I am taking a most unusual step in asking the local birding community to reconsider purchasing Penny Olsen's book about the rediscovery of the night parrot.
The several hundred of you who came to the talk I organised in 2014, where my friend John Young spoke about his rediscovery of the night parrot, will recall the super human effort expended over a decade to find the bird - some 17 000 hours spent searching
western Qld. Unbelievably to me in writing her book about the night parrot, Penny Olsen (a scientist) never spoke to this primary source. I spoke to John tonight and he says the book is factually incorrect.
Another of John's friends, Lloyd Nielsen, provides more specific information you should consider before purchasing the book...
'You may have read of the very vicious attack on John Young and others, which Penny Olsen has made in her forthcoming book "Night Parrot" as reported by Greg Roberts in The Weekend Australian for 4-5th August and a later follow-up in his blog.
'I have written a piece in support of John, having been friends for many years and having accompanied him on trips to some of those areas including to the original Night Parrot site on Brighton Downs.
'John was never given the courtesy of an interview for the book, nor was he given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and innuendo made, most of which is false. To my non-legal eye some of the content is quite defamatory. Such poor,
vitriolic journalism is not needed in Australian ornithology!
'The word was out some months back that she would be doing a "hatchet job" on John. My concern is that actions such as this where it is on permanent record and the victim is not given the right of reply has the potential to destroy careers. Unfortunately,
mud sticks'.
If you would like a copy of the piece that Lloyd has written, please get in touch. Again please reconsider your purchase.
Regards
Alastair
On 9 Aug 2018, at 09:34, wrote:
For those interested in purchasing the new Night Parrot book, COG members can purchase copies for $35. Please send me an email if you would like to place an order. Pick up at COG meetings. The book isn’t due till September and it is unclear if I will get copies
before or after the next meeting.
Night Parrot: Australia’s Most Elusive Bird
The competitiveness and secrecy, the triumphs and adventures of the history of the Night Parrot and its followers.
For well over a century, the Night Parrot lured its seekers into Australia's vast, arid outback. From the beginning it was a mysterious bird. Fewer than 30 specimens were collected before it all
but disappeared, offering only fleeting glimpses and the occasional mummified body as proof of its continued existence. Protected by spinifex and darkness, the parrot attained almost mythical status: a challenge to birdwatchers and an inspiration to poets,
novelists and artists.
Night Parrot documents the competitiveness and secrecy, the triumphs and adventures of the history of the bird and its followers, culminating in the recent discovery of live birds at a few widely
scattered locations. It describes what we are now unravelling about the mysteries of its biology and ecology and what is still left to learn. Complemented by guest essays, illustrations and photographs from a wide variety of sources, this book sheds light
on Australia's most elusive bird.
Due in September Members’ Price: $35
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