10,000 Birds

MAY 21, 2020

I am talking of the very heart of the Balkans and the final birding frontier of Europe: Serbia. When choosing the top birding area of Serbia for a weekend visit, head for lowlands, Deliblato Sands and Labudovo Okno complex with 250 bird species. Serbia – the big picture. How he prepared for his tour of Serbia?

Serbia 317

Serbia Sanctuary Birds Bosnia 317

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 6, 2015

Twenty years ago, flocks consisting of a thousand European Turtle Doves were a common sight in Serbia in spring. As we speak, in Serbia these birds are still hunted in August and September. In all European Union countries to the north and east of Serbia (except Romania), Turtle Doves are strictly protected. What happened next?

Serbia 270

Serbia Slaughtered Slaughter Turtles 270

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 19, 2019

And here in Europe, they are the real deal, an indigenous species and not domesticated animals gone wild. Construction has always been prohibited and the undisturbed expanse of Beljarica has always served as a major spawning, nesting, resting and foraging area for a multitude of wildlife. All in the name of progress.

Serbia 245

Serbia Otters Boars Eagles 245

10,000 Birds

MARCH 3, 2016

Today is the United Nations World Wildlife Day, a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the living world around us. Europe: Some 40 km north of Belgrade, Serbia, I am driving to the very end of an oxbow lake with the intention of looking for the Ruddy Shelducks that were found here the day before.

Wildlife 180

Wildlife Tigers Asia Europe 180

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2021

Not just mine, but all the most active birders of Belgrade, Serbia, were visiting this site at least 2-3 times a month: it is so conveniently close to the city, and even reachable by the city bus 108. About the size of a hare, it is more clumsily jumping, than running… and that tail… It was the European Otter !

Otters 262

Otters Protest Protesting Protesters 262

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2023

Ackerman understands how to set a scene, fill it with charismatic real-life characters, and top it off with magic–the hoot of a distant Great Gray Owl, a Burrowing Owl evading capture, an old barn sheltering young Barn Owls, a tree full of Long-eared Owls in the middle of a small town in northern Serbia.

Owls 214

Owls Science Barn Owls Penguins 214