10,000 Birds

JANUARY 7, 2014

It’s relatively easy to classify birds into family groups based on physical characteristics. We view them as our enemies when they eat our crops and as an extension of our family when we see them at our feeders. Remarkably, there are 59 bird families that have very little cultural significance; these are listed in Appendix III.

Egypt 244

Egypt Birds Albania Eagles 244

10,000 Birds

JULY 30, 2014

The first time I went was for my Masters Field Trip, studying tropical ecology in Kenya (otherwise known as the best month of my life). Ugandan Mangabeys were part of my family once. As has been the case every time I’ve been to Africa before, I won’t be there just for play. And you’ll meet amazing people too.

Uganda 178

Uganda Sharks New Zealand Africa 178

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2014

Hugh Powell is a science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. And I, like some dowager countess in a birding vest, am expected to know each one’s family at a glance and greet them by name. You may have heard of him; he lives in Kenya and holds the Big Day world record. This is his first contribution to 10,000 Birds.

Peru 255

Peru South America Birds Kenya 255

10,000 Birds

APRIL 10, 2012

Originally they were all placed in the family Capitonidae , but over time taxonomists have determined that actual relationships between these barbets are far more complex. Gray-throated Barbet is one of the plainer members of the African Barbet family. This image was taken in Nairobi National Park, Kenya.

Ethiopia 252

Ethiopia Tanzania Uganda Africa 252