10,000 Birds

APRIL 14, 2023

Either way, they are perhaps more central to our stories and lore than other birds, a familiar example, as Darlington reminds us, being Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the human psyche, owls can be cuddly signs of good luck and benificence (as they are in Japan, and Harry Potter movies) and, at the same time, eerie and unsettling.

Barn Owls 113

Barn Owls Owls Serbia Finland 113

10,000 Birds

MARCH 15, 2019

The Gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ), the largest falcon in the world, is as sought after by falconers as it is by birders – and for many of the same reasons: namely, the rarity with which these imposing raptors of the Arctic visit us residing in more temperate climes.

2016 100

2016 Iceland Falcons Europe 100

10,000 Birds

MAY 9, 2018

The bird life certainly changes a bit, with a complete lack of water, unless you are at a town, well, or station, as many of the ranches are referred to. Wedge-tailed Eagles roam the skies, along with Brown Falcon, Black Kites , and Nankeen Kestrels. Speaking of Brown Falcons, here are a couple that were perched just outside Ulara.

Australia 112

Australia Camels Kangaroos Hunting 112

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 21, 2015

So instead let’s talk about South Africa’s best kept birding secret (at least outside of the country) Wakkerstroom. I have 10,000 Birds contributor Adam Riley to thank for telling me I had to add it to my list, and a quick bit of research showed that he was right on.

South Africa 145

South Africa Africa Falcons Family 145

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 8, 2013

“In 80 birding tours to more than 100 countries, that was definitely the best day of birding I have ever had in my life!’ What a way to sum up what is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest birding sites and certainly my favorite in southern Africa. However, the great birding experience that is Sani starts lower down.

Lesotho 168

Lesotho Africa Birds Rats 168

10,000 Birds

JUNE 28, 2015

We have recently returned from a “croc and rock” birding trip that took us further into the Kimberley to visit some gorges, see some crocodiles and a great variety of bird-life. We travelled to Geikie Gorge, which is close to Fitzroy Crossing and a great place for “crocs and rocks” as well as bird-watching.

Birds 157

Birds Zebras Falcons Hunting 157

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).

Ethiopia 240

Ethiopia Sudan Leopards Birds 240

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2013

Birds are supposed to have feathers and birds without feathers look incomplete, like they left home with shaving cream on their ear and toothpaste spots on their shirt. The smellier the better, particularly as, unusually for birds, many species can boast a robust sense of smell. Here’s the kicker though.

California Condor 180

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 180

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 2, 2014

The danger of reviewing a field guide to the birds of an exotic country you’ve never been to is that you become obsessed with visiting that country, no matter how far away and how expensive it may be. I’m already looking up birding tours of Borneo and pricing airfares. Borneo, the authors say, is under-birded.

Brunei 174

Brunei Birds Asia China 174

10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2016

For those who happen to be faithful followers of posts about birding in Costa Rica, no, you haven’t accidentally browsed to the wrong place. Today, I am writing about another very birdy place and an event that I was very fortunate to have experienced, the Champions of the Flyway Bird Race in Eilat, Israel. Nope, not one bit.

Costa Rica 172

Costa Rica Eagles Birds 172

10,000 Birds

APRIL 8, 2011

In the birding community, standardization of common names has followed, and is an on-going project (with mixed success.) In some cases, this has increased beauty and precision, saving us from a morass in which every red bird is a Redbird and every blue jay is a Blue Jay. Peregrine Falcon is certainly more elegant than Duck Hawk.

Hunters 181

Hunters Falcons Ducks Montana 181

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

AUGUST 28, 2011

With them were about 40 White-rumped Sandpipers ( Calidris fuscicollis ) , and families of both Semipalmated ( Charadrius semipalmatus ) and Common-ringed Plovers ( Charadrius hiaticula ). Which isn’t to say that there are not still birds around. Surfin’ Bird But winter is just around the corner.

Seals 113

Seals Falcons Family Hunting 113