article thumbnail

The Gawky Guillemot

10,000 Birds

In this treaty, the Germans ceded control over some of their colonial territories in East Africa to the British in return for the Caprivi Strip (now Namibia) and, surprise, the island of Heligoland. But what is it about the species that makes the Germans think it is a bit dim-witted?

Germany 100
article thumbnail

Beaten by an Angry Bird

10,000 Birds

A few years back, I birded northern Greece with a couple from Namibia. The species he was thrilled to see was the Mute Swan. Well, for me – no, but for Nicolaas, Mute Swans were a lifer species. It had been a while since I saw Greater Flamingoes and was thrilled to see them again. All photos (6) by Vladimir Milovanovic.

Birds 125
article thumbnail

What is a Palm-thrush?

10,000 Birds

Mum, Dad, I’m sorry I described my childhood as feral. Once upon a time, when I started birding, this great family included a wide range of species collectively known as the robins and chats. They are a single genus, Cichladusa , with three species, found mostly in Central and Eastern Africa. They remain little know.