10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 3, 2020

There are few bird names that will elicit great big smiles and Penguin is one of them. Other contenders are Kookaburra, Shoebill, and Umbrellabird, but people smile when they hear these names because they know a song or because they can’t believe these are real names of real birds. <pause> Do I have your attention now?

Penguins 278

Penguins Georgia New Zealand Albatross 278

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

I’ve been fortunate to encounter many owls in my birding life, sometimes because I’m looking for them, sometimes happily by happenstance. I’m sure many of you have had similar experiences. What the Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds is a joyous, fascinating read.

Owls 220

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 220

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 3, 2021

I must ashamedly admit that prior to this mission, I had never been birding on the island before. Sure enough it was a place I always wanted to visit for birding, but things never fell into place. In fact, the habitat on Chacachacare recalls that of the desert islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

Trinidad 181

Trinidad Netherlands Columbus Whales 181

10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2013

The many islands of the Caribbean Sea are as unique a place to experience the amazing potential for speciation and diversity as the more famous Galapagos and Hawaiian islands are. As a hanger-on of my wife’s family I find myself this week in Aruba, one of the ABC islands just off the coast of northern South America.

South America 171

South America Netherlands America Sparrows 171