10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2023

The voices are different however and one can distinguish between the two species through their vocalisations. Very occasionally though, one might stray down the eastern seaboard of the USA, but for the most part, those that breed in arctic Canada migrate towards Europe and swell numbers there during the winter.

Iceland 264

Iceland Stray Breeders Canada 264

10,000 Birds

MARCH 23, 2013

It is one of three species of ani ( Groove-billed and Greater Anis are the other two) and together form a unique branch in the cuckoo family. Smooth-billed Anis were relative newcomers as breeders to Florida, having only begun nesting since the 1930s. However, the true reason (or reasons) for their rapid decline remain a mystery.

Florida 234

Florida Virgin Islands Miami Breeders 234

10,000 Birds

MAY 2, 2014

Sure, Miami and the Florida Keys do not boast any endemics ( ‘Cape Sable’ Seaside Sparrow is close) at the species level. Many visitors who come through Orlando or Tampa see maybe eight or ten species on a winter trip. However, few realize how unique and how good the birding can be here.

Florida 180

Florida Miami Stray United States 180

10,000 Birds

MAY 12, 2012

That made me wonder why someone would put so much energy into a species that is regular in New York and not a lifer. As of Friday, 11 May, Anthony had already seen 283 species in New York State, a blistering and likely record-setting pace ( Richard Fried is the current record-holder with 352 species seen in 2011 ).

New York 222

New York Stray Vermont Marine Life 222

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2020

are up next, with a wonderful Australian species: It is very hard to choose a Best Bird of the Year any year. The male of this species has a royal blue throat, a white chest and rump, and a long v-shaped tail with intermittent white patches that makes it looks like part of it are floating in space. Clare (and Grant!) How cool is that?

2020 264

2020 Birds Costa Rica Germany 264