10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2013

The Cherokee nation called them “Peace Eagles” owing to the fact that they never killed a living thing – and also that they tended to show up in numbers after battled when peace treaties were being signed, though admittedly that may have been for a slightly more macabre reason. White-backed Vultures, photo by Adam Riley.

California Condor 175

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 175

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

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? More states will doubtless join the queue of those proposing hunts. Here’s the petition.

2011 239

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 239

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

Northern Spotted Owl by Larry Jordan. The bulk of my lifers were on a trip to India in October/November but all the birds were surpassed by watching and photographing a Snow Leopard hunting and killing a Blue Sheep , so none of them are real contenders for BBOTY. A very much appreciated life bird!

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167