idea of what this does to the human inhabitants of the area, but what does it do to the birds? These secretive little marsh birds are rarely found out in the open, like most of the rail family.

Oregon 100

Oregon Birds Montana California 100

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 2, 2018

Happy Second Day of the New Year, 10,000 Birds friends! I came late to bird feeding. Jim Carpenter is the founder of Wild Birds Unlimited, the popular bird feeder and seed franchise. There is a lot of information out there about feeding birds—web pages, pamphlets from bird feed retail stores and Audubon centers.

Birds 175

Birds New York City Squirrels New York 175

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 10, 2017

Virgin Islands not part of the American Birding Association’s ABA Area ? This makes sense: why should political subdivisions within a nation apply to a national birding organization? because it is birding in the United States. and Midway Atoll means statehood cannot be a prerequisite. Perhaps Puerto Rico and the U.S

Puerto Rico 188

Puerto Rico Virgin Islands United States Hawaii 188

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 7, 2014

It took me a while to wrap my mind around the concept of Birds and People , Mark Cocker and David Tipling’s book that, in 592 pages, explores the intersection of just that—birds and us. Nor have I overlooked “sightings” of birds in movies mouthing other birds’ calls. I’m not sure why.

Birds 215

Birds Egypt Family Eagles 215

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Two full days at Hart Mountain Wildlife Refuge, three days at Dog Lake, and a short visit to Upper Cottonwood Lake brought back many great memories, in addition to a nice list of birds. Then, to finish the week, we visited the famous, and not necessarily for all the right reasons, Malhuer Wildlife Refuge.

Oregon 115

Oregon Owls Wildlife Barn Owls 115

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2014

However, I am here to make the case for birding California. With the largest state list by a considerable margin and a mind-boggling diversity of habitats, I reckon we have some amazing birding to offer. So if you are thinking of doing some birding out this way, here is a quick run-down of some of the state’s best birding areas.

California 200

California San Diego Birds Oakland 200

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 19, 2012

From the time he can remember, every camping, hiking, or simple trip outside was focused on finding wildlife with herps, mammals, birds and native fish as his primary interests. When it comes time to for me to plan a vacation I first figure out what herps occur in the area and then what birds and mammals I can also find.

Salamander 138

Salamander Germany Birds Blackbirds 138

10,000 Birds

MARCH 15, 2012

Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 15 March 2009 It was at about 1:30 AM on Saturday morning that I startled awake and found myself sitting in an empty subway car in an unfamiliar location. John from A DC Birding Blog , and Patrick from The Hawk Owl’s Nest at Jamaica Bay at 8 AM Saturday morning for some birding.

New York 164

New York Honduras Jamaica Geese 164

10,000 Birds

JULY 16, 2012

Several years ago, I was asked to visit my nephew’s preschool class and talk about birds. Jake lives in southern Florida, so he and his friends had to be interested in learning about these birds, which they saw everyday, right? How old were the baby birds? I chalk it up to the original baby bird book, P.D.

Birds 214

Birds Owls Switzerland Lions 214

10,000 Birds

JULY 25, 2018

So, I think it is understandable that I have not done a whole lot of birding, well, until yesterday and today. We were able to find a very nice RV park, just a couple of miles from one of my all time favourite birding hotspots, Billy Frank Jr, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. That is what birding weather should be.

New Zealand 114

New Zealand Seattle Qatar South Africa 114

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

While photographing the Brown Bears in the Russian Far East, a friend of mine, Jovan “Lucky” Lakatos, was with Michio Hoshino, Japanese-born nature photographer specialized in Alaskan wildlife and experienced in how to behave facing this apex predator. Brewer’s blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus. Cactus finch, Geospiza species.

Animal 115

Animal Bears Stray Dog Blackbirds 115

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Newly surrounded by wildlife, he found his love of birds reignited. He now lives in Los Angeles, California where he is employed as a natural history tour guide and as a member of the Leica Birding Team. This is Luke’s first contribution to 10,000 Birds. Great birds. I think there’s a number of reasons: 1.

Bald Eagle 241

Bald Eagle Los Angeles Connecticut Eagles 241

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 18, 2016

We were constantly being asked locally if we had crossed the river yet to see the magnificent birding at North Cave Wetlands and so it was only a matter of time before we headed over the Humber Bridge to see what everybody was talking about! Our first stop was the area marked Wild Bird Cafe next to the car-park.

Geese 101

Geese Wildlife 2001 Woodpeckers 101

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 2, 2019

It’s often said that the native wild grape varieties of the New World– of the species Vitis riparia , Vitis labrusca , Vitis aestivalis , and Vitis rupestris – are ill-suited to winemaking in the European tradition. And this Song of the Vine, This greeting of mine, The winds and the birds shall deliver. Good birding and happy drinking!

Ohio 133

Ohio Philadelphia Fox Blackbirds 133

10,000 Birds

MARCH 29, 2012

Upland Sandpipers are one of the coolest and most awkward-looking of our continent’s birds. Photographed at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, MT. The thought of identifying certain groups of birds can incapacitate them. Barf at blackbirds. I see some oysters and a black bird. 2: Look at the bird.

LACS 188

LACS Alaska Wildlife Connecticut 188

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 27, 2016

Where are the birds?” The wildlife steward boasts 8 pairs of Common Kingfishers along this stretch as the stream diverts through small wildfowl ponds. Leeds Castle’s most showy “blackbird” is the Jackdaw , Corvus monedula. An odd omission as they were easily the most obvious bird in the courtyard café.

Collecting 100

Collecting South America Blackbirds Adoptable 100

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

And, sure enough, as the sun set birds came over in ones and twos and fours and fives, adding to what was already a pretty darn big flock of birds spread out on the West Pond. Mostly the ducks were Red-breasted Merganser and Greater Scaup , the two most prevalent species on the pond, but there were a few other birds mixed in as well.

Ducks 171

Ducks 2011 Jamaica New York 171

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 28, 2012

Big flocks of birds are one of nature’s greatest wonders… how do they end up in those formations? As the world’s leading ornithologist, I can only offer you one piece of advice when sorting through a flock of birds. ALWAYS assume there is some other bird species in there that you have not found yet.

North Dakota 162

North Dakota LACS Oakland Falcons 162

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2020

They contributed 150 lists accounting for 1032 species and more than 36,000 individual birds. Thus 100 species were missed by the time he woke up and noticed that eBird had reset the counters at midnight(do you guys have nothing better to do?). Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge–East Pond. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

2019 170

2019 Chile Texas Sanctuary 170

10,000 Birds

APRIL 19, 2023

With a transit time of at least two hours from any of the accommodations typically used for birding, this relatively pristine area is awash with surprises. Back in 2014 we stumbled upon a juvenile Double-toothed Kite and that was the first and only time I have ever seen that species well.

Trinidad 29

Trinidad Falcons Primates Monkeys 29

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 2, 2019

14 countries were birded this month by 13 beats; a record participative effort! 172 lists were shared and 1004 species were seen, both records for October, so well done beats! Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge–East Pond. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Ash Creek Wildlife Area (LAS Co.).

2019 116

2019 China Battery Jamaica 116

10,000 Birds

MARCH 10, 2011

home about advertise archives birds conservation contact galleries links reviews subscribe Browse: Home / Birding / Half Hardy Half Hardy By Nate • March 10, 2011 • 2 comments Tweet Share This past Monday I was running around with my son in my backyard after work. Instead I saw a flash of orange.

North Carolina 140

North Carolina 2011 St. Louis Baltimore 140

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 19, 2017

A few weeks ago I led a field trip to Butte Valley Wildlife Area. It was a destination I had never experienced so I made a few phone calls and got some information from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife agent who actually runs both the Butte Valley and the Shasta Valley Wildlife Areas, which are about 25 miles apart.

Wildlife 100

Wildlife Chipmunks Sparrows Blackbirds 100

10,000 Birds

JULY 6, 2019

The trend at this time of year is a downturn in shared lists and birds reported, nevertheless, 12 (is this a record?) beats have still managed to share 82 checklists and accounted for 737 species. Red-winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoeniceus. Melodious Blackbird – Dives dives. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

2019 120

2019 Jamaica Eggs Woodpeckers 120

10,000 Birds

MARCH 31, 2023

I mean that in a good way: By automatically showing one’s new year list each January 1st, and comparing it to one’s last several year lists, they always make me want to hit the ground running with as many species in my first week as I can manage. So up north I go, always hoping for a good harvest of year birds.

Blackbirds 147

Blackbirds 2020 Ducks Mexico 147

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

I recently asked whether Puerto Rico should be part of the American Birding Association’s ABA Area. Both Puerto Rico and the USVI have active birding communities that are currently excluded from full membership in the ABA family. Although different territories, they are nearby and share many of the same birds.

Puerto Rico 155

Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Hawaii United States 155

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

As 2013 draws to a close we here at 10,000 Birds thought that it would be a great idea if we, like we did in 2010 , 2011 , and 2012 , shared our Best Birds of the Year. We also want to know what YOUR Best Bird of the Year was. Now on to the Best Birds of the Year for those who write on 10,000 Birds! Sound good?

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167

10,000 Birds

MARCH 8, 2011

They are clinging birds and use the technique on branches and tree trunks. “Blackbirds&# do not have the same ability. Chickadees, woodpeckers, titmice (like the bird above) and nuthatches are considered “clinging type birds&# and can easily hang upside-down to get access to food.

2011 191

2011 Birds Woodpeckers Blackbirds 191

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

As all of you know, that means new birds to see with all this new territory visited. The first stop, Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge in central Oregon is without a doubt one of the most important stop overs for migrating birds on the west coats, no matter the species.

Oregon 100

Oregon Wildlife Geese Blackbirds 100

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2018

Old cars, antique gas pumps, and neon lit motels, were just up Jeanne’s photographic alley, and Lake Tucumcari was sure to be a birding hot spot for me. Unfortunately, the lake was the victim of several years of draught, but the grassy areas held a few nice birds, and there were a few surprises along the way.

Albuquerque 122

Albuquerque New Mexico Mexico Sparrows 122

10,000 Birds

APRIL 14, 2014

Sometime last fall, unbeknownst to me, I was volunteered to lead a field trip for the Queens County Bird Club. Fortunately, we didn’t find a whole pile of rarities, so hopefully lots of people won’t end up birding my patches! We also spotted a singleton Black Scoter , a lone Long-tailed Duck , and both species of loon.

Jamaica 133

Jamaica Birds Sparrows Blackbirds 133

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 25, 2015

The very first bird on our list was a Great Horned Owl responding to a screech owl call and, at another site, the Eastern Screech-Owls themselves made a brief whistle then passed over our heads, tiny round shapes against the sky in the gathering daylight. The three main impoundments at Pea Island were packed with birds.

North Carolina 150

North Carolina Rattlesnake Sparrows Owls 150

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 1, 2020

This shows the top birders, by species or checklists submitted. 10,000 Birds’s collaborative list has not been entered to feature here, but if we did we choose to press our advantage of having beats strategically placed around the world, we would currently be in second place. Curu Wildlife Reserve. Curu Wildlife Reserve.

2020 159

2020 Wildlife Reserve Tigers Wildlife 159

10,000 Birds

JULY 21, 2011

I was looking out a car window the other day and noticed that of all the wildlife most of it was bird. A squirrel skittered by … a squirrel is not a bird. So the thought occurred to me that there is a lot of bird on the landscape, in terms of numbers of individuals as well as sheer biomass.

Mammals 175

Mammals Rodents Birds Reptiles 175