10,000 Birds

JANUARY 27, 2015

Like my two previous visits I spent one day that I didn’t have to lead any field trips doing a run through central Florida looking for some of the specialty species of the region. On my previous trips I was successful on each and every species except for the crane. The first farm on the left, where all the cattle are?

Cattle 198

Cattle Florida Bald Eagle Endangered Species 198

10,000 Birds

MARCH 4, 2017

In keeping with high diversity in other aspects of the avian kingdom, including falcons and excluding owls, this small country has a raptor list that tops fifty species. There might be a lot of species, but competition and other factors result in fewer individuals of each species. Black Hawk-Eagle. Ornate Hawk-Eagle.

Costa Rica 100

Costa Rica West Virginia Eagles Monkeys 100

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 8, 2013

This park protects the largest remaining tract of dry deciduous forest in the west of India, offering visitors 37 species of reptiles, 38 species of mammals and, not to be forgotten – almost 300 bird species. A low branch is decorated by a Green Bee-eater (above) and a tree top above it holds several Cattle Egrets.

Lions 227

Lions India Mammals Boars 227

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2020

Having observed the Cattle Egret in breeding plumage at the Derby Poo Ponds on June 19th we found ourselves at Windjana Gorge first thing the following morning. A Wedge-tailed Eagle soared overhead alongside Black Kites and Whistling kites. Green-backed Gerygones were calling and it is a species we always seek out when we visit.

2020 262

2020 Australia Cattle Groups 262

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 16, 2018

Serbia has 317 eBirded species so far, or 89% of the 356 in the national checklist. The country has one eBird hotspot with 200+ and 48 with more than 100 bird species. The country has one eBird hotspot with 200+ and 48 with more than 100 bird species. Spring migration March to April , 270 eBirded species.

Serbia 155

Serbia Geese Owls Macedonia 155

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 3, 2013

But, from the existing data, the authors have drawn a different conclusion – there is no proof that the breeding population ever existed, that the south of Africa was beyond the species range and that that all observations were of vagrant individuals. During my lifetime, this species was rare in my native Serbia, too.

Sudan 227

Sudan Macedonia Botswana Serbia 227

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2015

Well-travelled birders will recognise Cattle Egrets following the steps of hippo or African Buffalo , and Black-crowned Night Herons , but more African species occur in the form of the massive Goliath Heron , the smaller Squacco Heron , and the highly distinctive Black Egret , famous for creating a canopy with its wings to hunt small fish.

Botswana 162

Botswana Birds Lesotho Elephants 162

10,000 Birds

APRIL 13, 2015

Its great diversity of habitats hosts an incredible bird count of over 900 species, including Africa’s 2nd highest list of endemics and near-endemics (after South Africa). Quality time was spent with a friendly Hamar family at their homestead of grass huts surrounding their cattle corral. Yellow-billed Stork.

Ethiopia 243

Ethiopia Sudan Leopards Game 243

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 17, 2017

In early August this year, I saw 77 species here (69 on the lake, plus 8 more in the surrounding areas) but barely more than a thousand individuals. There was a Short-toed Eagle ahead, taking flight to be replaced by another ST Eagle. A few Lesser Kestrels by the dyke wall, then a Black-eared Wheatear at some cattle fencing.

Greece 189

Greece Killing Pelicans Eagles 189

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 26, 2016

On my recent visit I managed to see specialties like Spotted Eagle Owls , Swee Waxbills , Cape Sugarbirds , Malachite Sunbirds and Cape Francolins. Spotted Eagle Owl. Cattle Egret in spring flowers. The deep reedbeds and pools hide many species, including some hard-to-see hippos! Cape of Good Hope. Greater Flamingos.

Penguins 172

Penguins Birds Mongoose Ostriches 172

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 25, 2018

The sub-adult Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) below was photographed from the same blind. This refuge offers such a wide variety of species, that I wrote a post awhile back showing several species of wading birds in the same location on the auto tour route. I hope you enjoy it. Click on photos for full sized images.

Wildlife 101

Wildlife Sacramento Bald Eagle Falcons 101

10,000 Birds

MAY 28, 2018

The mighty rhino along with the Cattle Egret. In the same first day plus a couple of hours, my Africa bird count is at 66 species. The African Fish Eagle was a great first day bird. I did quite a bit of studying the bird species before getting here, unfortunately, the Diamond Marked Babbler was never on my study sheets.

South Africa 113

South Africa Africa Rhinos Mongoose 113

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 28, 2013

They belong to the same species like those found back in Europe, Sus scrofa – which inhabits a belt stretching from northern Africa and Europe all the way to Indonesia, but a different subspecies, S.s. The next two species are the Southern Grey Shrike and the Tawny Pipit , also characteristic for this habitat type. ceylonensis.

India 225

India Birds Eagles Boars 225

10,000 Birds

JUNE 4, 2020

Among 60 or so heron species in the world this is the only one using this peculiar fishing technique. To complete the scene the African Fish Eagle ( Haliaeetus vocifer ) was circling above us, yelping a triumphant high-pitched ‘Kyowkow- kow!’. ‘By Cattle Egret 16. African Fish Eagle 1. Grey Heron 4. Black-headed Heron 1.

Botswana 189

Botswana Africa 2001 Fish 189

10,000 Birds

JULY 3, 2021

Between them, they found 389 species in 5 countries. Insects were held back by weird spring weather, but now the warmth returns and the birds are feasting on the late stirring bugs. June saw 8 beats get their birding boots on and share 90 checklists for your pleasure.

Woodpeckers 247

Woodpeckers Sparrows Ducks Niger 247

10,000 Birds

JULY 10, 2014

With about 110 recorded species, the Kozara becomes truly magical place when the Danube swells and reclaims what is rightfully his. On the other side of the river, underneath the very buttresses of the Belgrade Fortress, with its 170 recorded bird species lies the Veliko Ratno Island (44°49’53.20″N, 20°26’4.98″E).

Serbia 242

Serbia Stray Dog Protection Botswana 242

10,000 Birds

JUNE 16, 2019

We started our Singapore bird list at Pasir Ris and leaving the train station we were delighted to see several Cattle Egrets on the grass and several photographers. There are White-bellied Sea Eagles in the area and it is likely their nest. We were soon in Pasir Ris Town Park and observing a huge variety of birds. Common Sandpiper.

Singapore 115

Singapore Otters Owls Zebras 115

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

We had as our goals spotting the reported Cattle Egret and Blue Grosbeaks and as many shorebirds as could be found in the flooded environs. There were three of us that made the trip to the famed Black Dirt region of Orange County, New York yesterday. We were there for the birds! More impressive was the agricultural scenery.

New York 157

New York Bald Eagle New Jersey Cattle 157

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Before we reached the plains there was roadkill and we observed three Wedge-tailed Eagles in a tree. It is not unusual to see Wedge-tailed Eagles around Broome, but rarely three all together. This bird species is known to travel large distances around Australia. Three Wedge-tailed Eagles.

Geese 257

Geese Eagles Australia Breeding 257

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 7, 2021

Yet, 79 checklists were submitted by 8 beats, accounting for 366 species in 5 countries. Yet, 79 checklists were submitted by 8 beats, accounting for 366 species in 5 countries. Yet, 79 checklists were submitted by 8 beats, accounting for 366 species in 5 countries.

Sparrows 245

Sparrows Woodpeckers Ducks Blackbirds 245

10,000 Birds

MAY 2, 2020

Between them they shared 63 checklists, spanning 5 countries and noted 231 species of birds. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). Other sightings have been included from legitimate outings for work and exercise (at all times maintaining a respectable distance). 7 beats contributed this month.

2020 154

2020 Woodpeckers Sparrows Blackbirds 154

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2013

The smellier the better, particularly as, unusually for birds, many species can boast a robust sense of smell. In any case, our hang-ups with vultures clearly stem from our own issues rather than any inherently bizarre trait of the species themselves. Vultures famously feed on carrion. Dead things. New World Vultures.

California Condor 182

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 182

10,000 Birds

MARCH 1, 2016

Then, we became birders again, noting Common Mynas and Eastern Cattle Egrets on the terraced lawns, Yellow-footed Pigeons, European-collared and Red-collared Doves in the trees bordering the garden squares. Luckily, I didn’t have to look hard to find the Dusky Eagle-Owl’s nest. It was a big owl.

India 189

India Tigers Birds Owls 189

10,000 Birds

MARCH 31, 2019

We were met by several Cattle Egret in beautiful breeding plumage feeding on the grass right next to the train station. We had found thirty four bird species so far in Singapore and had to admit defeat due to lack of sleep and returned to the hotel. 169 bird species and one day to go!

Singapore 114

Singapore Transported Boars Malaysia 114

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 4, 2021

My birding list for November totals 15 species. Thank goodness that the rest of the beats have been busily birding,that’s what they like to do… 9 of them submitted 114 checklists via eBird and amassed 525 species from 7 (China, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, UK, Serbia and USA) countries during November.

Sparrows 205

Sparrows Woodpeckers Parrots Costa Rica 205

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 16, 2021

We have nearly 930 species on the official list and with some effort, 700 in a year is a feasible goal. Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan. Black Hawk-Eagle – Spizaetus tyrannus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan. After all, Costa Rica is no small player on the world birding stage.

Costa Rica 161

Costa Rica Birds Parrots Woodpeckers 161

10,000 Birds

MAY 25, 2013

The birding is not exceptional, but you can easily see some of Singapore’s and South-east Asia’s more common species and it does throw up the occasional jewel. My personal list for Paser Ris runs to 75 birds over 15 visits that average out at around 25 species per outing. My favourite site in Singapore is Paser Ris. Spotted Wood-owl.

Singapore 160

Singapore Woodpeckers Parrots Zebras 160

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 2, 2021

The year list ends on a provisional 1803 species from 1608 checklists submitted by 12 beats from 16 countries. Most species-prolific was Patrick in Costa Rica, followed by Paul from Mexico. December’s beats found 609 birds after submitting 116 checklists from 8 countries (USA, UK, Costa Rica, China, Mexico, Serbia and Australia).

2020 224

2020 Sparrows Woodpeckers Parrots 224

10,000 Birds

JUNE 6, 2020

149 checklists were submitted, accounting for 465 species. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis). Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). I know that we are all looking forward to a time when we might return to the old normal, but until then, please stay safe and keep your distance.

2020 152

2020 Sparrows Niger Woodpeckers 152

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

They birded 7 countries during August and recorded 542 species. The year list remains sluggish at 1489 , but the life list received a boost from the eBird taxonomy reshuffle and now includes 4076 species. Stay vigilant and safe. 10 of the beats have submitted 124 checklists which are collated below for your perusal.

Woodpeckers 201

Woodpeckers Sparrows Blackbirds California 201

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 2, 2021

11 beats have been out this month and have submitted 136 checklists from 7 countries ticking 634 species. 189 Black Hawk-Eagle – Spizaetus tyrannus. 251 Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis. 308 Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalus. 346 White-tailed Eagle – Haliaeetus albicilla.

Woodpeckers 205

Woodpeckers Sparrows Parrots Blackbirds 205

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 13, 2012

The New Jersey Bird Records Committee (NJBRC) documents 465 species of natural origin. Used in conjunction with the species distribution maps, this is a helpful feature in evaluating field observations. That Cattle Egret I found in Somerset County, August 2009? There are, sadly, entries for extinct species.

New Jersey 192

New Jersey Birds 2009 Bald Eagle 192

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 1, 2020

The 83 checklists submitted during July contained 459 species. Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis. Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalus. White-tailed Eagle – Haliaeetus albicilla. In case you were worried, Our Man in Shanghai is still flying the flag. The year list now stands at 1613.

2020 155

2020 Blackbirds Sparrows Woodpeckers 155

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 6, 2021

9 beats submitted 140 checklists from 7 countries (USA, UK, Costa Rica, Serbia, Australia, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago) during October to account for 585 species. 184 Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis. 199 Golden Eagle – Aquila chrysaetos. 206 Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalus.

Woodpeckers 237

Woodpeckers Sparrows Blackbirds Ducks 237

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 1, 2022

8 of them sent 153 lists, noting 645 species of bird across 7 countries (Mexico, UK, USA, Serbia, Australia, Costa Rica, Colombia). It has not resulted in extraordinary numbers of sightings personally, but the beats have been busy on their respective patches and have sent me their lists to collate. The year list finishes at 1628.

Sparrows 234

Sparrows Woodpeckers Parrots Owls 234

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

Instead of going on about zip lines and other modern, adventure tourism attractions, the birding crowd talks about taking photos of Resplendent Quetzals , seeing dozens of hummingbird species, and the seemingly odd absence of raptors in Costa Rica but nope, we don’t really talk about extinction. Resplendence.

Costa Rica 219

Costa Rica Species Panama Birds 219

10,000 Birds

MARCH 19, 2011

In fact, the very first person to guess, Nick , managed to get the third quiz picture correct by calling it a Bald Eagle. Of course, that was the easiest of the three because though the bird in the image is captive, a bird that was injured and can’t be returned to the wild, Bald Eagles do occur regularly and naturally in Queens.

Bald Eagle 113

Bald Eagle Zoos 2011 Parrots 113