10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

We can, of course, count wild, native, species. We can count vagrant species that made it to the area we are in under their own power. We can count introduced species that have met the criteria of the “Bird Police” for the area to which they are introduced. There are lots of birds we can’t count.

Chickens 196

Chickens Florida Feral Eating Eggs 196

10,000 Birds

MARCH 8, 2013

And so, when Salvador Ramirez left, there were feral goats on the island of San Clemente, the southernmost of the Channel Islands off the coast of California. And so, these goats ate the flora of the island: unique species of Indian paintbrush and woodland star, bushmallow and wirelettuce and morning glory.

Goats 160

Goats Bald Eagle Fox Feral 160

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2022

There’s a lot more, of course, and it all makes you wonder if we should have bird feeders or urban green spaces or fountains or windows.

New York City 252

New York City Illinois Science Killing 252

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

They range from the successful eradication of feral cats from Marion Island (hear that, Corey?) Betty’s Bay was also a great place to see all of South Africa’s cormorant species, including the endangered Bank Cormorant. We observed far fewer Lesser Flamingos, a near-threatened species. How do you tell the difference?

South Africa 253

South Africa Africa Leopards Penguins 253

10,000 Birds

MARCH 13, 2011

Every March, hope springs anew that I’ll cross paths with one of these feral fluffballs, but as April ends, so do another year’s delirious dreams. Driving along ice-choked inlets off Lake Ontario, admiring Mute Swans and scaup species, my commitment to nail this nemesis never wavered. Enjoy the details and proof here.

2011 160

2011 Deer Owls New York 160