On 31 August 1997 I published on 'birding-aus', a special-interest list on
electronic mail, an article entitled "Viper at the Nest." in this article
I suggested that Marjorie Wisby abused the trust of 'birding-aus'
subscribers by the misuse of information supplied to her, for her own ends.
The article also insinuated that Marjorie Wisby was a self-centred person
with little care for the welfare of Australian birds.
I also had published, on 3 September 1997, an article in the Townsville
Bulletin. In that article I suggested that Ms Wisby had very little
knowledge about birding and was publishing misleading information regarding
population numbers of the Bush Stone Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) in the
north.
I acknowledge that the statements of a personal nature are incorrect and I
apologise for any trauma and distress these have caused. I regret any
damage caused to Marjorie Wisby's reputation and standing in the local
community.
However, as a member of the Wader Study Group I do not feel I can be held
responsible for the lack of scientific knowledge in this complex area or
for the paucity of data available on bush stone curlew numbers.
Alexandra Appleman
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