10,000 Birds

AUGUST 6, 2015

Twenty years ago, flocks consisting of a thousand European Turtle Doves were a common sight in Serbia in spring. As we speak, in Serbia these birds are still hunted in August and September. In all European Union countries to the north and east of Serbia (except Romania), Turtle Doves are strictly protected.

Serbia 270

Serbia Slaughter Slaughtered Turtles 270

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 19, 2019

When I reached the levee earlier that morning, I met an elderly hunter from whom I learned that there was an ongoing duck and pheasant hunt, but no one was shooting from, nor towards the embankment, hence I should be safe there. The only wildcat I found was illegally killed by hunters during closed season. All in the name of progress.

Serbia 244

Serbia Otters Boars Hunters 244

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

These birds have already left my native Serbia, further north, and this is not just the only one I have seen in Greece, but my last bee-eater of the season. From their point of view, I suppose, they are putting those marshes to a good use (to be completely honest – pretty much like birding Serbia).

Greece 162

Greece Serbia Hunters Cows 162

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

These birds have already left my native Serbia, further north, and this is not just the only one I have seen in Greece, but my last bee-eater of the season. From their point of view, I suppose, they are putting those marshes to a good use (to be completely honest – pretty much like birding Serbia). Saxicola rubetra. Whinchat.

Greece 188

Greece Serbia Hunters Cows 188

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 3, 2013

During my lifetime, this species was rare in my native Serbia, too. And so, I was driving from Greece to Serbia… in central Macedonia, two birds were circling not far from the motorway… black and white (above)… perhaps White Storks on migration? Reasons for this situation are numerous.

Sudan 223

Sudan Macedonia Botswana Serbia 223

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2016

For example, I simply cannot comprehend how such seemingly common species such as the Common Pochard (yes, for the third time, the common), still allowed for shooting in Serbia and many other countries, found its way into the Red List of Threatened Species. There are many reasons for their decrease and yet, all of them (but one?)

Montenegro 200

Montenegro Serbia Greece Bulgaria 200