10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 6, 2022

At the end of 2022, let us celebrate the local field guide, a sub-genre that many of us feared would die, the victim of technology, development, and globalization, but which still shines bright, fewer in number but brilliant in quality, thanks to birders and birding organizations that believe in knowing your patch and your state.

Los Angeles 223

Los Angeles Birds District of Columbia Parrots 223

10,000 Birds

JUNE 27, 2011

If you look for ducks in summer or warblers in winter, you’re very likely to be disappointed. You may not realize it, but there is an excellent chance that some group in your area has a full slate of organized birding excursions open to non-members. Consult the Calendar Timing is everything.

Birds 217

Birds United States 2006 Breeders 217

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 6, 2018

But what I like above all is going on a well-organized trip where I know where to go and what to look for in each place. I had roughly 10-20 species for Serbia including species such as Ferruginous Duck , Hazel Grouse , Griffon Vulture and Spoonbill. ducks), IBA, particularly nice landscape/habitat, or scenery….

Serbia 151

Serbia Switzerland Farming Birds 151

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2020

I give special thanks and appreciation to world birder Pirjo Laakso and her husband Bjorne, and local guide Pepe Castiblanco because seeing this nemesis lifer was only made possible by Pirjo organizing the trip and hiring Pepe and myself to guide her. I’d like a beer too, please, as I have never seen a Masked Duck.

2020 254

2020 Birds Costa Rica Germany 254

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 3, 2013

Which, when you do the math, means that the guide covers all resident and migrant Breeders, birds that “Occur Year Round”, regular migrants, and then some. Species Accounts are organized into seven chapters based on two major habitats: - Waterbirds—Swimming Waterbirds, Flying Waterbirds, Walking Waterbirds.

Ireland 175

Ireland 2013 Breeders Ducks 175