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

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 204

North America El Salvador America Nicaragua 204

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 112

2016 India Ducks Costa Rica 112

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. On Sunday at Kissena Park I saw five species of sparrows. And my first Killdeer of year! I see why people sometimes call them gray ghosts.

2011 155

2011 New York Deer Philadelphia 155

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 ? I hope I see a White-bellied Mountain-gem.

Costa Rica 100

Costa Rica 2001 2016 Battery 100