10,000 Birds

MAY 30, 2019

That summer of 1938, when he was ten years old, Cade read of two brothers, Frank and John Craighead, who wrote of their experiences with falcons in National Geographic. He had stalked the nest for days, waiting for just the right time when she would be on the verge of fledging, then took her into his care. I knew no falconers.

Falcons 177

Falcons California Condor Alaska Texas 177

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) at Delevan NWR (click on photos for full sized images). The name Peregrine means “wanderer,” and northern-nesting Peregrines are among North America’s long-distance migratory species, some moving 25,000 kilometers every year. They were officially listed as Endangered in 1970 in the U.S.

Falcons 134

Falcons Wildlife Sacramento Endangered Species 134

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 21, 2015

I have 10,000 Birds contributor Adam Riley to thank for telling me I had to add it to my list, and a quick bit of research showed that he was right on. One thing you must do is hire a local guide, as while you can hunt for yourself you’ll see a hell of a lot more with one. And watching this from above was a Lanner Falcon.

South Africa 145

South Africa Africa Falcons Family 145

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Not only were they a common bird, they were a common bird nearshore; indigenous peoples hunted them up and down the coast. North American Peregrine Falcons have also enjoyed an impressive population rebound in recent years. Birds aren’t the only animals who have made strong comebacks thanks to the Endangered Species Act.

Albatross 202

Albatross Endangered Species Geese Alaska 202

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 6, 2012

But nevertheless, this part of the country is home to an astonishing variety of birds and a good number of species that are found nowhere else in the US. In fact, this sub-species was formerly classified as endangered in the US under the Endangered Species Act. Right at the lodge. “Schmoking Ponies!”

Owls 147

Owls Texas Arizona Pigs 147

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 27, 2013

This year produced the lowest lifer count since I started birding (just cracking 50 lifers compared to average of 500+ a year for the past 10 years) mostly due to the arrival of my son, William Falcon in April. Tragic, right? Hence my birding travel (and blogging) has been curtail (but life much enriched!)

2013 167

2013 Birds Costa Rica India 167