10,000 Birds

AUGUST 31, 2011

The island was first a Maori fortress to be retreated to from the mainland, then a camp for internees during the war and a quarantine station for people and livestock. Somes, less interestingly, was a rich backer of the New Zealand Company called Joseph Somes (who never went near the place).

Penguins 165

Penguins Parrots New Zealand Seals 165

10,000 Birds

APRIL 13, 2015

Early morning is of course birding prime time and a pre-breakfast stroll around our lodge produced sightings of the lovely Orange-bellied Parrot , which we tracked down to a nesting hole right next to the restaurant. Splashes of color were added by cryptic Bruce’s Green Pigeons and more raucous Abyssinian and Lilac-breasted rollers.

Ethiopia 240

Ethiopia Sudan Leopards Birds 240

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 6, 2021

For the fifth year in a row, I was assigned the prolific and well-known Aripo Livestock Station at the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range. For birders who have visited T&T in the past, the livestock station has always been a staple site for several key species that would be fairly difficult elsewhere.

Trinidad 264

Trinidad Livestock Groups Eagles 264