10,000 Birds

JULY 16, 2014

The lodge is unusual in having a raised walkway behind the lodge, allowing those of us keen to bird or watch wildlife when most normal people are resting in the middle of the day. Along with more orangutans and diminutive Common Pygmy Squirrels, we also found a massive cobra one day!

Rhinoceros 167

Rhinoceros Apes Elephants Monkeys 167

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 2, 2013

Over the last two weeks, we raised our faces and sniffed. Later on — after seven years at most, in the case of the Black-backed Woodpecker — these first responders are gone and the holes in the snags serve as nesting cavities for martens, and squirrels and Mountain Bluebirds and Flammulated Owls.

Endangered Species 160

Endangered Species South Dakota Woodpeckers Sheep 160

10,000 Birds

JUNE 14, 2011

I will admit that there are legitimate concerns that have been raised about falconry – birds that are not native to an area sometimes escape and become feral; humans should minimize their influence on nature. Many falconers use their birds to educate children as to the importance of raptors.

League Against Cruel Sports 269

League Against Cruel Sports Rabbits Falcons Hunting 269

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 22, 2015

There’s a Three-striped Palm Squirrel by the side of the track, while Jungle Bush Quails are running across it in front of our Maruti Gypsy, almost the official safari vehicle of India. The closer one raises her head, than lies back. Telia yawns, raises and sprays her urine on a dead tree stump, marking her territory.

Tigers 237

Tigers India Killing 2012 237

10,000 Birds

JULY 18, 2012

Great Horned Owls ( Bubo viginianus ) are a favorite of mine and I have been fortunate to observe a pair of these magnificent raptors raise their young in a nearby natural cavity in a huge oak tree. The owlet looking up to the parent bird is the one currently being fed.

North America 206

North America America Barn Owls Falcons 206

10,000 Birds

MAY 30, 2019

Raised in and around the West Texas steppe country where temperatures reached 100 degrees with regularity, he began life as the Dust Bowl and Great Depression converged. The only reason he kept coming back was hidden from the rest of the world, except for those survivors too lethal to die. He came for the hawks.

Falcons 170

Falcons California Condor Alaska Texas 170

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2021

I’ve noted at least nine species of reptiles and amphibians, even our native opossum and squirrel. Thankfully, they now have a home here where they can court, build their nest, and raise their young. Of course, various species of bats as well.

Opossums 263

Opossums Barn Owls Hunting Reptiles 263

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 2, 2015

With almost 1200 species of birds in the Capital Region, the house and roof steadily filled with Egyptian Vultures, Barn Owls, Hornbills, Black Ibis, Cattle Egrets, Steppe Eagles , a multitude of songbirds and pigeons , as well as the occasional cobra or palm squirrel.

Wildlife Rehabilitation 260

Wildlife Rehabilitation India Rescue Wounded 260

10,000 Birds

MAY 10, 2018

There wasn’t a single European souslik or ground squirrel ( Spermophilus cittelus ). Add into that picture that the last time I observed the endangered Saker Falcon in Serbia was here – but three years ago, when squirrels were still present. Female Montagu’s Harrier at Deliblato Sands, by Aleksandar Urosevic.

Serbia 118

Serbia Eagles Falcons Farming 118

4 The Love Of Animals

MARCH 17, 2011

Tika and her longtime mate, Kobuk, had raised eight litters of puppies together and were enjoying their retirement years in the home of my friend, Anne. He never chased the rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, or deer who regularly visited. As we all know, dogs are “man’s best friend.” They can also be best friends to one another.

Emotional 100

Emotional Animal Whales Whaling 100

10,000 Birds

MAY 30, 2013

Nearing the village, I reach a pastureland dotted with lovely Sousliks (or European ground squirrels), some of them busy eating, others playfully chasing each other, while third ones are standing on their hind legs and observing the sky – they know why. Skylarking (or singing in mid-air) is a local slang for having sex.

Serbia 195

Serbia Eagles Hungary Cooking 195

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2017

Seriously, Panama raises the art of under-communication to new, deplorable heights. Squirrel Cuckoo . Let’s be honest: driving around Panama sucks. The main problem, one that makes no sense to those accustomed to well-designed road systems, is an appalling lack of signage. Ruddy Ground-Dove. Abundant everywhere. Heard only.

Panama 100

Panama 2017 Monkeys Family 100

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 7, 2019

He raised his binoculars above his head and cried out with courage and clarity, “I am Sparticus!” Squirrel Cuckoo – Piaya cayana. Something needed to be done. Somebody had to take one for the team. Mike fixed me with his cold, steely, gray-eyed stare. He rose slowly from his seat, bronzed torso glistening.

2019 137

2019 Farming Sparrows Charlotte 137

10,000 Birds

APRIL 15, 2015

I have seen both Long-tailed and Tree Pangolins , Greater Cane Rat , several species of monkey and duiker, Royal Antelope , Pel’s Anomalure (a giant flying squirrel), huge casqued hornbills, Great Blue Turacos and numerous other birds and mammals for sale along the roadsides.

Ghana 187

Ghana Hunters Guinea Gambia 187