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The Collins Bird Guide, 3rd edition

10,000 Birds

Never trust a field guide publisher’s claim of a definitive text, because each new edition is certain to bring more a definitive text than that from the previous edition! The Collins Bird Guide covers Europe, North Atlantic islands, much of North Africa and the Middle East. Apart from this, a few new vignettes have been added.

Europe 261
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Birding Yibin, Sichuan

10,000 Birds

The eBird cartoonists call the Spot-breasted Parrotbill a “bulbous-headed brown bird with a comically large bill” As a foreigner living in China and thus used to having my nose size ridiculed, I definitely feel with the parrotbills. In one group, they added a blue egg to their nests. What a pity.) What a weird world.

Italy 200
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In Search of the Imperial Amazon

10,000 Birds

A massive (largest member of the Amazona group of parrots) creature with searing red eyes set in a sea of blue, brown, and purple, the Imperial Parrot ( Amazona imperialis ) is a recluse of higher elevation forest on the island of Dominica. They were definitely low down in the valley, probably beyond our line of sight.

Dominica 130
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“Peacocks and Picathartes: Reflections on Africa’s Birdlife”

10,000 Birds

A few years ago, in the American Birding Association FB group I posted a question: Where would you go if funds weren’t a problem? In September 2015 a group of eight intrepid bird watchers linked up with the African Wildlife Foundation and arranged for a 10-day stay in Yemi [DRC]. Most definitely so.

Congo 264
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Birding Under the Influence: A Book Review

10,000 Birds

People of all ages and backgrounds brighten the ride and the book as they welcome Dorian to their homes (his blog asked for shelter and people responded, he also used a biking home-share group and motels) and help him find elusive birds (although Dorian is mostly on his own, there are occasions when help is crucial).

Birds 228
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Birding the Kruger Park (2): Bateleur area

10,000 Birds

The Marabu Stork definitely has a face that only a mother could love. Each of these ‘families’ consists of a single mating pair and 1-5 ‘helpers’ who assist in raising the young. Together these family groups form a clan and the clans defend this territory from other neighboring clans. And sadly, it is listed as Endangered.

Ostriches 147
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Outstanding Pied Oystercatcher parenting!

10,000 Birds

This year one pair of Pied Oystercatchers has once again proven to be able to raise young. They are one of the older pairs and they have raised several young over the years, but only ever one has been fledged each year. They are still grouped together with their parents and there is a short “peep” as I approach.

Eggs 165