10,000 Birds

JUNE 4, 2019

The purple feather of the title is an ostrich plume (now housed in the Museum of London), a symbol of Emmeline’s crusade and personal style (if you saw the 2015 film Suffragette , Meryl Streep, playing Pankhurst, is wearing a hat full purple feathers). and the Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act of 1921 in Great Britain).

Industry 121

Industry Virginia Portland Campaign 121

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2013

Even people with no other interest in wildlife, who couldn’t tell a sparrow from an ostrich (or even a dolphin from a fish) love dolphins. I had my first swim with Inshore Bottlenose Dolphins in Northland’s Bay of Islands back in 2000, and it was a tripy experience. Which has always mystified me slightly.

Dolphins 157

Dolphins Sharks New Zealand Albatross 157

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

The leopards place their kill in a tree, protecting it from poaching by other predators. That was easily fixed by adding a post-Safari trip to Eastern South Africa, led by dashing Rockjumper guide Clayton Burne, to my itinerary. The small group was a good counterpart to the large, convivial ABA Safari group of 98 birders.

South Africa 254

South Africa Africa Leopards Penguins 254

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. A question I am frequently asked by birders and wildlife enthusiasts is: “ if I only visit Africa once, where should I go ?”

Tanzania 228

Tanzania Africa Stud Leopards 228