10,000 Birds

MAY 24, 2024

In my younger days I was very keen on what is generally known as Big Day Birding, or trying to see as many species of birds as possible in one day. Called The Big Bird Race , it tells the story of how my team, representing Country Life magazine , recorded 155 species in 24 hours in East Anglia (Suffolk and Norfolk).

Birds 133

Birds Kenya Barn Owls Owls 133

10,000 Birds

JUNE 5, 2012

For many birders, the Pel’s Fishing Owl roosts in a lofty position on just such a list. One of the most highly desirable birds in the world, the Pel’s Fishing Owl is a true phantom. Found patchily in sub-Saharan Africa, this large, ginger-colored owl can never be guaranteed on a trip to the continent.

Owls 252

Owls Fish Botswana Barn Owls 252

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 1, 2013

The story of the cahow, a “Lazurus species” that was thought to be extinct for over 300 years and then discovered to be breeding on a tiny remote island in Bermuda, is part of modern birding legend. These are magical experiences. Ultimately, the story always comes back to the cahows, whose population grows slowly.

Birds 170

Birds Rats Breeding 2012 170

10,000 Birds

JUNE 17, 2015

There wasn’t much around, and aside from a lifer Yellow-bellied Bulbul the two most impressive species were heard not seen – a Blue-headed Pitta an a Banded Kingfisher. Oh, there were Buffy Fish-owls. An oversubscribed night drive didn’t help. A female Crested Fireback. Did I mention them? A tick is a tick.

Lemurs 159

Lemurs Family Rhinoceros Fish 159