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? It gives one to wonder why this designation was made.

2011 243

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 243

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Still, I can’t help thinking that there is some parallel between the mass slaughter of the Passenger Pigeon in 19th-century North America and the mass slaughter of songbirds in southern European countries today. It is a haunting tale, and if you want a readable, engrossing but not lengthy account, I highly recommend this book.

2014 161

2014 Killing Michigan Kentucky 161

10,000 Birds

JUNE 4, 2019

Their populations, plus those of other species that ‘wore’ the coveted long, colorful feathers used for women’s fashionable hats, were being dangerously depleted by hunters intent on feeding the millinery industry. The late Victorian age was not a good time to be an egret!

Industry 121

Industry Virginia Portland Campaign 121