10,000 Birds

APRIL 7, 2015

We were woefully under-prepared in terms of planning – which almost kept us from meeting our friends – but we were also surprised and thrilled to learn that not only were Gray Whales migrating past the lighthouse, but Elephant Seals were lounging on a nearby beach! Migrating Gray Whales. Point Reyes is a magical place.

Seals 191

Seals Elephants Whales Whaling 191

10,000 Birds

APRIL 25, 2013

Peregrine Falcons breed on the sheer cliff faces of Santa Cruz; you may meet one at eye level on the bluff trail north of Scorpion Ranch, where this photo was taken (I highly recommend this trail, by the way, if only for the views). I can’t finish this post without mentioning marine mammals.

California 168

California Birds Sea Lions Whales 168

10,000 Birds

APRIL 2, 2012

It was a Benguela Nino year, and pelagic seabirds were in super-abundance in the south eastern Atlantic, with the total of species by variety and number exceeding all expectations for the birders on the inaugural trip as we pitched and wallowed about in the rolling swells on our way out to the trawling grounds.

Albatross 186

Albatross Penguins Dolphins Whales 186

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

At sea there are also New Zealand Sea Lions and Southern Right Whales. North of Dunedin is Orokonui , a wildlife Sanctuary modeled on Karori with a fence to keep introduced mammals out. In actuality, you’ve lucked out, you’re near The Catlins , a dramatic area of well preserved temperate rainforest.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Penguins Sanctuary Birds 157