10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

Turdus “Blacky&# Merula sat near the trunk of the small evergreen in the backyard that was his territory’s centre, hunkered down and head tucked in to shelter from the rain. It sheltered him, it haunted him, and it set his thoughts adrift, to the warmth of spring and the family he had. The darkness was all around him.

Blackbirds 154

Blackbirds Germany Shelters Rodents 154

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

I’ve observed nesting owls, fledgling owlets, owls eating small rodents, owls coughing up their pellets, a Great Horned Owl silently flying over me, a Great Gray Owl sitting regally still on a post as a boy walks up to him, a pair of Barking Owls duetting in early evening hours outside my northern Australian hut as I brushed my teeth.

Owls 200

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 200

10,000 Birds

JUNE 19, 2012

The quills of the “Saqu Ettair” Secretarybirds feed on small lizards, insects, rodents, birds eggs and, of course, snakes. On several occasions I’ve seen animals that are making a beeline towards shelter double-back when the wings are spread straight into their waiting talons.

Botswana 214

Botswana Eagles Porcupines Hunting 214