Re: Blackface

I'm not sure how much the public are put off by names such as Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.  There are a myriad of common names already in common usage out there (Blue Jay immediately comes to mind).  The bottom line is that it doesn't matter what you call a bird as long as the person you are talking to knows what you are talking about ( eg Jabiru vs Black-necked Stork)

I see no good reason to "dumb it down".  I've had quite a lot of experience taking out groups of novice or even non-birdwatchers and I can't say that pointing out a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike ever had any of them running away in horror.

I think we have it reasonable easy here.  There are some common names in usage overseas that would really test the novice.

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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