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Hello Splitters and Lumpers,
Have just bought a copy of Michael Morecombe's new field guide:
"Field Guide to Australian Birds".
I've only had a glance through it so far but one thing has struck me (apart
from the quite reasonable illustrations and layout):
Michael has done some splitting (sort of) along the lines of, I suppose,
Schodde and Mason, The Directory of Australian Birds.
Actually I am only going by hearsay because I don't have a copy of that
publication yet......
The birds I have noted so far are Dusky Grasswren/Kalkadoon Grasswren and
Striated Grasswren/Short-tailed Grasswren.
I note he hasn't split Restless Flycatcher/Paperbark Flycatcher and
White-browed Robin/Buff-side Robin.
As I am still of the opinion that none of these splits have been
'officially' sanctioned, does Michael know something I don't?
Or have I missed something in the passed few weeks?
Or has he jumped the gun in an effort to force the issue?
Please be aware that I don't really mind if these species are split or
not.
I don't have the knowledge or expertise to determine what the situation
should be.
But I would like to know what the situation is.
I am aware that some people are claiming some of these 'new' species as
full species on their 'Life-lists'.
I haven't seen some of the species/sub-species in question and I go into a
raging fit when I think other people are getting the 'drop' on me!
I think I'll take a trip to Grafton and Ballina. That should cheer me
up.
That is if the rumour that the pintail has departed is incorrect.
:-) :-) :-)
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