10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

Any day of birding in New York State that includes a sighting of a Vesper Sparrow is a better-then-average day. The precipitous plunge of Vesper Sparrow populations has been largely because of changing land use practices. The Vesper Sparrow is named for its tendency to sing in the evening, right before the end of the day.

Sparrows 165

Sparrows North Dakota United States New York 165

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 25, 2019

I’m hardly the first person to observe that it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed by bad environmental news, and the title Endangered and Disappearing Birds of the Midwest sounds like a pretty major downer.

Indiana 127

Indiana Downers Iowa Illinois 127

10,000 Birds

JUNE 9, 2014

In addition to the Veery I saw or heard a pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos , some cooperative Eastern Kingbirds , Swamp Sparrows , Warbling Vireos , Wood Thrush , Cedar Waxwings , a Worm-eating Warbler , and, well, you get the idea: it was awesome! Grasshopper Sparrows don’t seem to sing terribly loudly but their song carries a long way.

Breeding 152

Breeding New York Downers Breeders 152

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2012

Nothing is quite as much of a downer to a birder than the summer doldrums. Sparrows are missing; wood-warblers vamoose. Migration hasn’t really kicked in, the breeders aren’t tied to breeding territories any more, and it is hot and sweaty outside. Uncomfortable weather and a lack of birds make birders grumpy.

Downers 164

Downers Kangaroos Breeders Canada 164

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 23, 2011

No one, aside from your therapist, wants to spend time with a Debbie Downer. A Field Sparrow!&# , I am going to assume bad things about this person and that birding is not legit. The more you know about bird physiology, migration, hunting methods, longevity, etc. 5) Have a sense of humor. 9) Watch your language!

Grizzly Bear 166

Grizzly Bear North Dakota Downers Bears 166

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

In 1952, at least in the US, no one wanted to be a Debbie Downer. That was terrible for a lot of people, but especially for the Dusky Seaside Sparrow , a small streaked bird that had the dreadful temerity to dwindle and fade and finally become extinct despite the combined best efforts of the United States government and Walt Disney World.

California Condor 196

California Condor United States Guam Whales 196