10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 28, 2014

A vast congregation of Bald Eagles kept watch over a herd of cattle about to calve, up to seven in a single tree — no doubt awaiting delicious placentas. We concluded the days by unsuccessfully scanning a golf course flock of Canada Geese for Cackling Geese , then returned to Missoula chilly but triumphant.

Bald Eagle 176

Bald Eagle Falcons Geese Montana 176

10,000 Birds

APRIL 4, 2014

I started my day just outside the lodge, watching the commuting birds (with a special eye out for Golden-collared Macaw ) and the feeders ( Toco Toucan and Red-crested Cardinals were the stars among a supporting cast of blackbirds, pigeons, doves, aracaris, and others). Scarlet-headed Blackbird glows in the morning light.

Brazil 165

Brazil Birds Blackbirds Paraguay 165

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 31, 2018

Here we will actually stop for a full day, as there is a 10,000 acre wetland refuge, which should hold several species of gulls, White-fronted Geese and Black Brant, just to name a few. 28 Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis El Centenario Tidal Flats 1-Jan-18.

Ducks 116

Ducks Blackbirds Sparrows California 116

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 17, 2017

At first I dismissed them for some hybrid geese, until I recognized their JIZZ. A few Lesser Kestrels by the dyke wall, then a Black-eared Wheatear at some cattle fencing. Eurasian Blackbird – Turdus merula 3. Common Kestrels could be seen, too, but were outnumbered by their more gregarious threatened cousins.

Greece 194

Greece Killing Pelicans Eagles 194

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 19, 2019

It could mean venturing outdoors on January First accompanied by a storm of gulls picking through frozen garbage, or meditating on the calls of ducks, geese, and finches during a cold, misty dawn. Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis; Turrucares, 1-Jan. Red-winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoeniceus; Medio Queso, 14-Jan.

Costa Rica 113

Costa Rica 2019 Parrots Woodpeckers 113

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 19, 2014

Jan 14 : A business trip to Wetzlar in Hessen allows for some quick roadside birding in the Lahnaue where I am lucky to encounter a fine flock of geese (fine for the deep hinterland) that includes Greater White-fronts and even two Barnacles. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis : Camargue, Provence, France, 2 Jan.

2014 145

2014 France Germany Indonesia 145