10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 29, 2023

I only scored 43 in March, but that was because I was away birding in Portugal and Estonia. These birds (usually juveniles) are clearly linked to the growing breeding population in the region. Pallid Swift , already back on the breeding grounds in early March Many waders winter on the salt marshes of the Algrave in southern Portugal.

Estonia 245

Estonia Portugal Greece Barn Owls 245

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 17, 2019

These globally threatened raptors breed from Ukraine eastward through Siberia and only a few come to overwinter here. Several poachers were waiting in ever thickening darkness (Serbian legislation forbids night hunting). The biggest count ever was less than 10 birds in the whole of Serbia.

Geese 174

Geese Serbia Estonia Ukraine 174

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2023

I have a strong hunting instinct, and digiscoping gave me the satisfaction of bagging my quarry. As the Wryneck is a lost breeding bird in Britain it’s also a bird of special interest to us Brits and one I never tire of photographing. converter Close focussing makes the Zuiko 100-400mm lens great for butterfly photography.

Cyprus 246

Cyprus Portugal Birds Estonia 246