I must admit to being a little amused and a little bemused by the responses to Mark Young's request for information about "a book or
resource specifically for Gulls and Terns" with "detail on the early few years of these birds".
As far as I know Mark is in Australia (probably around Sydney) so I suspect he is interested in the terns and gulls seen in his
general area or throughout Australia at the most. Perhaps, if he decides that gulls and terns are truly fascinating (and why
wouldn't he? he is a photographer and gulls and terns are great photographic subjects) he might extend his interest to the gulls and
terns which he is not likely to see unless he leaves Australia.
It, therefore, seems unproductive at this stage to recommend publications which don't relate directly to the gulls and terns as we
see them in Australia.
I would have thought that it would have been better to recommend a resource/book which referred specifically to the gulls and terns
seen or likely to be seen in Australia and especially as they are seen while in Australia.
One respondent did suggest the only reference which would seem to fit Mark's requirements (assuming I am right in assessing what he
really wants). Unfortunately it was hidden in the midst of a lot of patronising chatter and references to many "obscure"
publications.
That reference was to Volume 3 of HANZAB (Handbook of Australian New Zealand and Antarctic Birds). That volume covers the gulls and
terns seen in Australia and New Zealand. It also covers the shorebirds seen in Australia which is another of Mark's photographic
interests. As that same respondent suggests, Volume 1 of HANZAB could be handy as well for its introduction which explains a lot
about plumage, aging and moult but Peter Harrison's "Seabirds an identification guide" might be a little less expensive and just as
productive.
The 'problem' with HANZAB Vol 3 is that it seems to be hard to get, even second hand, and it would probably cost between Aus$300 and
Aus$400. I have no intention of parting with my copy of HANZAB Vol 3 even though my interest in birds, bird-photography and birders
is diminishing by the hour.
If there is another book which exclusively covers the gulls and terns seen in Australia (specifically the sub-species) I would like
to know about it.
HANZAB Vol 3 was published 15 years ago and there have been some changes in the scientific names but it still is a wonderful
resource for bird photographers who want to accurately label their photos.
(Incidentally David James, what is "quire dated"?)
Mark, as you will have noted if you received the copy of "Shorebirds, Gulls & Terns of Coastal SEQ" which I sent you a little while
ago, that publication does not go into the detail you are asking for.
It is really intended to whet the appetite for birders (and bird photographers) and to introduce them to the glories of shorebirds,
gulls and terns.
It seems you have got that appetite and now need more information.
The best advice I can give you is to become 'best friends' with the two people I recommended a while back. Send them your photos and
questions and they will willingly and happily give you the best advice anyone in Australia is capable of giving you. They will also
be very glad to receive your excellent bird photos.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
Sandstone Point
Qld
Australia
http://users.tpg.com.au/inglisrc/
===============================
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
http://birding-aus.org
===============================
|
