10,000 Birds
JULY 13, 2023
Due to heavy rains many clutches of Great Crested Grebes had failed, but we observed both nests with eggs (and left the area immediately) and adults with chicks, some of them piggy-backing their mothers. We sat outdoors, shaded by old plane trees and cooled by a short shower falling in the bright sunlight.
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.
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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.
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. A Scaly-feathered Weaver takes to wing. Image by Adam Riley in Namibia.
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. Red Junglefowl by Mike Bergin Clare Kines chose an egg as his Best Bird of the Year. Secretive, silent and undetectable outside of its breeding season, found only in the U.S.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 25, 2022
Fish Creek to Buffalo. Echidna-egg laying mammal-500th post. 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. Ferntree Gully-Dandenong Ranges National Park. Foster to Fish Creek.
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?).
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