birding-aus

Academics v birdwatchers

To: david taylor <>
Subject: Academics v birdwatchers
From: Russell Woodford <>
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:07:29 +1100
Well said, David. I can't see how anyone who is serious about birds could disagree with you.

I really don't think there is much more constructive comment to make on this topic.

Thanks everyone.


Russell Woodford
Birding-Aus List Owner

Geelong   Victoria   Australia
http://www.birding-aus.org

On 02/03/2010, at 7:49 AM, david taylor wrote:

As a good ol simple birdwatcher without a hint of a degree to my name I have to say that one of my most enjoyable experiences was attending the Australasian Ornithological Conference in Perth three years ago. I may not have understood the details on every presentation slide but what i was impressed with was the number of young, intelligent students and researchers committed to research into our wonderful birds. For mine those people who committ their time and effort to scientific research are of paramount importance and will help to ensure that my generation and the many after me continue to enjoy our wildlife.

Theres a place for all of us!

cheers

David Taylor




On 01/03/2010, at 6:50 PM, Carl Clifford wrote:

Bob et al,

There seems to be a rapidly growing "Dumb Pride" movement rapidly growing world-wide, which seems to have originated in a certain western hemisphere country. The aim of the movement is the "dumbing down" society, so bringing a new form of civilisation, "Idiocracy" ( as seen in the movie of that name ). I imagine that we will see the old adage "ignorance is bliss" will soon become the mainstream lifestyle.

Ah, that is better, who needs Andrews Liver Salts.

Cheers,

Carl Clifford

On 01/03/2010, at 7:00 PM, Bob Green wrote:

As someone who has attended the last two Australasian Ornithological Conferences, and not myself being an academic, I found the attendees approachable, willing to help and offer advice, friendly, ready for a chat and a drink, and a whole lot of fun. And to enjoy a field trip with some of the countries best field ornithologists is worth the trip on its own. I think the point is being missed in all this discussion on the "barrier" between academics and "birdwatchers". I think the only people building Great Walls of China to keep the rabbits out are the mis-informed or plain ignorant who don't seem to understand that we are all interested in the same things and that some of these academics are amongst the countries best birdwatchers, and that some of the real grass roots knowledge about bird behaviour is gathered by amateurs. I suggest we get back to what is important and stop the relentless, constant, repetitive niggling that makes being part of being in a bird group like this bluntly a "BORE", if you don't like birdwatchers, then don't go birdwatching, if you don't like academics then don't read journals or attend conferences. I don't like Top 40 music much so I don't listen to the radio, pretty easy really.

Bob Green
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