10,000 Birds

JANUARY 15, 2012

The current header image of my own blog is another Barn Owl, this one a ringed individual I found daylight hunting, and unconcerned by the presence of my car as it hunted from posts presumably feeding young in early summer last year. Above our fireplace is a large painting of a Barn Owl.

Barn Owls 175

Barn Owls Finland Owls Portugal 175

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 138

Geese Serbia Ukraine Estonia 138

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 8, 2022

Hopefully, the winter time in Shanghai gives the Black-faced Buntings some time to relax from the challenges of the breeding season. One Japanese study found that it arrives at its breeding grounds earlier than in the past, most likely due to increased spring temperatures. Maybe there is some justice in this world after all.

Eggs 194

Eggs Birds Bangladesh Finland 194