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

NOVEMBER 19, 2012

After the castle we wound our way through the Black Forest where we were able to watch a pair of Eurasian Three-toed Woodpeckers foraged a few feet in front of us. Well, I can say that what this American was able to see, and identify, was not the expected Blackbird, but rather a bird that may make some Americans cry: the Black Woodpecker !

Salamander 140

Salamander Germany Birds Blackbirds 140

10,000 Birds

MARCH 16, 2018

According to one legend, Kevin was kneeling in prayer one day when a blackbird alighted on his outstretched hand and began to build a nest. Not wishing to disturb the bird, Kevin resigned to hold his reverent stance until the eggs she laid hatched and the young blackbirds fledged, which he did with stoic perseverance for weeks.

Blackbirds 107

Blackbirds Wounded Stray 2013 107