10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 14, 2023

The book is a grab-bag of facts about the ten birds, mostly culled from other works. Hundreds of millions of sparrows were killed, almost to the point of extinction. Chapter 10 of Moss’s book, which purports to deal with this symbolism, is decidedly weird. Basic Books, New York, $30 U.S., By Stephen Moss. CAN $38.00.

Bald Eagle 146

Bald Eagle Montenegro Campaign Turkey 146

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

I have a fascinating little reference book called Whose Bird? It notes that there are around 1,000 people who have had birds named after them, but no fewer than three of them – Frank Linsly James, Eugenio Prince Ruspoli and Johan August Wahlberg – were killed by elephants, not a common form of death.

Falcons 212

Falcons Collecting 2003 Wounded 212

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

The Crested Serpent-eagle is not a vulture, but that does not keep me from mentioning a recent Economist article here, “The sudden demise of Indian vultures killed thousands of people” And while this article is behind a paywall, the original research paper is not.

Los Angeles 175

Los Angeles Birds Woodpeckers Owls 175