10,000 Birds

JANUARY 18, 2012

The lake was filled with families of Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens (or Pukeko as we call them in New Zealand), all tending small groups of black chicks. Magpie-larks are neither magpies nor larks but are the largest of the monarch-flycatchers, and the most terrestrial of the family.

New Zealand 173

New Zealand Ducks Australia Japan 173

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 19, 2014

In a funny twist of fate, it seems that 2014 will be much the same as 2012 and 2013 have been, with family trips to somewhere in France and business trips to Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Jan 11 : The family gives me half a Saturday off to chase a long-staying Griffon Vulture in nearby Rheinland-Pfalz, about a 30 minutes drive from home.

2014 145

2014 France Germany Indonesia 145

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 10, 2011

Feral Turkey are also quite common. This New Zealand endemic, more than any other, has benefited from the clearing of forest and pairs are commonly seen everywhere you go in New Zealand, often with their large families in tow. But these aren’t the only large ground-loving birds you might encounter.

New Zealand 179

New Zealand Birds Thailand Falcons 179