Both valid points of view.
I think alot of people are pretty confident in their ID but don't
know quite how to articulate it. Also a disclaimer about not being an
expert is surely just humility acknowledging that, whilst they
believe in their opinion (which isn't necessarily a guess) there are
obviously always people out there who indeed are experts.
I agree that the more opinions given the better and if you are shown
politely to be wrong then you will learn. A wrong ID isn't always a
guess but simply an incorrect identification.
I do agree that it is more helpful for people to hear well written ID
points such as Greg and Sean did (aka experts in my book), but such
helpful answers are not always forthcoming.
I thought it was a Boobook but couldn't have described it so well. So
thanks to Greg and Sean for sharing the key ID points so clearly for
us all to learn from.
Best regards,
Dave
On 30/01/2008, at 10:41 AM, John Tongue wrote:
Hi all,
I think Greg makes a valid point, but an alternate point of view
can also be put. With some birds and/or some photos there is not
necessarily a clear answer, and the number of different experts
will be matched or exceeded by the number of different
conclusions. Then I'm sure we all benefit by being party to the
'debate' about reasons for and against different ID's. I am happy
to see a number of different people 'have a go', so that everyone
might benefit from the exchange. Surely that is what good
educational method is all about.
John Tongue
Ulverstone, Tas.
On 30/01/2008, at 8:07 AM, Greg & Val Clancy wrote:
Hi Cheryl,
The owl is clearly a Southern Boobook from its underparts that are
blotched and not streaked as in the Barking, its green not bright
yellow eyes, and the grey, not yellow feet. Barking Owl eyes give
the appearance of 'staring'.
No offence intended but some members of this list have an
interesting, but worrying, habit of guessing what a bird is. This
must be confusing to the person seeking help with an ID as they
receive a number of answers when only one is correct. May I
suggest that if people aren't sure of an ID that they let someone
else who is sure have a go. Unless of course someone floats a
photo as a guessing competition.
I have had a key to Australian owls published, which I will
forward to you (Cheryl) and can forward a copy to anyone else who
is interested. Others wanting it should contact me off-site.
Regards
Greg Clancy
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