10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 29, 2023

They’re not, alas particularly impressive. These birds (usually juveniles) are clearly linked to the growing breeding population in the region. Pallid Swifts were already back at their breeding sites, while the marshes provided a host of waders, including year-ticks such as Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper and Kentish Plover.

Estonia 223

Estonia Portugal Greece Barn Owls 223

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 5, 2020

Striated Heron in breeding plumage – extra plumes and blue lores. Scores of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks circled overhead, these vocal ducks are often hunted illegally here so it was refreshing to see so many. Especially as we were at the time about to experience a rapidly advancing tropical storm.

Livestock 210

Livestock ALA Ducks illegal 210

10,000 Birds

JULY 9, 2015

Further down the road, we reach a derelict building with a large veranda hidden among the trees – an abandoned hunting lodge (if I were in a situation to invest, I would choose to upgrade this into a luxury wildlife lodge). One White-eyed Buzzard has turned its back to us. It is too early to show.

Tigers 236

Tigers Dogs India Snow Leopard 236

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2019

Cranes breed in very small numbers in UK but are always impressive en masse. And also Golden Oriole because of its good looks, even though the UK has one tiny breeding site.”. Squacco Heron – the same as previous, from the left Danube bank levees, also the Veliko Blato Lake (Mika Alas fish farm in the suburb of Krnjaca, #3).

Serbia 249

Serbia Woodpeckers Albania Eagles 249

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 16, 2014

While regular in winter, Pygmy Cormorants do not breed in the vicinity and are absent in spring and summer. There is a breeding pair of White-tailed Eagles at the Veliko Ratno Island and they can be seen year-round, but the best chances are in winter, when they hunt ducks around the island. Bus: 95, 96 & 104. eBird list.

Serbia 231

Serbia Ducks Birds Eagles 231

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

Alas, the bird had flown. The bulk of my lifers were on a trip to India in October/November but all the birds were surpassed by watching and photographing a Snow Leopard hunting and killing a Blue Sheep , so none of them are real contenders for BBOTY. It was my last day in Texas, still many birds and butterflies to see. Tragic, right?

2013 167

2013 Costa Rica Birds India 167