10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 15, 2018

It is estimated that there were more than 1000 Great Bustards in the northern lowlands of Serbia at the beginning of the 20th century, but back then these birds were also present in the south and the east of the country. Habitat destruction combined with hunting has pushed them away from their former breeding grounds.

Serbia 106

Serbia Romania Hungary Hunting 106

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 23, 2011

Or The Hunter Becomes The Hunted What am I talking about? After all, Shell-billed Sandpiper must be closely related so maybe we can get a captive breeding program going and then backcross the results later and save the spoonie? Or it was present sans shell. Or Why Eating Raw Seafood Is Dangerous Or Ouch! Great idea, no?

Hunters 160

Hunters Hunting Breeding Rights 160

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

So, one might surmise, it’s OK if they get shot by hunters thinking they’re sandhill cranes? Another 170 are in captivity, many of them breeding stock for reintroduction efforts. What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird?

2011 243

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 243

10,000 Birds

MAY 3, 2011

The whistling duck call carries with it the crimes of big business, the failures of governments and the ignorance of irresponsible hunters. The combined effects of hunting, habitat loss and predation by introduced animals like rats and mongoose have extirpated the species from some islands and reduced numbers significantly on others.

Antigua and Barbuda 232

Antigua and Barbuda Puerto Rico Dominican Republic Jamaica 232

10,000 Birds

APRIL 15, 2015

We actually spent considerable time searching unsuccessfully for this highly sought-after bird; however I did suspect they were not gone, as several hunters I interviewed knew the bird and claimed it still existed. Whilst in Atewa Range Forest Reserve, a hunter passed us deep in the forest and I asked him to show us his night’s catch.

Ghana 199

Ghana Hunters Guinea Gambia 199

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. To help us practice, Waterfowl presents mystery plates.

Ducks 124

Ducks North America Geese Hunters 124