Critter News

JULY 21, 2010

With some 400 species estimated to be at risk — from the tiniest oil-eating bacteria to shrimp and crabs, endangered sea turtles, brown pelicans and sperm whales — experts say the impact of oil and chemical dispersants on the food chain has already begun, and could grow exponentially.

Marine Life 100

Marine Life Sea Turtles Whales Whaling 100

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2012

Africa has more than its fair share of storks, with 8 of the world’s 19 species gracing the continent. 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. It is also related to Wood Stork of the Americas and Milky Stork of Asia.

Africa 245

Africa Tanzania South Africa Uganda 245

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 30, 2013

Now my Queens list stands at a whopping 302, which means I have actually added thirteen species since my last predictions. Brown Pelican Lapland Longspur Sooty Shearwater Whimbrel. My shorebird list in Queens is now at thirty-eight species! (It It is pictured at the top of this post.).

2012 158

2012 New York City Jamaica 2013 158

10,000 Birds

MARCH 3, 2016

As a proof, two Dalmatian Pelicans are flying low above us, while a Bluethroat disappears into the nearby bush. I already have a history of searches for this species. Asia: We wait on the top of the hillock crossed by a barbed wire fence and topped by a scarecrow. The Sun is just rising. Should we expect the scarecrow to be a bad omen?

Wildlife 184

Wildlife Tigers Asia Europe 184

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. The King Eider photograph, which is the “marquee” photo for that species account, is by Hugh Harrop). It is a challenging activity. No rails or gallinules.

Ducks 239

Ducks Groups North America North Dakota 239

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2019

As always, I was the first to the platform and in the light northwest wind and under a full moon I sipped my coffee and willed birds to make some noise so I could start checking off species. Eventually, an Eastern Towhee che-winked and I had my first species for the day. The moon was impressive as it sank down to the horizon.

Pelicans 136

Pelicans Whales Whaling New York 136

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2012

Anywhere you’re on the coast, and Sydeny has a lot of coast, you can find Silver Gulls , several kinds of cormorant, Australian Darters and Australian Pelicans. This ranges from the eucalyptus forests that everyone associates with Australia, and are home to New South Wales’ only endemic species, the Rockwarbler.

Australia 165

Australia Albatross Pelicans Parrots 165

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Eighteen-hour trips are the rule and only about four or five hours are spent in the prime area to see the species most birders are hoping to see. I’ve been on a whale-watching trip in Orange County , twice gone out to Santa Cruz Island , and even visited Protection Island off the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

Whales 113

Whales Whaling Albatross Sea Lions 113