Bob Inglis said:
"It is always interesting trying to work out what bird the 'old-timers'
are talking about :-) .
And it is worthwhile hanging on to those old 'out-dated' field guides."
Wise counsel Bob. Each edition seems to have its own special features.
The first editions (two volumes - pub. 1974) of Slater have details on which
Pacific Islands the birds (or their associated sub-species) are to be found.
This was useful (and still would be) when living in the islands.
Pizzey and Doyle (1980) had a much more complete written description of each
species.
"Birds of Australia" (Macdonald - illustrations Slater - 1973) has only a
few black and white illustrations and relies on comprehensive written
descriptions.
I even refer to my 1932 edition of "What Bird Is That?" (Cayley) at times.
This one is not so much for its help with information as for nostalgia as,
along with Leach (long lost), it was my first bird book.
I guess it is a case of "horses for courses".
Terry Pacey
TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
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