10,000 Birds

JULY 6, 2019

While the jays did catch our attention by way of a smart crest and different shades of blue and gray punctuated by a black necklace and mascara, they were part of our common natural experience, their existence was taken for granted. These are the six species that occur in Costa Rica: Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii).

Costa Rica 167

Costa Rica Panama Eating Eggs South America 167

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2017

I started the year in Florida, traveled to India with the ABA in February, combined family and birding in an August trip to California, and in-between saw very good birds in New York and New Jersey. There is no experience comparable to birding a dump, and, I have to say, I have never experienced a dump like this one. And, scoping.

2016 108

2016 India Ducks Birds 108

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

Hornbills are spectacular under any circumstances, but when a pair lands in a bush beside you at eye-level and begin mutual preening , it makes for a spectacular experience. This ABA Code 4 bird was found hanging out with some Wood Ducks in Missoula, conveniently enough, by Radd Icenoggle. You can read more about his experience here.

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167

10,000 Birds

MARCH 12, 2011

Plus, I mean, it’s a giant chicken-looking thing that’s actually related to ducks… with that kind of identity crisis going on, what’s not to love? They really appeared to enjoy this, because as soon as they swam back to the rocks they would line up again to repeat the experience. See who won the contest here!

Brazil 197

Brazil 2011 Birds Wildlife 197

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2020

Unfortunately, this morph is the dominant one at Fuzhou NFP”) that somehow survived the review process, possibly because the reviewer has had similar experiences. However, it wasn’t until the infamous year of 2020 that I finally laid eyes on it in the marshes of Las Pangas in southern Costa Rica. Short fall, soft landing.

2020 221

2020 Birds Germany Costa Rica 221