Hello everyone
I've been following the discussions on the 'Australian list' , with the
discussions centred around ticking/twitching/sighting birds.
What exactly is the purpose of the list? To me, the purpose is a big part of
the discussion and determines whether certain birds are included or not.
Without really knowing the purpose, it sounds to me that it is a list of
everything that HAS been seen in Australia and consequently serving a
historical purpose. In this respect therefore, it is (to me) important to
keep listing/recording introduced species (whether now non-existent or not) to
recognise the fact that they have come to our shores and (like others have
said) remind us about extinctions and invasions of introduced species etc.
If it is a list of "current" birds, what does "current" mean? Does the bird
have to have been seen in Australia in the last 5 years, 2 years, 10 years, to
make the list?
Is it a list of birds 'likely' to be seen in Australia (which can be anything
considering how birds are moving around a lot these days (Australia does have
a flamingo recorded)).
On another note, I am about to go on four glorious weeks leave, including a
trip to Lord Howe Island. Many thanks to those who responded to my request
for information on Lord Howe - shall post a report when I return.
Regards
Irene Denton
Sydney NSW Australia
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