10,000 Birds

MARCH 31, 2014

In her free time she travels near and far to find birds to continue building her life list, though many of her favorites can still be found right in her own backyard. She has contributed many pieces to 10,000 Birds and writes about her birding adventures on her blog, newbirder.tumblr.com. Lots and lots of birds.

Birds 191

Birds Florida Groups Breeding 191

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2012

But eastern Zimbabwe is an almost mythical place and a highly productive birding destination. I have had the privilege of birding Zimbabwe on a handful of occasions. The country is also famous for its regular sightings of that most wanted of birds, the African Pitta. Just be prepared for well…almost anything.

Zimbabwe 211

Zimbabwe Buffalo Mozambique Birds 211

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

It seemed whoever set the trap had ‘released’ the injured eagle upon finding him, as the bird could not have freed himself without the loss of the entire foot. The wound was also very contaminated with dirt and debris. This bird was lucky to be found and rescued by a Good Samaritan in this remote area.

Eagles 166

Eagles Wildlife Rehabilitation Utah Vet 166

10,000 Birds

MAY 22, 2015

The Cape May Warbler , which I have added to my life list just this spring, is a stunning bird. Wilson’s Warbler is, of course, named for Alexander Wilson. In America, Wilson studied birds and painting. His is the reputation that survives today when it comes to paintings of birds, and rightfully so.

North America 165

North America America Wounded Canada 165

10,000 Birds

MAY 27, 2013

Now that passerine migration has largely wound down the attention of this New York birder has shifted to seabirds, shorebirds, and the occasional trip looking for breeding birds. I sat and watched and digiscoped the birds, hoping to pull a Western Sandpiper or a White-rumped Sandpiper out of the teeming hordes with no luck.

Eggs 151

Eggs New York Wounded Jamaica 151

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

But the name of this beer had nothing to do with “Sixteen Tons” of coal, or “Okies” from Muskogee, but birds: merle is also the French word for “blackbird”. And, of course, by blackbirds I mean true thrushes of the family Turdidae , of which the Common (Eurasian) Blackbird ( Turdus merula ) is the most famous in European culture and folklore.

Blackbirds 113

Blackbirds Belgium Colorado Wounded 113

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

You know there is probably some evil backstory if Wikipedia talks of a “complex” legacy of Raffles – further detailing that “he was ultimately an imperialist benefiting at the expense of the indigenous peoples” So, I guess this is another bird name that should be changed eventually.

Los Angeles 212

Los Angeles Birds Woodpeckers Owls 212

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 4, 2022

I usually do not write much about traveling to and from birding places but my friend and I arrived in Malelane in the afternoon. Fortunately, we were there for the birds, not for the room. The Lilac-breasted Roller is the national bird of Kenya, but of course, this does not help it pay its bills in South Africa.

Swaziland 147

Swaziland Landlord Birds Sweden 147

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2015

Perhaps I was always destined for disappointment this spring, between last year’s ridiculous May migration bonanza and the killer birds I started the year with. Of course, they also have a slightly greater price point. And, of course, the wider field of view was as important as I had expected for warbler watching as well.

Wounded 157

Wounded Wildlife Birds 157

10,000 Birds

APRIL 19, 2011

It’s no small bit ironic that between the sprawling developments and golf courses and theme parks of the general public’s perception of the southeast terminus of the continent lies some of the best birding in the world, particularly for anyone who likes their birds big, flashy, and approachable (i.e.

Florida 154

Florida South Carolina Alligators Wounded 154

10,000 Birds

JUNE 19, 2012

There is no raptor quite so removed from the typical confines of what a bird of prey should look and behave like. They are the most terrestrial bird of prey in the world, regularly covering over 20 miles a day in their relentless search for food. So long that they have to crouch to drink or pick up food.

Botswana 240

Botswana Eagles Porcupines Hunting 240

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 1, 2019

I was really looking forward to this week’s installment of Birds and Booze. And, of course, some beers are supposed to be sour and enjoyed for this quality, but imperial stout – a robust, bittersweet beer usually redolent of cocoa, coffee, and dark dried fruit – is not one of these. Bellwoods Brewery: Bring Out Your Dead (2018).

2018 114

2018 Pythons Wounded Parrots 114