10,000 Birds

JULY 31, 2012

There are two species in the Old World woodpecker genus that sounds like birds that birders would never be able to see. Neither even makes their own nesting cavities; they use the abandoned holes of other woodpeckers. They are literal jinx birds in that their genus name is “ Jynx.”

Hungary 173

Hungary Asia Woodpeckers Africa 173

10,000 Birds

JUNE 30, 2012

White-backed Woodpecker was one of the major target birds of the Bükk Hills portion of the trip to Hungary and though I would probably have preferred seeing what I now believe to be the mythical Black Woodpecker , the White-backed Woodpecker was a nice consolation prize. Not only that but I managed to get more horrible photos!

Woodpeckers 176

Woodpeckers Hungary Europe Japan 176

10,000 Birds

JULY 20, 2012

The Barred Warbler , otherwise known as Sylvia nisoria , is one of those species that is aptly named if you only ever see an adult male. Should you have the misfortune, or rather, good fortune (they are rather skulky) to see a female or an immature you might wonder why they are called Barred Warbler rather than Bland Warbler.

Hungary 168

Hungary Eggs Abandoning Abandonment 168

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 21, 2016

I am not entirely sure whether most birders outside Germany know or realize that Germany still has a decent population of one of Europe’s most attractive and desired bird species: the Great Bustard Otis tarda. And fly they surely can… …although they do look suspiciously happy when landing.

Germany 101

Germany Mongolia Abandoning Abandonment 101