10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 21, 2022

It is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of year – when we don our binoculars and boots and head off on a tradition spanning more than a hundred years – that of the Christmas Bird Count! We soon departed to our various locations, bellies full and eyes hungry for birds. Three of them in fact, rare visitors from the north.

Falcons 247

Falcons Trinidad Ducks Groups 247

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Just under a fortnight ago, I saw a report on the local bird alert of a sighting of a group of approximately 20 Nacunda Nighthawks at a wetland not more than 20 minutes from where I live. It seemed to be good birding judgement to scan the seasonally flooded wetland in the couple hours of daylight available before the storm arrived.

Livestock 223

Livestock Ducks ALA illegal 223

10,000 Birds

APRIL 13, 2015

Ethiopia, a landlocked country situated in the Horn of Africa, has firmly established itself as one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Its great diversity of habitats hosts an incredible bird count of over 900 species, including Africa’s 2nd highest list of endemics and near-endemics (after South Africa). Hamar mother and child.

Ethiopia 247

Ethiopia Sudan Leopards Birds 247

Critter News

FEBRUARY 23, 2009

Environmental groups have called on Obama to get rid of the USDA's Dept. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services shows that most livestock losses come from weather, disease, illness, and birthing problems, and not predation. Ranchers oppose the move.

Killing 100

Killing Wildlife Groups Endangered Species 100

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Moreover, the pair I saw was feeding from a livestock trough alongside a group of cattle. Hardly the elegant, natural picture deserving of some seriously stunning birds! And what I found made me take a step back in time and reflect upon how truly special these birds are. By 1950, the Louisiana flock was gone.

Florida 233

Florida Buffalo Louisiana 2004 233

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2019

Birders know that the pairing of farms and birds represents more than mere bucolic romance – it’s a match borne out of a real avian dependence on these man-made landscapes. And of course, there are Cattle Egrets ( Bubulcus ibis ) and several species of cowbirds that rarely stray too far from livestock.

Vermont 120

Vermont Belgium Farming Europe 120