10,000 Birds

APRIL 24, 2021

I strained to see them, could only see an occasional booby escape our bow, watch some of the hundreds of Wedge-tailed and Pink-footed Shearwaters zip by and hold on as our boat tested its speed. As we approached and drew nearly alongside the small seabirds, we also tested the limits of our optics, our balance, and our focus.

Costa Rica 264

Costa Rica Dolphins Sea Turtles Turtles 264

10,000 Birds

MARCH 6, 2011

I had a beautifull view on 5 horned grebe here (one in breeding plumage), in Ann Arbor Michigan, for the 3 seconds it lasted, until I heard a huge “CRRACK&# , and I fell through the ice. Pat ODonnell Mar 9th, 2011 at 10:09 am My Bbest bird for the weekend was a Long-tailed Woodcreeper seen at Carara National Park in Costa Rica.

2011 161

2011 New York Deer Philadelphia 161

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 4, 2018

Even more than warbler, shorebird, and sparrow identification, this is a field that tests our endurance (gull watching is too often done in bitter cold, windy conditions), patience (even getting one good photo can take hours as you try to separate the ‘interesting gull’ from the flock), observational skills (so many plumages!)

North America 213

North America El Salvador America Nicaragua 213

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2017

If you haven’t read the 10 Best lists of my 10,000 Birds compadres, you may also want to read about Corey’s birding achievements , Pat’s envy-inducing Costa Rica list , Tom’s Ten Best , featuring his beautiful photographs, and Clare’s wonderful British Top Ten. 1) Dusky Eagle-Owl. 3) Greater Adjutant.

2016 123

2016 India Ducks Costa Rica 123

10,000 Birds

MAY 14, 2016

This Yellow Warbler was looking fresh before it left Costa Rica. How can we say that magic is a farce when the May blossoms are backdropping bright, breeding plumaged Canadas , Magnolias , Chestnut-sideds , chocolate Bay-breasteds , and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks ?

Costa Rica 100

Costa Rica 2001 2016 Battery 100

10,000 Birds

MARCH 21, 2011

On the other hand, I quite enjoyed an array of Long-tailed Ducks at Irondequoit Bay, including one male in breeding plumage. My best bird was Ocellated Antbird seen in middle elevation rainforest near San Ramon, Costa Rica. Patrick ODonnell Mar 21st, 2011 at 5:35 pm Beautiful Long-tailed Duck!

2011 140

2011 Deer Costa Rica Germany 140