In February, with his sighting of an Orange-Tufted Spiderhunter on the Philippine Island of Mindanao, AES alumnus Peter Kaestner* set a world record—he became the first person to reach a total of 10,000 different bird species sightings. In having met this 10,000 species mark, Kaestner’s “life list” consists of more that 90% of all known birds around the world. Indeed this hypercompetitive bird-watching has a growing following around the world, and we are quite proud that it is our very own alum who has set this new record. 

Warmest congratulations to Peter!

* Peter attended 9th grade at AES from 1967–1968

You can read more about his journey here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/science/birds-birdwatching-record-kaestner.html?unlocked_article_code=1.cE0.ObO2.hucqgt_aW5yc&smid=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR1PCJtmD2y08uoRTBVhGPVXn-SgXYPz9tild_mDGcqwUgGaixMbYMefzbg