What is in a name?

["Tony Russell" <>]

Oh, thanks Philip, that makes it nice. Lovely.

-----Original Message-----
From: 
 On Behalf Of Philip Veerman
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:35 PM
To: Trevor Hampel; Birding-Aus
Subject: What is in a name?


Hobby is for the European Hobby, which our species resembles and several
other small falcons. "Little Falcon" is not terribly helpful as there
are several small falcons. Hobby is a term from falconry, where
traditionally it was a lady's bird. A hobby as in that it is small,
maybe considered elegant and attractive but it does not catch large and
useful prey, as distinct from goshawks, peregrines, eagles, etc. Hence
for fun or frivolity, a hobby, rather than serious sport or culinary
hunting.

Philip