10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

Jennifer Ackerman points out in the introduction to What the Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds , that we don’t know much, but that very soon we may know a lot more. What the Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds is a joyous, fascinating read.

Owls 219

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 219

10,000 Birds

JUNE 26, 2018

The causes were the usual reasons for island extinction—deforestation by both humans and invasive plants that crowded out native plants, hunting, and invasive rats, mongoose, monkeys, and, of course, feral cats. Women gathered their long skirts and hurried for the shelter of stores. We know what those large flocks were like.

Mauritius 102

Mauritius Stud Zoos Eggs 102

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2013

If we were just birders, or photographers, this would be dreadful behavior, but we were here to watch people engaged in Science. And Science requires Sacrifice. It had a little shelter, a box that served as a windbreak and retreat, but this Starling was bold — it kept coming out to stretch its legs and sun itself.

Eagles 178

Eagles Tethering Science Wounded 178