Apparently Double-barred Plovers do exist. At least one was reported (and
photographed) at Western Treatment Plant (presumably in Victoria) on Sunday
19 th August 2007.
This sighting seems to have been accepted without public comment. Perhaps
they are common in that part of the world?
See:
http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/birding-aus/2007-08/msg00534.html
If they were reported in Victoria by Victorian birders they would have to be
fair dinkum, wouldn't they?
(I'd love to see the Rarities Report.)
BTW: Christidis and Boles did not use "common names" in either volume of
their taxonomies of Australian birds.
What they used are "English Names". Sounds a bit xenophobic but that's what
those non-scientific suggested names are called in Australia.
I would have preferred "Australian Names" but I guess that would make me
appear xenophobic also.
Further, those eminent scientists and authors did not decide which English
names should be used. That task was taken on by The English Names Committee
of Birds Australia.
The fact that the taxonomy publications by Christidis and Boles use the
suggested English names does not mean that birders must only use those
names. It would be good and it would create less momentary confusion (a
little longer for some) if all birders did use those suggested English names
but no birder should be made to feel guilty for using local "common names"
(English or otherwise) just because some birders believe they have certain
superior qualifications which entitle them to dictate the behaviour and
thought patterns of other birders.
Now, I've got an idea..........
The 'short-hand' 'common name' BFCS for Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike could be a
good starting point to create a 4-character code for all of the birds of
Australia.
A list of 4 character abbreviations encompassing all of Australia's birds
(and other creatures) could be devised to help birders in the field and make
reports and lists less confusion, and obviate the need to use scientific
names.
For example: Bar-tailed Godwit could be BAGO;
Black-tailed Godwit could be BLGO....
Wait a minute......that all sounds familiar!!
Ah.....yes! A female friend (yes, I do have a friend) recently sent me a
copy of such a list which I believe is used by certain specialist (and
highly secretive) birding (and other creatures) groups.
I would love to make it freely available but I don't know where it
originated and it is not complete.
Perhaps someone in the audience knows what I am talking about and could
provide more information??
If no one knows what I am talking about, that's it, then. Sorry to have
bothered anyone.
Think I'll go for a walk up to the letterbox.
I might see a Whistling-winged Pigeon or a Least Honeyeater or a Fish Hawk.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
(at the centre of the Universe)
Sandstone Point
Queensland
Australia
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