10,000 Birds

MARCH 2, 2023

Not a cover species The Black Kite is not actually black, but of course, misleading bird names are not exactly rare. No surprise then that the species is listed as Vulnerable. But then, sanity (or maybe respect for you, the reader) prevailed. Fortunately, they are quite common in Shanghai. It is also called Chinese Bulbul.

Iraq 130

Iraq Birds China Ireland 130

10,000 Birds

MARCH 16, 2016

And so South Africa’s fifth largest park came to be (it’s worth remembering that its largest park, Kruger, is the size of Israel) on marginal land that no one in particular could do much with. And lo, it was good. I stumbled on Madikwe completely by accident. Springbok were one of my targets, and I got them! Or Cheetahs.

South Africa 140

South Africa Leopards Giraffes Africa 140

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2012

The pair may have to compete for nesting cavities with several other species including native Tree Swallows and Violet-green Swallows, as well as non-native House Sparrows and European Starlings. Until next time, I leave you with the late Israel Ka?ano?i ” at the American Bird Conservancy’s website. i Kamakawiwo?ole’s

Washington 181

Washington Eggs Israel California 181

10,000 Birds

MAY 28, 2016

In the northern hemisphere, the combination of migrants, resident species, and higher frequency of bird song makes it much easier to identify more birds, compared to say, August, so if you want to get really crazy and go for a Big Day record, spring is the time to go for it. They got all three potoo species in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica 100

Costa Rica Birds Israel Research Center 100

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

No matter how many times I see certain species, I’m happy to see them again when the seasons shift. One of those places is the Hula Valley in northern Israel, home to the large Lake Hula which was drained in the 1950s to make way for more agricultural opportunities and prevent malaria. I am a migration junky.

Israel 184

Israel Hoarding Nebraska Minnesota 184

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 26, 2022

This is a rather photographer-friendly species, staying on the same branch for quite a while and even returning to it after catching some insects – you can see this on video here and here. While the source does not say so directly, it hints that this means the species is not as intelligent as Eurasian Magpies (which pass the test).

Finland 147

Finland Birds McDonalds Israel 147

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 3, 2022

The ongoing destruction of Nanhui, where the species can frequently be seen on migration, certainly will not help. Judging from the facial expression of this White-shouldered Starling , I would rather not have an annoyed bird of this species as a roommate. The species has reversed sex roles, with the males doing the incubating.

China 169

China Birds Ukraine Israel 169

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 17, 2022

A study has shown that they make false alarm calls when seeing other species such as meerkats with attractive food. The Green-winged Pytilia was previously mostly called Melba Finch, which is also its Latin species name (melba), even though nobody seems to be quite clear about what the melba means or where it comes from.

South Africa 178

South Africa Africa Cape Verde Birds 178

10,000 Birds

MARCH 4, 2017

Last year beats were being spotted way beyond their usual habitat with checklists shared from India, Puerto Rico and Israel. 146 shared checklists (an increase on last year’s 97, well done chaps) noted 664 species (ooooh, down on 826 from last February) and brought the yearly total to 1063 (1303 at this time in 2016, ouch!).

2017 100

2017 Australia Sanctuary Woodpeckers 100

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 3, 2017

From my poolside viewpoint I can encompass four countries: Egypt where I am and, over the sea, Israel to the far left (there’s a birding mecca of Eilat), Jordan in the middle and finally the endless deserts of Saudi Arabia to the right. I wouldn’t mind watching birds through palm leaves forever! Waves, deep blue sea and that salty scent.

Egypt 104

Egypt Saudi Arabia Compassion Israel 104