10,000 Birds

MARCH 27, 2014

These wild birds migrate out of Florida to northern breeding areas in the spring and are not present in Florida during the mottled duck breeding season. State biologists are observing more and more mixed flocks and mixed pairs in the wild and these feral mallards are mating with mottled ducks, producing a hybrid offspring.

Florida 251

Florida Ducks New Zealand Feral 251

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 18, 2012

The lake was filled with families of Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens (or Pukeko as we call them in New Zealand), all tending small groups of black chicks. The large ponds were home to great numbers of waterbirds of several kinds, many of which, like the ibis, breed on the islands in the lakes.

New Zealand 185

New Zealand Ducks Australia Japan 185

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 24, 2012

In the event I’m in a life or death struggle with an Oregon Junco or a particularly feral Dunnock I’d rather my birding companion was at least nominally on my side. Australian Magpies are found across Australia, southern New Guinea and have been introduced to New Zealand (along with just about everything else).

New Zealand 188

New Zealand Birds Australia Kangaroos 188

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 10, 2011

So, inspired by a similar article on road birding in Thailand, I present road birding in New Zealand. As with any kind of road birding, birding as a car passenger in New Zealand generally restricts the kind of birds you’re going to see. Feral Turkey are also quite common.

New Zealand 205

New Zealand Birds Thailand Falcons 205