10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 31, 2019

I saw 863 species of birds, bringing my life list to 1,820. I also spent a week in northwestern Costa Rica on a family vacation, a long weekend in Barbados, a week in Georgia, and two week-plus-long trips to visit relatives in southern California. How can I narrow down the eight-hundred-sixty-three species to ten?

2019 137

2019 Barbados Uganda Costa Rica 137

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 20, 2015

This map shows the distribution of the World’s bird species, based on overlying the breeding and wintering ranges of all known species. I used to live in Botswana, where there are about 450 bird species in an area a few dozen miles from the capital; then somewhat naively moved back to Serbia with mere 250 species around the capital.

Sri Lanka 256

Sri Lanka Botswana Africa Serbia 256

10,000 Birds

JUNE 30, 2022

It is slightly larger than Costa Rica, and in the most strategic places it has a well-developed infrastructure. In addition, it has over 450 bird species and more than 30 in-country endemics, of which it is possible to see every single species! Sri Lanka is a ‘must visit country’ for any keen birder.

Sri Lanka 147

Sri Lanka Ghana Uganda Eagles 147

10,000 Birds

MARCH 1, 2011

One such controversial bird is the Veraguan Mango , a small hummingbird species that was, until very recently, believed to be a Panamanian endemic. Veraguan Mango by Carlos Bethancourt Although the Neotropical region supports fewer bird families than Africa, there are considerably more bird species here than anywhere else on earth.

Panama 201

Panama Costa Rica 2011 Cleveland 201

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2014

Finally, the Similan Islands are perhaps one of the most beautiful islands in the world and form a stunning backdrop to this species, one of the loveliest pigeons in the world. The experience, the place, and the bird combine to make this my BBOTY. Carlos’s BBOTY – the Nicobar Pigeon. I also blogged about that dreamy day.

2014 184

2014 Costa Rica South Africa Birds 184

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

An accomplished popular science writer, Ackerman started out as a writer and researcher for National Geographic ‘s book division and has since written articles and books on such diverse scientific subjects as heredity, the common cold, dragonflies, and wildlife in Japan. It’s fascinating stuff.

Research 215

Research Birds Science Costa Rica 215

10,000 Birds

MARCH 29, 2015

Excellent 10,000 Birds posts have been written about Pico Bonito and Honduras by Corey and Carlos , so I’m going to focus on some of my most memorable experiences. We saw a smaller member of the potoo family, Northern Potoo , Nyctibius jamaicensis , at Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, boating and birding the Salado River.

Honduras 244

Honduras Birds Costa Rica Groups 244

10,000 Birds

MARCH 26, 2013

Indeed, can you truly experience the wonder of nature from the confines of a vehicle? This is what we have to remember: - Many species are easier to observe at close range from a vehicle than on foot. - National Wildlife Refuges, various wetland sites) you are supposed to bird from your car to prevent the needless flushing of birds.

LACS 134

LACS North Dakota Costa Rica Birds 134

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. What follows are the responses that readers offered, a veritable aviary of sought after species.

Brazil 199

Brazil 2011 Birds Wildlife 199

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

My best bird of the year is based on the sighting rather than the species. 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. Only trouble is, which of the seven species I saw this year do I pick?

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 31, 2012

I even managed to shoot a video with hands trembling of excitement, probably a first of the species. To finally connect with the species and to do so in such subtle light and with two very confiding individuals makes them my Best Bird of the Year! I have chronicled the experience on my blog. Thainamu chose a snipe !

2012 133

2012 Ghana Ireland Birds 133

10,000 Birds

MARCH 6, 2011

Corey encountered a bunch of winners, but 24 Common Redpolls at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, in almost the exact same spot he saw them a couple of years ago, feeding on birch inflorescence by the East Pond, were easily his best birds of the weekend. If you’ve blogged about your weekend experience, you should include a link in your comment.

2011 154

2011 New York Deer Birds 154

10,000 Birds

MARCH 17, 2011

Turkeys, 3 or 4 species of woodpeckers, all kinds of song birds grace our view constantly. I will be birding the foothill rainforests of Quebrada Gonzalez, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica. Jochen the swallows have arrived at NYC at Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge too. As I said, we are blessed.

2011 150

2011 Deer Birds South Dakota 150