10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 31, 2018

Of all the ducks in the world scaup are the worst. ” In other words, the New Zealand Scaup is so embarrassed by its association with the other scaup species that it not only tries to hide its affiliation with them but attempts to get out of being a diving duck altogether. A duck with a blue bill! “Hey, lookee-there!

Ducks 213

Ducks New Zealand France Germany 213

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 6, 2019

Visiting the continent after the end of most of the autumn migration meant that the number of bird species I could see in northern France, Switzerland, southern Germany, and Austria was much reduced. I occasionally get to see the Redhead duck near my Mexican home of Morelia. Only a pair of Mandarin Ducks !

Austria 129

Austria Switzerland Europe Geese 129

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2015

I slept in hotel in Zurich but didn’t leave the airport or even clear immigration, so I can’t really say I’ve been to Switzerland either. I have caught a bus across Europe, but I can’t really claim to have “been” to Germany or Belgium. It’s arbitrary, but there you go.

Botswana 162

Botswana Birds Lesotho Elephants 162

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2017

The standout was the Cape Barren Goose , which not only has an awesome name but is also thought to be the last survivor of a lineage of geese that used to forage the grasslands of Antarctica before the whole place got all icy. Switzerland: The Armchair Tick Award Cause I’m a Terrible Birder Award. A new duck! How awesome.

United Arab Emirates 100

United Arab Emirates Ethiopia 2016 New Zealand 100