10,000 Birds

JUNE 27, 2017

27, 2015 Christian Gutierrez, Raymond Justice, and Carter Mesker went on a camping trip to Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve on Oahu, Hawaii. The young men had severed the birds’ legs in order to remove the tags. In the following days harrowing photos of dead birds and severed body parts were posted on social media pages.

Albatross 214

Albatross Honolulu Hawaii Killing 214

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2014

Most of the books about extinction, including Fuller’s Extinct Birds (now, ironically, out of print), describe what was lost and look for explanations, scientifically and historically. The idea of Lost Animals was conceived after the publication of Extinct Birds (2001), a 400-page, four-pound book on 75 extinct species.

Animal 269

Animal Mammals Hawaii Dolphins 269

10,000 Birds

MAY 11, 2021

On April 16, 2021, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the American Ornithological Society (AOS), had a “ Community Congress on English Bird Names ” to discuss whether certain bird names should be changed and, if so, how quickly. One of the stated goals was to “understand diverse perspectives.”

Birds 264

Birds Russia Hawaii Woodpeckers 264

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

I recently asked whether Puerto Rico should be part of the American Birding Association’s ABA Area. Now that Hawaii is in the ABA Area , the next additions should be Puerto Rico and the U.S. Now that Hawaii is in the ABA Area , the next additions should be Puerto Rico and the U.S. But even with Hawaii, there are many U.S.

Puerto Rico 158

Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Hawaii United States 158

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 6, 2012

I spent the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in the usual post-hurricane activities—looking for storm birds, making sure my loved ones were o.k., trying to grasp the enormity of what had just happened, and reading this book, The Feathery Tribe: Robert Ridgway and the Modern Study of Birds by Daniel Lewis. And, draw birds.

Collecting 150

Collecting Illinois United States Science 150

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2018

More than 50 years ago, the Hawaiian Goose (Nene) was one of the first birds listed under the Endangered Species Act, part of the inaugural “ Class of 1967 ”. The program became more effective as managers learned the best ways to release the birds. Also, research filled in many knowledge gaps and informed conservation efforts.

Endangered Species 102

Endangered Species Species Hawaii 2018 102

10,000 Birds

MARCH 3, 2021

Red-billed Leiothrix are a popular cage bird in China, though I imagine its popularity has declined after the introduction of color television. So, the birds on Tianmashan may well be the descendants of captive birds. The Speckled Piculet may be my favorite bird on Tianmashan. A woodpecker! Wikipedia never lies.

China 163

China Hawaii Asia Hunting 163

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 11, 2018

In addition to my monthly posts here, I have also written short pieces and feature articles that rely on bird-related scientific literature. Other papers are locked behind paywalls.) That research ultimately led to an article about the conservation efforts regarding the Laysan Duck in the June 2017 issue of Birding.

Transported 113

Transported 2011 Research 2012 113

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

Birders have a natural tendency to appreciate variety in form, from the bewildering range of colors displayed within a single avian family, to minute distinctions between otherwise similar birds wholly inscrutable to the untrained eye (or even to those of many birders!). More birds mean more potential lifers.

Ohio 113

Ohio India Hawaii United States 113

10,000 Birds

JULY 26, 2012

And also, the AOU officially recognized the new species Bryan’s Shearwater ( Puffinus bryani ), based on a reevaluation of a specimen collected in 1963 in Hawaii. According to the Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names, it is derived from the Greek words haima (blood) and orrhos (rump).

Falcons 173

Falcons Parrots California Breeding 173

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 7, 2021

Once upon a time, bird field guides included nests. Decades later, Richard Pough’s Audubon Bird Guide, Eastern Land Birds (I happily own the 1948 edition) included nest and egg descriptions for each species as well. There are many reasons to inquire about bird nests (and eggs) and how to identify them. Harrison. (A

Eggs 237

Eggs Birds United States Sparrows 237

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 15, 2022

Apparently, there is a traditional Chinese saying that seeing one pheasant in the wild is better than seeing ten other birds. Of course, this is nonsense – pheasants are probably among the most overrated of all birds. The name of the bird apparently comes from the color of its tail feathers. The pimps of the avian world.

Rhode Island 147

Rhode Island Research South Dakota North Dakota 147

10,000 Birds

JULY 10, 2013

Does birding make you happy? And it is certainly possible to imagine compulsive joyless birding, and I think most of us may have encountered it on occasion. I’m going to assume that most people reading this enjoy watching birds. You may be outraged by the suggestion, but let’s face it, birders love not birding.

Birds 167

Birds Research Hawaii Albatross 167

10,000 Birds

APRIL 25, 2015

After a long hiatus that included a new cat, a new apartment, and enough time with the in-laws to last me quite awhile, here’s a rundown of April’s bird news: Funny, sad, and thought-provoking … an African-American ornithologist’s video tips for birding while black. Props on the sweet Barred Owl call, too. Different, but the same?

Malta 186

Malta Barn Owls Cyprus Fowl 186