10,000 Birds

JUNE 26, 2013

The survival of songbirds depends in part upon eliminating illegal hunting. That means passing over the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East, where you’re liable to get shot, trapped, or otherwise hunted. The organization dismantled nearly 9,000 traps on Cyprus last year.

Cambodia 143

Cambodia Slaughter Slaughtered Cyprus 143

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 7, 2020

The authors’ detailed delineation of problems with the accuracy of NYC breeding bird surveys or with the limits of historical writings may test a reader’s patience. Because, as this book demonstrates so well, it is sometimes important to look back in order to move forward. It’s a very mixed chapter.

New York City 149

New York City New York Birds Breeding 149

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2016

“This species’ population is suspected to have decreased rapidly, owing to levels of hunting on the staging and wintering grounds, and habitat deterioration (largely as a result of land cultivation). The decrease in numbers has been accompanied by fragmentation of the breeding range and is continuing to affect all populations.

Serbia 201

Serbia Greece Montenegro Bulgaria 201

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 7, 2017

The Conservation section is frustratingly brief, stating the expected—massive loss of forest due to logging and a plantation economy, weak enforcement of laws regulating hunting and trade, understaffing of reserves and parks. There are more than 1,300 distribution maps, indicating resident birds, breeding visitors, and migrants.

Indonesia 125

Indonesia Brunei Birds Malaysia 125

10,000 Birds

MARCH 7, 2023

The Great Egret was in breeding plumage and courtship posture–bright lime green lores, head bending down and then snapping up, long, impossibly delicate plumes waving over its body as if possessed by independent spirits. I thought about those plumes and about how fortunate we were to be seeing this egret in all its glory.

Connecticut 147

Connecticut Washington Legislation Hunting 147