10,000 Birds

AUGUST 10, 2016

Childhood memories flooded back in, and I began my search for the poor victims of this bird, so lovingly nicknamed “The Butcher Bird” Nothing was found, not a grasshopper, lizard, nothing. Sometimes reality is so unfair! And yes, I have even seen a few left over morsels hanging around a thorn bush or two.

Butcher 120

Butcher Birds North America Mexico 120

10,000 Birds

JUNE 17, 2013

Though I have made several trips to southern California over the eight years I have been birding almost every trip has been in December or January. This bird had just landed after doing its flight display in perfect light for me to get photographs but, of course, I butchered the opportunity. How could I not crush it?

California 141

California 2006 Butcher Breeding 141

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 29, 2011

The first obstacle was getting to the general range of the species, which is the west coast from northern California to Alaska and across to Russia.* Point Wilson Lighthouse at dusk * They have nested in the past in the Channel Islands off southern California but not for at least fifteen years. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat!

Washington 174

Washington Protection Puffins Rhinoceros 174