10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2019

As always, I was the first to the platform and in the light northwest wind and under a full moon I sipped my coffee and willed birds to make some noise so I could start checking off species. Eventually, an Eastern Towhee che-winked and I had my first species for the day. The moon was impressive as it sank down to the horizon.

Pelicans 137

Pelicans New York Whales Whaling 137

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2015

But, I did take many photos, and used the book, in spurts during the trip and more closely afterward, to identify three seabird species, two expected (Sooty and Black-vented Shearwaters) and one a surprise. It does not include near-shore, coastal species, like Brown Pelican, Elegant Tern, and Harbor Seal.

Dolphins 162

Dolphins Whales Whaling Porpoises 162

10,000 Birds

JUNE 24, 2013

It took me awhile, but I managed to get on quite a few, especially when the boat slowed down to go check out some Humpback Whales and a huge number of Common Dolphins. This picture actually has three species of shearwater in it - Pink-footed , Sooty , and Black-vented. We estimated at least 3,500 sooties and over 1,000 dolphins.

Whales 151

Whales Whaling Dolphins California 151

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2014

Nick finds a bird-shaped protrusion at the top of the rock – Black-eared Wheatear , not exactly a species I expect to observe from a boat deck. On our way back, three Common Bottlenose Dolphins show right next to the boat and, some time later, a Painted Lady ( Vanessa cardui ) butterfly appears some 300 metres downwind from the shore.

Greece 242

Greece Malta Croatia Birds 242

10,000 Birds

JUNE 7, 2017

The site is famous for a place called Monkey Mia, where dolphins have learnt to come up to the beach a few times a day to get snacks. That’s fine, and I like dolphins, but I usually prefer them away from a circus. The dolphin feeding session was fun too. Dolphins are the stars of the show. and Red-capped Plovers.

Sharks 100

Sharks Monkeys Dolphins Turtles 100

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

It is acceptable to point out other sea creatures–dolphins or whales or dragonflies–but the main goal is the observation and identification of the birds. The King Eider photograph, which is the “marquee” photo for that species account, is by Hugh Harrop). It is a challenging activity. No rails or gallinules.

Ducks 240

Ducks Groups Species North America 240

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Eighteen-hour trips are the rule and only about four or five hours are spent in the prime area to see the species most birders are hoping to see. Brown Pelicans cared not for my taint. Hordes of Brown Pelicans , Heermann’s Gulls , and Western Gulls made it clear we were on the west coast. Anyway, back to the boat.

Whales 113

Whales Whaling Albatross Dolphins 113