A Regal Surprise: Ten Lord Howe Woodhens-a-leaping

On the tenth day of Birdorable, a unique surprise awaited me… ten Lord Howe Woodhens! As we continue our festive 12 Days of Birdorable celebration, we're thrilled to introduce a bird that's not only new to our collection but also carries the distinction of being critically important to conservation efforts—the Lord Howe Woodhen.

Diverging from the traditional "Ten Lords-a-Leaping" verse from the beloved "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we find a remarkable avian counterpart in the Lord Howe Woodhen. With its regal name, this bird perfectly embodies the essence of nobility and grace. The Lord Howe Woodhen, a precious gem within the rail family, calls Lord Howe Island home. This small, remote island off the coast of Australia is the only place on Earth where these birds can be found, making them endemic to this specific locale. Their story is one of survival and conservation triumph, as efforts have been made to protect their habitat and ensure their future.

Unlike the grandeur suggested by lords leaping, the Lord Howe Woodhen leads a more humble existence. It thrives in the dense undergrowth of the island's forests, foraging for food and living a largely unseen life. However, its significance cannot be overstated; the Lord Howe Woodhen is a symbol of the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation work in preserving our planet's biodiversity.

May the story of the Lord Howe Woodhen inspire you to learn more about endangered species and the efforts to protect them. Happy holidays, and here's to finding joy and wonder in the natural world around us.

This is the tenth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Nine Lady Amherst's Pheasants
• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree