10,000 Birds

APRIL 22, 2022

The altruistic vampire, back at the roost after a meal of horse or cattle blood, will regurgitate the blood to feed not only her own pup, but other adults and their pups too, all of this prompted by being groomed by the donee and, in particular, by being licked on the lips. Atria Books, New York, $28 (U.S.); $37 (Canada).

Humane 259

Humane New York Owls Hunting 259

10,000 Birds

MARCH 11, 2011

We remember starlings not skylarks, House Sparrows not Eurasian Tree Sparrows , Cattle Egrets not… well, whatever we’ve forgotten because it didn’t do as well as the Cattle Egrets. So, tentatively, welcome spring and new life. It’s just that the exceptions are so much more attention-grabbing.

Montana 144

Montana 2011 New York Bahamas 144

10,000 Birds

MARCH 18, 2011

UNLESS that is you get yourself down to the internationally-renowned Tambopata Research Centre in southern Peru where literally hundreds of macaws (and other parrots) congregate around a 50 meter high clay bank. These threats are further exacerbated by the naturally low reproductive rates of these cavity-nesting birds.

Peru 255

Peru Parrots 2011 South America 255