Authenticity in the art world relies greatly on strict documentation of
provenance. While this is often difficult with bird records, some judicious
assessment is necessary.
Like Milburn and some others, I have misgivings about the rare duck trio
(Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Australian Shelduck) noted recently
near Grafton. Apart from the question of the stage of moult, I still assert
that the release of ornamental birds should be considered seriously because
of the statistical improbability of three concurrent rarities.
I hope eventually such a release can be discounted, but its possibility
should not be ignored. Over the years I have seen various caged birds that
I doubt were registered officially, including such gems as Ground Parrot.
Having recently been to the USA (where NP & NS were abundant and fresh
plumaged in April), the issue of provenance is fresh in my mind. Especially
along the Mexican border, many plausible records cannot be accepted because
of the recurrent release of caged birds. Two that cause problems for many
US birders are the Red-crowned Parrot and Green Parakeet.
Various gulls, wagtails and other birds no doubt arrive in Australia by
ship, but at least it is possible to argue in these instances that shipping
is now an established part of the environment.....so tickability remains
unaffected.
Glenn
Glenn Holmes & Associates
*birding & botanical specialists*
PO Box 1246 Atherton Qld 4883
PS....the following is topical.
-----Original Message-----
From: Øyvind Hagen <>
To: <>
Date: Tuesday, 15 August 2000 12:44 am
Subject: Swiftlets + Ducks
>
>
>>Northern Pintail...Northern Shoveler...(Northern Exposure ?).
>>I see a pattern forming here that recalls the Ruddy Shelduck incident near
>>Toowoomba, where the birding pilgrimage ultimately proved futile.
>>Statistical considerations point most definitely to the deliberate or
>>accidental release of ornamental waterfowl somewhere round Grafton. Since
>>collectors are known in NSW (e.g. Taree), a story in the local newspaper
>>may
>>be worthwhile as an attempt to bring forth informants.
>
>Hi Glenn,
>This reminds me of something: Just before I left Norway we there was a
>Greater Flamingo that apperared in the southernmost part of the country. I
>happend to be in the area and saw the bird as did many far-travelling
>twitchers. There were much discussion about the status of this bird, until
>one of the guys called a zoo situated some 350km from the spot and found
out
>they were missing a Flamingo... End of discussion! In Norway, and Europe in
>general, escapes are a serious problem.
>
>Cheers,
>Øyvind
>________________________________________________________________________
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>
>
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