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The European Christmas Bird Count

10,000 Birds

Two hundred yards further, the first Common Goldeneye and Smew started to appear and, while counting Smew and geese, a Great Bittern took flight from one stand of reeds to another, right in front of us. And this one chose to fly right in front of us. It is not an uncommon bird, but being so secretive, I see it only every other year.

Geese 141
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The Domestic Turkey and the First Thanksgiving

10,000 Birds

Dates of first arrival listed by Schorger (1966) are: Italy 1520, Germany 1530, France 1538, England 1541, Denmark and Norway 1550, Sweden 1556. This is the time of year that we rightfully contemplate the noble Turkey. This is not entirely unknown among domestic animals, but many domesticates have no living wild version.

Turkey 199