10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

They all went extinct since 1500 and they are only eight of the nearly two hundred species that have blinked out since then. Sure, we try not to introduce snakes, rats, cats, goats, pigs, and a host of other creatures to isolated islands. Amsterdam Duck. The eight species above still exist. Ascencion Crake. Mauritius Owl.

Mauritius 171

Mauritius Djibouti Guam Birds 171

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2020

are up next, with a wonderful Australian species: It is very hard to choose a Best Bird of the Year any year. The male of this species has a royal blue throat, a white chest and rump, and a long v-shaped tail with intermittent white patches that makes it looks like part of it are floating in space. Clare (and Grant!) How cool is that?

2020 231

2020 Birds Costa Rica Germany 231

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Also on the ground you’ll see your first Finsch’s Duck. This attractive relative of Australia’s Maned Duck is the most common duck you’ll see on the tour, but visitors always love seeing them and their ubiquity doesn’t detract from their attractiveness. It certainly has no known relatives.

New Zealand 200

New Zealand Ducks Australia Mountain Goats 200