10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2012

Nothing is quite as much of a downer to a birder than the summer doldrums. Migration hasn’t really kicked in, the breeders aren’t tied to breeding territories any more, and it is hot and sweaty outside. Uncomfortable weather and a lack of birds make birders grumpy.

Downers 164

Downers Kangaroos Breeders Canada 164

Critter News

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

At issue is Section 599f of the California Penal Code, which, among other things, prohibits slaughterhouses from purchasing, receiving, selling, dragging, or pushing non-ambulatory animals, also known as “downers,” and requires immediate euthanasia of such animals.

Animal Legal Defense Fund 100

Animal Legal Defense Fund Meat Humane Society Of The United States Factory Farm 100

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

But I, of course, live in the east and the lack of Vesper Sparrows is a downer because when any species is in decline it is depressing but also because they are pretty darn neat sparrows.

Sparrows 165

Sparrows North Dakota Downers United States 165

10,000 Birds

JUNE 9, 2014

The only downer was that they did not come close. Grasshopper Sparrows don’t seem to sing terribly loudly but their song carries a long way. From Shawangunk I headed just down the road to Blue Chip Farm to see if I could find Upland Sandpipers. And, of course, because it was that kind of day, I did.

Breeding 152

Breeding New York Downers Breeders 152

10,000 Birds

MARCH 9, 2018

Today on Birds and Booze , we’re going to be mixing our uppers and downers. Before you get too excited, relax: it’s only a coffee beer.

Wisconsin 100

Wisconsin Downers South America Asia 100

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

In 1952, at least in the US, no one wanted to be a Debbie Downer. That’s one reason, probably the biggest reason, why we don’t have centennials for animals that become extinct in the wild. If you choose to consider 1944 the year, most people were a little busy right then.

California Condor 196

California Condor Guam Whaling Whales 196

Critter News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

And the disturbing video: Tags: animal cruelty PETA.

PETA 100

PETA Downers Animal Cruelty Cruelty 100

10,000 Birds

APRIL 21, 2011

To be honest, this was actually a bit of a downer for me. I may now have the distinction of being the only birder to have found two of this species in North America – not bad for a guy who hasn’t been blessed with a great deal of luck at finding major rarities. As I mentioned, my goal was to find and photograph Gray Kingbird.

Florida 164

Florida New York Downers New York City 164

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 23, 2011

No one, aside from your therapist, wants to spend time with a Debbie Downer. The more you know about bird physiology, migration, hunting methods, longevity, etc. the more you can capture the interest of both nonbirders and birders alike. 5) Have a sense of humor. 6) Remember how to look through the eyes of a fresh, non-jaded birder.

Grizzly Bear 167

Grizzly Bear North Dakota Downers Bears 167

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2016

The chapter titles, one for each year, thankfully change from downers like “The Bluebirds of Unhappiness” to the knowingly corny (“Winning the Booby Prize” wins the prize). By the end of February, Hayward has seen 294 birds in five states and two provinces. On April 25, with 492 birds on his year list, he finally commits to doing a Big Year!

2013 105

2013 Arizona San Diego Massachusetts 105

Animal Ethics

MARCH 15, 2008

To the Editor: Re “ A Case of Abuse, Heightened ,” by Joe Nocera (Talking Business column, March 8): Mr. Nocera tells us that most slaughterhouses don’t mistreat animals or funnel sick downer cows into the food chain. Oh, really?

New York Times 40

New York Times Wayne Pacelle Humane Society Of The United States New York 40