10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 5, 2020

Knowing that there are reserves with long lists of 600 or more species, I set my threshold at more than 600 birds… and found only a few such hotspots. In early November 2020, there were 15 countries with more than 1000 species eBirded so far. Other than that, there are barely a few hotspots with over 500 species.

Asia 266

Asia Malaysia Papua New Guinea Thailand 266

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

A slightly more surprising threat for the vultures comes from elephants. Elephants destroy the trees the vultures live and nest in. Vultures, therefore, tend not to nest in areas with high elephant populations ( source ). Maybe the bird thinks this will drive the elephants away?

Elephants 147

Elephants Birds Congo Africa 147

10,000 Birds

MARCH 11, 2011

Frigatebirds (Fregatidae) Five species of frigatebird ply the planet’s tropical skies and seas. Ringer Cormorants and Shags (Phalacrocoracidae) Cormorants are more speciose than other families in the order; 30-40 species range widely on every continent and many islands. Duncan, I’m also entertained by your comment!

2011 151

2011 Pelicans Papua New Guinea Birds 151

10,000 Birds

JULY 21, 2022

The one bird I did not see here, however, was the Bateleur Eagle … One highlight in the area is the Saddle-billed Stork , likely to be the tallest species in the stork family. The African Spoonbill is one of the six global spoonbill species, and the main African one (there are also some Eurasian Spoonbills in Africa).

Ostriches 147

Ostriches Parrots Birds Eggs 147

10,000 Birds

JUNE 27, 2022

There are quite a few raptor species around Skukuza. Most likely, the devil, not god created this species. While some bustards are the largest bird species capable of flight, the Black-bellied Bustard is only mid-sized. Skukuza is the largest camp and the administrative center of Kruger Park. It is also documented on video.

Birds 147

Birds Africa Eagles Barn Owls 147

10,000 Birds

JULY 11, 2013

A dusty-red road leads me through Marico bushveld deeper into the 750 square kilometers large wilderness of the Madikwe Game Reserve – the 4th largest reserve in South Africa, home to 350 bird and 66 mammal species, some 4 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Two young bull elephants slowly walk along the road in front of us.

Africa 185

Africa South Africa Elephants Rhinos 185

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2011

This country boasts over 1,000 bird species, vast wildernesses, a superb network of protected areas, the greatest concentration of large game and predators on the planet, excellent lodges and friendly people. The Baobab-studded woodlands and wetlands of the park harbor over 550 bird species and they sure come thick and fast!

Tanzania 209

Tanzania Africa Stud Leopards 209

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

We –participants of the ABA South Africa Safari—were on a small plane when one Lori Conrad looked out the window and screamed, “There are elephants down there!” Species that belong to the famous “Big Five” get special badges. I’ll never forget my introduction to the mammals of Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Rhinos 233

Rhinos Mammals Animal White Rhinos 233

10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2014

Between the 22 of December and the 31st I managed to see 171 species of bird, this had climbed to 219 by the time I had left of the 11th of January. This included 5 days without family, but I didn’t get more than 35 extra species without them. Never did see an elephant though). And the birds? I saw plenty.

Birds 180

Birds Bats Elephants Family 180

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 5, 2019

In reverse order, the medals were awarded for “most species seen in a country”, to Australia with 420, USA got the silver, scoring 556 while the runaway winner was Costa Rica with 646 species. Rhinoceros Hornbill – Buceros rhinoceros. Elephant Butte Dam area, New Mexico. Kruger NP Central Park.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 3, 2018

During October, 7 countries (Costa Rica, Australia, USA, India, Hong Kong, UK, Serbia) were birded by 11 beats who shared 135 checklists and noted 697 species. Elephant Butte Dam area, New Mexico. Rhinoceros Hornbill – Buceros rhinoceros. The equanimity occurred as the two totals passed 3560. 12 Oct 2018.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 1, 2018

8 beats shared 126 checklists accounting for 704 species. Rhinoceros Hornbill – Buceros rhinoceros. Elephant Butte Dam area, New Mexico. They birded 6 countries; USA, UK, Costa Rica, Serbia, Australia, and Mexico. The year and life lists have been pushed to 2214 and 3564 respectively. Kruger NP Central Park.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Sparrows 113

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 27, 2013

There are times when acting in the conservation interest of a species or ecosystem means that the welfare of specific animals is compromised, which is a fancy way of saying that conservationists sometimes have to kill animals for the greater good. You protect an entire ecosystem that holds 350 bird species. You do a lot of good.

Lions 181

Lions Killing Hunting Hunters 181