10,000 Birds

AUGUST 6, 2015

Twenty years ago, flocks consisting of a thousand European Turtle Doves were a common sight in Serbia in spring. As we speak, in Serbia these birds are still hunted in August and September. In all European Union countries to the north and east of Serbia (except Romania), Turtle Doves are strictly protected.

Serbia 270

Serbia Slaughter Slaughtered Turtles 270

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 19, 2019

When I reached the levee earlier that morning, I met an elderly hunter from whom I learned that there was an ongoing duck and pheasant hunt, but no one was shooting from, nor towards the embankment, hence I should be safe there. The only wildcat I found was illegally killed by hunters during closed season. All in the name of progress.

Serbia 244

Serbia Otters Boars Eagles 244

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 15, 2018

I am preparing for the new census of one of the rarest birds of Serbia, the globally threatened Great Bustard , taking place two days from now. Habitat destruction combined with hunting has pushed them away from their former breeding grounds. m–8 ft 10 in). What is the latest outcome of all this?

Serbia 104

Serbia Romania Hungary Hunting 104

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2018

As you know, I started to bird from a canoe, exploring the Danube backwaters in Belgrade, Serbia. The last beaver in the area was killed ten miles to the east – near Pancevo around the year 1900, but, reintroduced some dozen years ago, there are some 150 of them in the country nowadays. Nevertheless, Nagy was right.

Beavers 119

Beavers Serbia Eagles Hungary 119

10,000 Birds

JULY 21, 2016

The gamekeeper drives by, I wave my greetings but do not mention the jackals I am observing at the moment: this animal is not protected in Serbia and is allowed for killing year-round (one may say “hunting” instead, but I am having problems trying to spot the difference).

Serbia 128

Serbia Sheep Birds Eagles 128