10,000 Birds

APRIL 23, 2014

As has often been said in these quarters, in general us bird bloggers don’t have many quarrels with hunters. Birders and hunters usually share the same conservation goals and sometimes work together to advance them. Most hunters follow them, but there are always a few bad apples. Note, I said responsible hunting practices.

Pakistan 195

Pakistan Hunters Hunting India 195

10,000 Birds

JUNE 17, 2015

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,144 acre refuge officially established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “for use as an inviolate sanctuary , or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” Note in this 2010 video, birders, birdwatching and kayakers are mentioned, not hunters.

Fish 145

Fish Wildlife Hunting Game 145

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

Kills in Canada, Alaska and Mexico are not included in the count. Nationwide, wildlife watchers now outspend hunters 6 to 1. Texas and North Dakota together account for 88% of the total yearly kill of sandhill cranes. Just ask Bill Taddicken, director of the Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary on the Platte River in Kearney.

2011 257

2011 Kentucky Tennessee Hunting 257

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 18, 2011

Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Merlin and Peregrine, amongst others, dazzled the crowds on this, one of the busiest weekends at this important sanctuary. The sanctuary has a tumultuous history that dates back to the time of the Great Depression. Raptors were perceived to be vermin.

Bald Eagle 258

Bald Eagle Pennsylvania Sanctuary Hunters 258

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

So, one might surmise, it’s OK if they get shot by hunters thinking they’re sandhill cranes? What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? Do all hunters realize that? Speculation is useless in acts of vandalism.

2011 244

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 244

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 6, 2018

The migrants face many perils, hunters, predators, adverse weather conditions and lack of refueling opportunities due to habitat loss. Ra’s al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary–Flamingo Hide. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Trešnjica Griffon Vulture Sanctuary. 09 Sep 2018.

2018 113

2018 Australia Woodpeckers Los Angeles 113