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The Nonessential Whooping Crane

10,000 Birds

So, one might surmise, it’s OK if they get shot by hunters thinking they’re sandhill cranes? What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? Do all hunters realize that? It gives one to wonder why this designation was made.

2011 242
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Best Bird of the Year 2012

10,000 Birds

Considering the bird survived a season in an area saturated with hunters and birds of prey, this facemelting rarity deserves our respect. I traveled to the other side of the world just to see a chicken! I’m looking forward to putting it on my year list for the third year in a row.

2012 149