10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 21, 2021

When you mention “Africa” to a birder, it is likely that at least two thirds will instantly think “Kenya”, and for a good reason: it is home to over 1,060 bird species and boasts many globally important birding areas. The only thing left for me is to test this guide within Kenya. Each site gets from 2 to 5 pages (but mostly 3-4).

Kenya 260

Kenya South Africa Africa Penguins 260

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2017

There’s always the chance that your trip might coincide with a tropical storm but that doesn’t happen every year and when it does, it’s only for a few days or maybe a week (and also gives you the chance to put your waterproof optics to the test). Such as the eye-pleasing Chestnut-colored Woodpecker.

Costa Rica 133

Costa Rica 2017 Birds Woodpeckers 133

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 5, 2019

Looking for Northern Shrikes and redpolls was a test for winter gear and wind chill factors but the birds weren’t going to be there in the hot days of summer. As with every new year, a birder can also make resolutions to keep for the next 12 months, these are mine: Identify 700 species in Costa Rica. Promote birding.

Costa Rica 181

Costa Rica 2019 Birds Litter 181

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2017

The guide presents 69 species and 1 subspecies, from “NEW WORLD VULTURES: Cathartiformes” to “OSPREY: Pandioninae” to “FAMILY: Accipitridae” (Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Hawk-Eagles), to “FALONIDS: Falconidae” (Falcons, Forest-Falcons, Caracaras, Kestrels, Merlin). The order is roughly taxonomic, with the priority showing similar species together.

Mexico 161

Mexico America North America Falcons 161

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 7, 2020

The book is divided into three parts: “Introduction,” “Avifaunal Overview,” and “Species Accounts.” The authors’ detailed delineation of problems with the accuracy of NYC breeding bird surveys or with the limits of historical writings may test a reader’s patience. Most birders will go straight to the “Species Accounts.”

New York City 148

New York City New York Birds Breeding 148

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 4, 2018

Even more than warbler, shorebird, and sparrow identification, this is a field that tests our endurance (gull watching is too often done in bitter cold, windy conditions), patience (even getting one good photo can take hours as you try to separate the ‘interesting gull’ from the flock), observational skills (so many plumages!)

North America 198

North America El Salvador America Nicaragua 198

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2017

I observe Piping Plovers every summer and they are amongst my favorite species overall, both because of their cuteness quotient and their ability to survive (with a little help from Plover monitors like my friend Laura, who convince beach goers that having dunes fenced off is not destroying their summer). Bring on 2017!

2016 109

2016 India Ducks Costa Rica 109