10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2014

The experience, the place, and the bird combine to make this my BBOTY. Patrick had many birds to choose from for his Best Bird of the Year but he chose a new species for him in Costa Rica, a real regional rarity: My BBOTY for 2014 goes to Hudsonian Godwit. Carlos’s BBOTY – the Nicobar Pigeon.

2014 183

2014 Costa Rica South Africa Birds 183

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 31, 2012

After lazing in the heat I decided to visit the forest pools one last time, hoping for another sighting of Hartlaub’s Duck or White-bellied Kingfisher. On a totally ordinary Toledo afternoon when I was visiting my favorite Metropark, there he was: a spectacular indigo minding his own business at one of the wildlife center’s birdfeeders.

2012 133

2012 Ghana Ireland Birds 133

10,000 Birds

MARCH 12, 2011

As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil giveaway we asked readers of 10,000 Birds to name the bird in Brazil that they would like to see more than any other species. 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.

Brazil 197

Brazil 2011 Birds Wildlife 197

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