10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

And here I am now, avoiding the two barking dogs trying to bite my tires while I am driving through pre-dawn darkness towards the delta of the river Styx, or Acheron , as it is known today at the Ionian Sea coast of Greece. I can still hear the gunshots and hope that the hunters really do shoot only the flying birds.

Greece 162

Greece Serbia Hunters Cows 162

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 27, 2016

While crossing Gramos Mountain in northern Greece, a Dendrocopos woodpecker flew over the road and landed in a pine tree. At first, the road is paved, but as soon as the tarmac ends, the tracks become decorated by hunters in orange vests. It’s the boar hunting season. I dipped a bird recently – possibly a lifer. What to say?

Greece 252

Greece Woodpeckers Boars Eagles 252

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Lynford also boasts an arboretum, with 200 different species of trees. So though I visited Lynford, I didn’t see a Hawfinch on this occasion as I wasn’t there at the right time, though I did meet a number of hopeful Hawfinch hunters (HHHs), none of whom reported a sighting.

Barn Owls 210

Barn Owls Japan Rats Owls 210

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

And here I am now, avoiding the two barking dogs trying to bite my tires while I am driving through pre-dawn darkness towards the delta of the river Styx, or Acheron, as it is known today at the Ionian Sea coast of Greece. I can still hear the gunshots and hope that the hunters really do shoot only the flying birds. Circaetus gallicus.

Greece 189

Greece Serbia Hunters Cows 189