10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

At the very least appreciated for their hard-shell adaptation, the way they quietly survive in ponds, rivers, oceans, islands, forests, even, for a few species, deserts, and, if you are of a certain age, their cultural depiction as ninja warriors. Or that tortoises and terrapins are considered part of the turtle family.

Turtles 200

Turtles Tortoises Family Terrapins 200

10,000 Birds

JUNE 26, 2018

Basically, this species is so dimwitted, it doesn’t know how to survive. Because, Pink Pigeons are not capable of doing the tasks required to create and bring up children of the species. These endangered birds have trouble producing a fertilized egg and, even worse, they don’t even know how to build a nest so the egg survives?

Mauritius 102

Mauritius Stud Zoos Eggs 102

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 7, 2021

This may have been partly a leftover from the Victorian fascination with egg collecting (the infamous passion known as oology), but probably more from people’s burgeoning interest in the nests and eggs found in their gardens and fields, gateway artifacts to a newer hobby called birdwatching. The Harrison guides are out of print.

Eggs 233

Eggs Birds United States Sparrows 233

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

She doesn’t know the species till it emerges, almost dreamlike, from the heavy glare of the sun. This is the story of Fox’s experiences on board the Achiever, the research vessel of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Fox encounters 69 species, some singly, some in huge feeding or migrating flocks.

Fox 100

Fox Albatross Geese Bald Eagle 100

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2023

Anyway, in case you are still reading, the main attraction at this hide is Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, which perversely is not featured in this post (it is treated in a separate one, thus grudgingly acknowledging the almost disgusting flamboyance of that species). This species tends to use plenty of hair gel to get the perfect wet look.

Birds 147

Birds Mammals St. Louis Monkeys 147

Animal Ethics

NOVEMBER 29, 2006

Researchers have also learned that the cancer-causing chemicals that form in beef as it cooks also tend to form in chicken. Consider Victoria's Secret, a company who makes much of its money by exposing women's breasts. Never mind that the bulk of the fat in Starbucks's beverages comes from the milk -- yes, milk ! -- of another species.

Animal 40

Animal Meat Cows District of Columbia 40

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 5, 2019

In reverse order, the medals were awarded for “most species seen in a country”, to Australia with 420, USA got the silver, scoring 556 while the runaway winner was Costa Rica with 646 species. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 30, 2023

The Ashy Tailorbird is a good example of the different perspectives of describing a bird – while the English name focuses on the body of the bird, the Latin species name ruficeps refers to the rufous head. Viewer discretion is advised, particularly if you look at the paper in the company of Ashy Tailorbird chicks.

Woodpeckers 211

Woodpeckers Birds Eggs India 211

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 3, 2018

During October, 7 countries (Costa Rica, Australia, USA, India, Hong Kong, UK, Serbia) were birded by 11 beats who shared 135 checklists and noted 697 species. Cape Town–Company’s Garden. Cape Town–Company’s Garden. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. 12 Jun 2018.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 6, 2018

They noted 598 species as a team, bringing the year total to 2118 and pushing the life list to 3555. Cape Town–Company’s Garden. Cape Town–Company’s Garden. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Los Angeles 113

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 1, 2018

8 beats shared 126 checklists accounting for 704 species. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). 13 Jan 2018.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2018

10 countries were birded by 9 beats and 892 species were noted from 144 checklists. Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). Jamaica Bay, Big Egg Marsh. Hopland Research and Extension Center (restricted access). Who is going to tell the clans? Does Mel Gibson know?

2018 100

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Los Angeles 100

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 1, 2022

I have written about the interesting sex life of these jacanas a few times already (short version: female mates with male, lays a bunch of eggs for him to incubate and raise the chicks, leaves him, finds another male, repeat). Apparently, after a male first mates with a female, he throws out the first one or two eggs she lays in their nest.

Birds 147

Birds China Eggs Breeding 147