10,000 Birds

MARCH 13, 2012

The land was of course already occupied by San (Bushmen) hunter-gatherers for millennia and more recently Bantu tribes of the Nguni branch (most notably Zulus and Xhosas). This bird breeds in the forests of the Transkei area and is only a winter visitor to KwaZulu-Natal. It was discovered in KwaZulu-Natal province by Dr Andrew Smith.

Mozambique 195

Mozambique South Africa Africa Collecting 195

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

This bit of science is a nice final counterpoint to an account that has emphasized art, history, and literature. He effectively brings his point across by presenting facts and images and a little bit of hard science. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoy reading his books.

2014 161

2014 Killing Michigan Kentucky 161

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