10,000 Birds

JUNE 29, 2011

The Gods of Birding, being both capricious and wrathful, decided to punish my insolence by washing up an Emperor Penguin on the coasts of the island upon which I make my home. Which brings us back to the Emperor Penguin. Besides, it’s an Emperor Penguin. This was not initially a problem for me. But the thing was news.

Penguins 166

Penguins New Zealand Zoos Birds 166

10,000 Birds

JULY 6, 2011

I found out about it while looking for information on the unfortunate penguin I discussed last week (which is still alive in Wellington Zoo), and so I stopped by on my way home to have a look. As I mentioned last week I enjoyed the little guys a great deal more than twitching the penguin (does that sound wrong?).

New Zealand 162

New Zealand Penguins Endangered Species Species 162

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

I’m sure many of you have had similar experiences. I’m wondering as I write if you are shaking your head, uneasy that all these FACTS will interfere with your love of observing owls, an experience that easily borders on the mystical for some of us. But what do we know beyond these commonly seen and heard behaviors?

Owls 224

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 224

10,000 Birds

JULY 10, 2012

The stunning head plumes of the Gray Crowned-Crane make it attractive to bird collectors and zoos; illegal collecting of wild birds is one of the reasons why this species is now considered Endangered. An African Penguins strolls along Boulders Beach, Simonstown, South Africa.

Endangered Species 200

Endangered Species Species South Africa Morocco 200

10,000 Birds

MARCH 12, 2011

While it’s no longer possible to see this regal macaw soar gracefully through the Brazilian skies, to be able to worship them—even from afar at one of the conservatories or zoos—would be a dream, at last, come true. I worked with a pair of motmots at a US zoo and fell in love with their vibrant colors and unique tails.

Brazil 216

Brazil 2011 Birds Wildlife 216

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 1, 2020

At the same time, reading When Birds Are Near: Dispatches From Contemporary Writers , edited by Susan Fox Rogers, set me wondering about viewers’ reactions, especially New Yorkers who have never seen an owl outside of a zoo or a picture book. But–is that it?

New York City 198

New York City Birds Owls Fox 198

10,000 Birds

APRIL 7, 2015

Last month woodpeckers, this month penguins. None fly, most are curious and social, which probably contributes to our cultural perception of penguins as one step away from human. They are software mascots, cartoon characters, animated film dancers, children’s book heroes, zoo celebrities, and documentary film stars.

Penguins 209

Penguins New Zealand South Africa Albatross 209