10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Counting the Birds I was in my teens when I undertook my first bird-survey: it was field work for the British Trust for Ornithology’s The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. The breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. Published in 1976, The Atlas was, I believe, the very first work of its kind.

Ireland 215

Ireland Turtles Geese Farming 215

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 4, 2016

It also makes it a little intimidating to be doing a review of Britain’s Birds: An Identification Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland. The Crossley ID Guide: Britain and Ireland (PUP, 2014) covers 314 birds that reside in or migrate regularly through England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and a few rare birds.

Ireland 142

Ireland Birds Falcons Turtles 142

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 17, 2020

But seeing as the month is also bookended by Hogmanay and Burns Night, we’ll gladly take the opportunity to visit– in spirits, at least – the rugged Celtic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland where whiskey was born and – with luck – have a look at the birds that inhabit them.

Lions 159

Lions Eagles Hunting Lamb 159

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

Rabbits are now thriving again after recovering their numbers and the Kent Wildlife Trust has implemented a grazing policy at Queendown Warren, with sheep and cattle, to supplement the rabbits’ efforts. Many ‘blue’ chrysalises are found within ant nests, enjoying the warmth and protection until they emerge as adults.

Rabbits 155

Rabbits Ireland 2002 Sheep 155

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

And, proceeds from sales of Duck Stamps have secured and protected over 6 million acres of wetland and grassland habitat.** (Though, Duck Stamp sales are decreasing, a major cause for concern.) As of January 2017, Ducks Unlimited has conserved 13,902,792 acres in North America, including 5,509,855 in the United States.* Sullivan, 2013, PUP).

Ducks 117

Ducks Geese North America Hunters 117