Michael,
I was sceptical at first, seeing as the it was reported by a journo.
After seeing the second lot of photographs on the "Grrrl Scientist"
and Rick Prum's comments on it, I began to think that the story might
actually have legs. After Rick Prum's email to me, Richard Shears
mentioning the second paler bird, I thought the matter was worth
pursuing. If the sparrow is kosher, then it will be an important
scientific discovery, as blue has not cropped up in any Passer spp.
before and it is not that a common colour in birds. I will be watching
the story as it develops or unravels, with interest.
Regards,
Carl Clifford
On 16/05/2009, at 3:46 PM, michael norris wrote:
Carl
Many thanks for that public service of putting the Richards in touch
with one another.
I feel for Richard Shears: an employee of a "true blue" paper, a
journo with a potential scoop...
No wonder some are thinking about the possibility of a modern Ern
Malley.
But most journos, like most pollies, are ordinary people just doing
their work/duty - and a sadly falling number are actually interested
in nature.
Best wishes
Michael Norris
37° 59' S 145° 0' E
9521 6879 0400 178 199
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