10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 20, 2014

The magnificent history and diversity of birds on Earth came into sharper focus this month with the publication of 28 new scientific papers in Science and other journals. ’s bird family tree in a new tab and follow along as you read. American Flamingo photo by Dick Culbert). In 2008, Nick Sly published a review of Hackett et al.

Family 279

Family Birds Parrots 2014 279

10,000 Birds

JUNE 6, 2023

It was the same day George Floyd was killed. A description of the parenting habits of Emperor Penguins begins the lengthy chapter, “Family Matters,” about Chris’s difficult, intense relationship with his father. I remember that day. In other words, we’re getting the whole Christian Cooper, and I’m glad.

Emotional 223

Emotional Birds Minneapolis Nepal 223

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? My friend Vickie Henderson , who has some serious long-range vision, looked at the science behind Tennessee’s crane hunting proposal and found it badly wanting. Here’s the petition.

2011 242

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 242

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 24, 2012

The oft-told tale of its start in 1900 as an alternative to the “side-hunt” which was itself a long tradition in many families warms many a birder’s heart. What’s not to like about citizen science, conservation, and transforming a day of slaughter into a day of enjoying being outside watching birds?

Saudi Arabia 143

Saudi Arabia Pakistan Abandon Abandoning 143