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The Summer Doldrums

10,000 Birds

Nothing is quite as much of a downer to a birder than the summer doldrums. Migration hasn’t really kicked in, the breeders aren’t tied to breeding territories any more, and it is hot and sweaty outside. Tanagers, woodpeckers, gnatcatchers – missing! Uncomfortable weather and a lack of birds make birders grumpy.

Downers 164
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Hey, What About the Great Auk?

10,000 Birds

In 1952, at least in the US, no one wanted to be a Debbie Downer. Then a little later there was a spot of bother with DDT, but we pulled out of that one ok, with a toolbox that would surely stand us in good stead if we only had the will to use it – legislation and literature, captive breeding programs, nest platforms.