10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 3, 2014

They are Ecuador for the Galapagos, Gabon for the bais, Madagascar, New Guinea and New Caledonia for everything. A beaked whale. Any beaked whale. Given that they are a family of obscure deepwater whales that are very hard to see, I would imagine this is a contender for one that will never leave my list.

Sharks 171

Sharks Leopards Snow Leopard Whales 171

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2012

Furthermore we have another very special stork-like bird, the regal Shoebill , previously known as the Whale-headed Stork but now placed in its own family. Its range also extends to nearby Madagascar. This colossal bird is now placed in its own family Balaenicipitidae and it forms an ancient link between storks and pelicans.

Africa 238

Africa Tanzania South Africa Uganda 238

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

It is acceptable to point out other sea creatures–dolphins or whales or dragonflies–but the main goal is the observation and identification of the birds. Not all of the group introductions go into this much depth, but they all provide clues for separating out that specific family from other possibilities.

Ducks 230

Ducks Groups North America North Dakota 230