10,000 Birds

JUNE 21, 2019

The Philippine Eagle has a kind face. I couldn’t help thinking this–me, the anthropomorphism hater– as I watched a pair of Philippine Eagles tend their nest, raise a chick, and tear monkeys apart in Bird of Prey: The Story of the Rarest Eagle on Earth , a well-crafted, beautifully filmed documentary with a mission.

Eagles 203

Eagles Philippines Eggs Birds 203

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 23, 2023

A kingfisher with a somewhat deficient work ethic, I guess. The Oriental Darter is classified as Near Threatened – the reasons are the usual ones: habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. of its hunts are successful. A Crested Serpent Eagle , looking a bit ridiculous after a rain. Or speluncaphobia? Back to birds.

Birds 229

Birds Eagles Elephants Rhinoceros 229

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 8, 2014

I also couldn’t help but notice that the drone passed by at least one eagle nest (the operator probably had no clue it was there) and wondered how much an eagle would tolerate from a small unmanned aircraft. And we would know what to watch for if the eagle didn’t like it and would back the drone off.

Bald Eagle 200

Bald Eagle Mississippi Eagles Ducks 200

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2013

And quite frankly, I’ve seen some of the most dedicated of ethical birders get excited at finding an owl and get closer than they should. If you have an owl that is oblivious to your presence like this hunting Boreal Owl , you’re doing ok.

Owls 269

Owls Barn Owls Agenda Zoos 269

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2016

This species’ population is suspected to have decreased rapidly, owing to levels of hunting on the staging and wintering grounds, and habitat deterioration (largely as a result of land cultivation). In the Western Palearctic at least 20-30% of the population are shot each year, often accidentally during hunting of other species.”

Serbia 203

Serbia Greece Montenegro Bulgaria 203

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2013

It required a bit of an ethical adjustment. The aim of the game was to band raptors, and specifically to band Golden Eagles. To gather vital information that could make the difference between a thriving Golden Eagle population and a declining one. Enough to draw the attention of a predator. I’m not.

Eagles 181

Eagles Tethering Science Wounded 181

10,000 Birds

APRIL 15, 2015

Nineteen days later we had racked up an amazing list of 436 species, including some of Africa’s least known birds such as Congo Serpent Eagle , Yellow-footed Honeyguide , Tessmann’s Flycatcher , Yellow-bearded Greenbul , Black-collared Lovebird and much besides. And wow, what a trip we had!

Ghana 199

Ghana Hunters Guinea Gambia 199