10,000 Birds

AUGUST 18, 2014

Albatrosses. We had three species of storm-petrel keeping us busy: Wilson’s Storm-Petrel , Band-rumped Storm-Petrel , and Leach’s Storm-Petrel. The latter two species were a pleasure as I had only previously made their acquaintance during Hurricane Irene. I could dream though! European Storm-Petrel. And what birds!

New York 216

New York Sea Turtles Whales Whaling 216

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Additionally, there are still a few regularly-occurring Pacific pelagic species that I have never seen. The boat is called the Legacy and it is an 80 foot whale watching vessel that generally seats 115, but takes about 70 for birding trips. But I always enjoy trips out on the water and it had been several years since my last one.

San Diego 147

San Diego Los Angeles Cooking North Carolina 147

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

It is acceptable to point out other sea creatures–dolphins or whales or dragonflies–but the main goal is the observation and identification of the birds. The King Eider photograph, which is the “marquee” photo for that species account, is by Hugh Harrop). It is a challenging activity. No rails or gallinules.

Ducks 247

Ducks Groups North America North Dakota 247

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

At sea there are also New Zealand Sea Lions and Southern Right Whales. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike) Dunedin You don’t have to go very far to see spectacular seabirds in this southern city, the adjoining Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland colony of albatrosses in the world.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Penguins Sanctuary Fur 157

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). 7) Piping Plover.

2016 167

2016 India Ducks Costa Rica 167

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 3, 2014

I actually have many targets, in a way, a I want to see lots and lots, but there is one species that the reason that the trip is even happening, the animal that has been pretty much the top of my animal bucket list for well over a decade. It’s a species that has bedeviled and bewitched me over the years. A beaked whale.

Sharks 231

Sharks Leopards Whales Whaling 231

10,000 Birds

JULY 24, 2012

What’s even more frustrating is when animal rights people learn of plans to cull nonnative species. Rats had previously preyed on eggs and young of practically every defenseless seabird on the island, and had taken to even attacking adult albatross as they sat on their nests. on a daily basis, both legally and otherwise.

Animal Rights Movement 263

Animal Rights Movement Animal Rights Wildlife Rights 263

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2014

In Hawaii I stood on a beach as albatrosses fledged and Tiger Sharks prowled for the less successful ones. In California I smelt the breath a Blue Whale as it passed feet beneath my boat. You may not get the species counts that the race delivers, but you’ll have memories burned into your skull. I still have that marker.

Uganda 203

Uganda Sharks New Zealand Africa 203

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2012

On the subject of parrots, I have seen no less than ten species of parrot in the suburbs of Sydney, from the massive Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo to the beautiful Crimson Rosella. This ranges from the eucalyptus forests that everyone associates with Australia, and are home to New South Wales’ only endemic species, the Rockwarbler.

Australia 206

Australia Albatross Pelicans Parrots 206

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Eighteen-hour trips are the rule and only about four or five hours are spent in the prime area to see the species most birders are hoping to see. But what I have long wanted to do is get out on a boat in California, the fabled land of albatrosses, murrelets, and auklets. Black-footed Albatross (LIFER!!!!!!) This one did too.

Whaling 167

Whaling Whales Albatross Sea Lions 167