10,000 Birds

MAY 21, 2011

You see, for various reasons, I’ve been unable to put myself in the proper place to experience the kaleidoscopic madness of spring migration. A Nashville Warbler in full song made this special moment all the more momentous. But what if the mountain had come to Mohammed? But lo and behold, migration has come to me!

Nashville 207

Nashville Tennessee 2010 Canada 207

10,000 Birds

JUNE 6, 2020

7 beats contributed their sightings from 7 countries (Hong Kong, UK, China, USA, Serbia, Australia and, of course, Costa Rica). These are included as part of the summary and are maintained in the list, despite objections by some purists, to give the full, rich experience as enjoyed by your lucky, lucky beats. Brant (Branta bernicla).

2020 162

2020 Sparrows Niger Woodpeckers 162

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

What my previous experience had not prepared me for, was that this summer I would see many of those species for the first time all at once. Of course, several resident Warblers were also present: Crescent-chested , Grace’s , Golden-browed , and Red Warblers , and our always common Slate-throated Redstart.

Mexico 204

Mexico Nashville Virginia Shelters 204

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 4, 2020

This is, of course, because research itself is specific, and developing generalizations from ornithological specificity is tough. You can then take those facts out into the snow (or, if you live in NYC, the sunshine under which the bushes are starting to bloom), and use the larger context to enhance your birding experience.

Research 201

Research Birds Hoarding Sweden 201

10,000 Birds

JULY 24, 2012

Yellow-throated Warbler by Carlos Sanchez Of course, for many local birders, part of the excitement in this hobby is finding the unusual or rarely recorded, and winter offers perhaps the greatest deal of excitement in this regard. After all, a very significant portion of their lives are spent on their wintering grounds.

Florida 161

Florida Miami Cuba Bahamas 161