10,000 Birds

JUNE 20, 2019

The Kerkini Lake National Park is my favourite birding area in the whole of the Balkans and while I’ve been here in April and again (migration), September (migration), October (coffee break), December and January (wintering), this was my first time in the breeding season, in May. But nowadays, they, too, breed here, about 20 pairs this year.

Greece 189

Greece Pelicans Buffalo Fish 189

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

to the ongoing conservation of breeding Lesser Flamingos at Kimberley’s Kamfers Dam to the Albatross Task Force, which works with fishermen to find solutions to seabird bycatch (birds caught in fishermen’s nets). They range from the successful eradication of feral cats from Marion Island (hear that, Corey?)

South Africa 251

South Africa Africa Leopards Penguins 251

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 18, 2022

Around this time of the year, the first few waders are back in Shanghai from their breeding grounds far further up north. Generally, being back here early is not a very good sign – it may indicate a failed breeding attempt, as suggested for Asian Dowitchers in a paper on their presence in Lianyungang somewhat further north of Shanghai.

Cattle 147

Cattle Portugal Buffalo Breeding 147

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 14, 2012

Carmine bee-eaters occur throughout most of Subsaharan Africa, and many populations migrate widely post breeding. After breeding they also disperse over the rainforests and savannas of West and Central Africa, where they hunt for aerial insects. Two populations exist, the westernmost breeds in the western Sahara (e.g.

Africa 262

Africa Gabon South Africa Uganda 262

10,000 Birds

APRIL 23, 2012

During the breeding season when hormones are flowing the cloaca swells and birds can get a cloacal protuberance. For example, the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver has a pseudo-penis, not quite a cloaca, not quite a penis. Cassowaries give the Buffalo Weaver a run for his money as both sexes have a penis and clitoris.

Buffalo 279

Buffalo Birds Ducks Eggs 279

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2011

In breeding season, Jackson’s Widowbirds jump out of the tall grass in one of the world’s strangest display flights, cute African Quail-Finches are best seen as they come down to drink at waterholes. Only bull African Elephants reside in the Ngorongoro Crater The birding is equally astounding.

Tanzania 209

Tanzania Africa Stud Leopards 209

10,000 Birds

JULY 28, 2022

Mammals include Western Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo, and eleven diurnal primates. The Sangha Baï, a large mineral-rich forest clearing, offers Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog, Bongo and even Lowland Gorilla.

Central African Republic 279

Central African Republic Congo Gabon Gorillas 279

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 9, 2012

Each male builds numerous nests, most of which are rejected by the female, who will eventually select a nest she is happy with, allow the proud architect who usually hangs under his masterpiece to mate with her and then begins the breeding process. Image taken by Adam Riley in Tanzania. A Scaly-feathered Weaver takes to wing.

Tanzania 213

Tanzania Buffalo Kenya Namibia 213

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 1, 2019

John James Audubon first heard the sparrow in July, 1944, on a buffalo hunt in North Dakota. Baird’s Sparrows are true prairie birds, and their population is declining as their grassland habitat is cultivated for agriculture. It has always been a difficult bird to find, even when abundant.

2018 149

2018 New Jersey Michigan North Dakota 149

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 15, 2012

Of course, no ordinary chicken would do, but the Red Junglefowl is the primordial progenitor of poultry, the wild source of cutlets, nuggets, and Buffalo wings. Secretive, silent and undetectable outside of its breeding season, found only in the U.S. I traveled to the other side of the world just to see a chicken!

2012 143

2012 Birds Guatemala Florida 143

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 25, 2022

Fish Creek to Buffalo. Australian Painted Snipe breeding near Broome once again. I have written about birds that breed here and birds that we observe regularly as well as birds that we only see occasionally. Sandringham to Mordialloc along the coast. Ferntree Gully-Dandenong Ranges National Park. Foster to Fish Creek.

Australia 147

Australia Singapore Birds Battery 147

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

.” It is a relief to eventually reach the chapter on The Life of Waterfowl, written in a much more conversational style and unashamedly fascinated with waterfowl’s unique breeding behaviors. She also grew up in upstate New York, which makes me wonder if she had a hand in that Buffalo mystery bird page?).

Ducks 114

Ducks North America Geese Hunters 114