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More Birds Than Bullets: a book review

10,000 Birds

But he pretty much drops the subject, except for a final Chapter 9, “My Transition,” when he addresses it briefly, and says “I could write a book about these experiences alone.” He probably should do.

Fox 186
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Hill Mynas: A Touch of Tropical Asia in Miami

10,000 Birds

However, the typical birding experience for someone down here also includes a large menagerie of other species such as Orange-winged Parrot , Mitred Parakeet , Egyptian Goose and Nutmeg Mannikin. Their loud, descending whistles, gurgles and screeches are a common feature of parks and suburban neighborhoods in parts of Miami-Dade.

Miami 208
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Birding Shanghai in March 2023

10,000 Birds

”, which by some remarkable coincidence is also the title of a paper on “Physical-Attractiveness Evaluations and Dating Preferences as a Function of One’s Own Attractiveness” (among humans, not Grey-capped Greenfinches). In my experience, people eat more food they are familiar with than food that is unfamiliar.

Birds 211
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The Kirtland’s Warbler: The Story of a Bird’s Fight Against Extinction and the People Who Saved It: A Book Review

10,000 Birds

It’s the warbler that is often the last unchecked species on birders’ life lists and, whether you list or not, for most of us observing it is a once in a lifetime experience. This is why 1,000 to 3,000 birders turned out to see the Magee Marsh Kirtland’s Warbler, possibly the fussiest bird in the world.

Michigan 240
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Best Bird of the Year 2014

10,000 Birds

I got to see a beautiful female and owlet on a trip to a secret nest location near Howard Prairie Lake (human-made nest structures have enhanced local breeding for these huge owls whose nest success is boosted to 83% on artificial platforms vs. 66% at natural sites). The experience, the place, and the bird combine to make this my BBOTY.

2014 197
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The Jewel Hunter: A Book Review About One Birder’s Quest for Pittas and Beer

10,000 Birds

The books work best when the birding is coupled with the human element. The Jewel Hunter is heavily laced with Gooddie’s particular brand of broad ironic humor, and I did enjoy that, but I would have traded about 10 percent for a little more insight into the unexpected outcomes of his experience.

Hunters 202
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Birding Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10,000 Birds

It seems a bit sad to me that a paper on the Eurasian Tree Sparrow and the House Sparrow has to justify the need for research on these species by arguing this benefits humans: “Sparrow species … live in a close association with people. The first bird I saw in Saigon was less exotic though – a Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

Vietnam 180