10,000 Birds

JULY 13, 2023

Lake Kerkini National Park in the north of Greece is the very best birding area in the Balkan Peninsula and definitely among the top ten hotspots of Europe. Some 320 species have been recorded here, and in springtime it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species in a week. The lake lies at a mere 35 m / 115 ft a.s.l.

Greece 234

Greece Pelicans Birds Stray Dog 234

10,000 Birds

MAY 14, 2015

Further on a wire sits a somewhat large-headed small-crow like bird. I am coming closer – the bird is quite tolerant – and taking a few photos. Their scientific name is not turtur for nothing. Checking through the dusty windscreen, I catch a glimpse of bluish plumage – the uncommon European Roller on migration. Deliblato Sands.

Factory 231

Factory Stray Dog Turtles Serbia 231

10,000 Birds

JULY 10, 2014

Since I have started to bird by kayak, it took me a lot of time to realise that paddling is not the synonym for birding and that I can bird without a paddle, although I cannot paddle without a pair of binoculars. Kozara backwaters. I think that the ponds were already out of use and filled with atmospheric water only.

Serbia 243

Serbia Stray Dog Protection Botswana 243

10,000 Birds

MAY 24, 2018

What was the weirdest place you ever birded? Of the estimated 500 million cattle in India, only 4% were destined for consumption by humans as meat. The disappearance of vultures has allowed other species such as rat and [stray] dog populations to grow. Oddly, I saw no rats, only a mongoose or two and a few stray dogs.

India 134

India Stray Dog Cows Rats 134