Minister Hunt I assume that you are aware of the discovery of Night Parrot remains that indicate predation by a feral cat. While this loss of one of a newly discovered population of Night Parrots is potentially catastrophic, it serves to highlight the threat to Australian avifauna and smaller mammals, reptiles and amphibians posed by the uncontrolled feral cat population. It is well past time for the Federal Government to take the lead in establishing programs to eliminate or, at least, dramatically reduce the feral cat population and ensure that domestic cats are controlled and not able to reinforce the feral population. I would expect the Federal Government to also take a lead role in controlling Cane Toads, Foxes, Rabbits, European Carp and pest plants, particularly those such as Gamba Grass that have the potential to significantly reduce biodiversity. I look forward to hearing how the Federal Government intends to tackle the feral cat problem and other threats to our biodiversity. Regards David Clark
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But Port Lincoln is a lot closer to civilisation than western Queenland, Chris. I’d like to know when cats arrived there. Do we have historical distribution maps? Peter Shute Sent from my iPad
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I think it is worth bearing in mind too that Aunt Maud’s moggy in Paddington is not the only culprit. For those who have not yet read Eric Rolls’ epic book, They all ran wild, the breeding and release of cats in western regions was a large scale practice during the rabbit plague years. Some farmers had huge sheds that were used to breed and release untamed cats as a means of controlling rabbits. These practises no doubt made a large contribution to the problem we are facing today, perhaps even the major contribution. Cheers Andrew
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The Australian Veterinary Association has an official policy on the control of feral and un-owned cats: http://www.ava.com.au/policy/132-management-cats-australia I’m not sure if that means vets have an active involvement already, but I’m under the impression from reading this statement that they are. Several people, including myself, have raised the issue on Birding-aus previously that thinning the feral cat population in a particular area just allows formerly non-breeding cats to assume breeding status in the population or other cats to move in from the surrounding areas. Therefore, feral cat control has to be intensive (eradicating all or nearly all individuals within a feral cat population), extensive (continent-wide) and ongoing. Perhaps I’m not looking in the right places, but I haven’t seen any government initiative, either at a federal or state level, that convinces me that approach will happen. So it is important for any public lobbying to push strongly for intensive, extensive and ongoing feral cat control. Stephen Ambrose Ryde NSW —–Original Message—– Sonja Ross Sent: Monday, 2 March 2015 3:28 PM Cc: birding-aus; Michael Norris Maybe get vets involved too! Maybe they have a professional organisation with a newsletter that could be used. Sonja
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Oh, I agree. And graziers as well. One of my friends whose parents owned a cattle station is a little right of Ghenghis Khan, and then became a zealot for native plants after building our last home. So there is hope! Denise On 2 Mar 2015, at 1:58 pm, Sonja Ross < sonja.ross7@gmail.com> wrote:
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Maybe get vets involved too! Maybe they have a professional organisation with a newsletter that could be used. Sonja
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HI I think they have been a problem for a long time as I remember a TV show, in black and white, showing the skeleton of a cat at a dry water hole on top of lots of bird bits as it was the last to die after killing many birds that came to drink then was stuck there when the water hole was drying and it ran out of food. When I was young and visited a farm for the Xmas holidays near Port Lincoln in the early 1950s I had the job of culling the cats by drowning the kittens and trapping the adults, kept me in a job for 4 years. Rabbits were in plague proportions then and mice plagues common. Cheers Chris On 2/03/2015 8:41 AM, Peter Shute wrote:
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That’s why I think it so important to run a campaign that starts at the coal-face – with cat owners. Denise Goodfellow goodfellow@bigpond.com.au On 2 Mar 2015, at 12:42 pm, Dave Torr < davidtorr@gmail.com> wrote:
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There are already a lot of council regulations that seek to control cats – depends on where you live of course. Getting the regulations enforced is another thing altogether unfortunately!
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A year or two ago there was a petition on Change.org to reverse the requirement to keep cats confined indoors at night in some areas of Melbourne! On searching Change.org just now I notice there are a couple of petitions along these lines. But there is also one started by Grant Linley a few months ago in support of controlling cats with the title as below: It has a few paragraphs explaining why we should support his petition, and 3000 people have signed. Its probably worth a search of the Change.org site before writing a new one. Chris Pass legislation requiring all cat owners to confine cats to their property 24 hours a day, as well as sterilise, register and microchip all domesticated cats in Victoria
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I actually put up a “test” petition on change.org last week for Feral Cats. Needs to be re-written however….. Cheers, Charles Hunter +61 402 907 577
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Christine Melrose said: In response to Christine and David Robinson: Below is an extract from Minister Hunt’s press release on the appointment of the Threatened Species Commissioner and refers to a poison called Curiosity. It would be worth contacting the Commisioner asking about progress and other plans to tackle this problem. I have emailed the minister urging him to give the matter of funding a high priority during the budget process. Could I suggest that others might do something similar. Strong, widespread public support could achieve something. But, time is short. A report from Sydney university has proposed a realigning of the dingo fence to open up Sturt NP to allow a study of dingos as a feral cat control agent. I raised this with the NSW NPWS, and I understand that having had this brought to their attention, a briefing note will be sent to the Minister. I have also urged the NPWS to seek a cooperative approach with other relevant government agencies to tackle the problem. I have been trying to collect info on controls of domestic cat ownership to see whether it is worth seeking a uniform registration system across the country. Tasmania seems to have a strong system in place. I agree that the cat-owning community is one to be brought on board. My local conservation groups have been contacted to see if they will give priority to the problem. From what I see, there is a lot actually happening, but in dispersed and different ways from state to state and by lots of different bodies. What is needed is a well-funded coordinated control plan together with raising public awareness and support for control and management. It also seems that a few things are coming together that provide a window of opportunity that gives a chance of things happening. Let’s try to grab it. Peter Morgan http://www.greghunt.com.au/Home/LatestNews/tabid/133/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2881/Threatened-Species-protection.aspx The recently published Action Plan for Australian Mammals shows that targeted interventions to address predators such as feral cats can have very effective results. As one of his first actions, the Commissioner will develop a plan of priority actions to prevent extinctions and halt the decline of Australia’s most threatened species. As part of this plan, the Commissioner will champion the next stage of the development of a feral cat bait – called Curiosity – which is showing promise as an effective and humane approach to the problem. It might have some value. The Curiosity bait for feral cats comprises a small meat-based sausage containing a small hard plastic pellet filled with toxin. Feral cats do not have molar teeth and do not chew their food so they will reliably swallow portions of the sausage including the pellet. Most of our native animals nibble and chew their food so will reject the pellet. The pellet is designed to dissolve in the feral cat’s stomach and deliver a rapid dose of a humane toxin, which simply sends the biggest killer of our native wildlife to sleep. The Curiosity bait for feral cats uses a new toxin called para-aminopropiophenone, or PAPP, which is considered best-practice world-wide and is analogous to putting the animal into a sleep from which they do not wake up. The RSPCA considers this to be humane. The conservation battle is never finally won; the development battle is. e^(πί)+1=0
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Hi Denise, I just checked “change.com” and it’s an on-line underwear site. The correct one would be “change.org”. I’d support the idea of as many groups as possible combining to work on the feral cat problem, but working together. Sonja On 02/03/2015, at 9:01 AM, Denise Goodfellow < goodfellow@bigpond.com.au> wrote:
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Janine I’ve put idea of a petition on change.com directly to John Young and am waiting to hear from him. Tackling public opinion is the first step. SBS Insight’s program of a couple of years ago demonstrated just how polarised people are about cats, and that’s got to change. I’m more than happy to work with others on such a pe Regards Denise On 2 Mar 2015, at 7:19 am, Janine Duffy < janine@echidnawalkabout.com.au> wrote:
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Hi Christine Great idea, good on you. Try putting something on change.org Eventually you will need money – all causes need money. My only criticism of John’s talk last night is there was no donation box at the end. I’m sure many in the audience would have been happy to give $20. I know its awkward to ask, I hate doing it myself, but if we are to have action on this we need $$$$. I know Chris Watson has a credit card facility on his website. Could he take donations? Janine Sent from my Motorola RAZR™ M on the Telstra Next G™ Network Chris Melrose < cmelrose099@gmail.com> wrote:
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Feral cats have been increasingly in the news over the last few years. I’m interested to know if this is due to recent discoveries about the effect they’re having, or is it that they’ve recently spread to areas where they’ve never been before? Peter Shute
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The best type of virus, would be one that causes sterility in males. Carl Clifford
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Well done, David. Denise Denise Goodfellow goodfellow@bigpond.com.au On 19 Feb 2015, at 9:03 pm, David Clark < meathead.clark5@gmail.com> wrote:
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Hi Everyone This is my first post dealing with issues- On Maccas – Australia All Over on the ABC the other Sunday, he was talking to a guy who told him there are an estimated 20million feral cats in Australia eating 3 of our wildlife species each day/night so 60million insects, reptiles, mammals or birds etc. being devoured each and every day. If the wildlife were livestock of some description the farmers would be up in arms and Governments would be doing something about the problem. On Tuesday I was emailed “Focusing on Wildlife” (info@focusingonwildlife.com) and the lead article was about WA’s Department of Parks & Wildlife who have being working for the past decade on a bait for feral cats – it is basically sausages made of minced kangaroo meat, chicken fat, flavour enhancers (MSG???) and 1080. They are calling it “Eradicat” and have had 70% to 80% success in trials. The article went on say they are working on a different bait for the Eastern states called “Curiosity” as our wildlife over here hasn’t evolved with the Poison Peas – Gompholobium sps. that 1080 is developed from and non target species may be poisoned or secondary poisoned using Eradicat. Neil Macumber Manager Birdswing Birding & Wildlife Tours C/- PO POMONAL VIC 3381 Mob. 0413 628 306 http://www.birdingwildlifetours.com.au —–Original Message—– birding-aus-request@birding-aus.orgor Sent: Saturday, 21 February 2015 4:00 AM Send Birding-Aus mailing list submissions to birding-aus@birding-aus.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body ‘help’ to birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org You can reach the person managing the list at birding-aus-owner@birding-aus.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than “Re: Contents of Birding-Aus digest…” Today’s Topics: 1. Re: Feral Cat Problem (Denise Goodfellow) 2. Feral cats (David Clark) 3. Re: Feral cats (Denise Goodfellow) 4. Feral Cats (calyptorhynchus .) 5. Coconut on my Rainbow (Julian Bielewicz) 6. Re: Cyclone Marcia (Hannah) 7. Re: Coconut on my Rainbow (Mike Carter) 8. Backyard Goshawk, Ivanhoe (brian fleming) 9. The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Carl Clifford) 10. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Dave Torr) 11. The depth some twichers will go to tick Night Parrots (Barney Enders) 12. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Richard NOWOTNY) 13. Forwarding some abstracts about feral cat research from CSIRO Wildlife Research Volume 41(5) (Philip Veerman) 14. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Peter Shute) 15. feral cats (Stephen) 16. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Carl Clifford) 17. Re: feral cats (Carl Clifford) 18. Night Parrot – tickers and listers (brian fleming) 19. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Michael Tarburton) 20. FW: Night Parrot – tickers and listers (Tony Russell) 21. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Denise Goodfellow) 22. Re: Night Parrot – tickers and listers (Denise Goodfellow) 23. Night Parrot the ultimate tick (Tony Clarke) 24. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Laurie Knight) 25. Re: Night Parrot – tickers and listers (Stephen Murray) 26. Re: Night Parrot – tickers and listers (Experience the Wild) 27. Possible Pectoral Sandpiper – Sydney Olympic Park (& some other stuff) (Thomas Wilson) 28. Re: The depths some twitchers will go to tick the Night Parrot (Andrew Bell) 29. Re: Night Parrot – tickers and listers (David Stowe) 30. Zoo Australia (Charles) ———————————————————————- Message: 1 Cc: birding-aus < birding-aus@birding-aus.org>, Ian Boyd < ninox45@bigpond.com> Message-ID: < aD63A9EB-207C-40E3-815F-6C463C60D89B@bigpond.com.au > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 I?m not sure about Queensland, but the biggest threat to biodiversity in the Top End by far, are weeds and an inappropriate fire regime. They remove understorey and midstorey leaving wildlife nowhere to hide. Then, at least in Kakadu (and probably elsewhere) the cats clean up. Sure the toads have caused some local extinctions, but their impact is minimal compared to the devastation being wrought by these weeds. All were brought in either to feed cattle or as contaminants. Denise On 19 Feb 2015, at 3:53 pm, David Clark < meathead.clark5@gmail.com> wrote: and menace. action. —————————— Message: 2 Message-ID:_LiBLosuX-N8WPHYUn1NWOfdz9ViijhA@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Minister Hunt I assume that you are aware of the discovery of Night Parrot remains that indicate predation by a feral cat. While this loss of one of a newly discovered population of Night Parrots is potentially catastrophic, it serves to highlight the threat to Australian avifauna and smaller mammals, reptiles and amphibians posed by the uncontrolled feral cat population. It is well past time for the Federal Government to take the lead in establishing programs to eliminate or, at least, dramatically reduce the feral cat population and ensure that domestic cats are controlled and not able to reinforce the feral population. I would expect the Federal Government to also take a lead role in controlling Cane Toads, Foxes, Rabbits, European Carp and pest plants, particularly those such as Gamba Grass that have the potential to significantly reduce biodiversity. I look forward to hearing how the Federal Government intends to tackle the feral cat problem and other threats to our biodiversity. Regards David Clark —————————— Message: 3 Cc: Greg.Hunt.MP@environment.gov.au Message-ID: < aB62C9B8-991D-4FBF-A9DC-7D27873A1FE4@bigpond.com.au > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Well done, David. Denise Denise Goodfellow goodfellow@bigpond.com.au On 19 Feb 2015, at 9:03 pm, David Clark < meathead.clark5@gmail.com> wrote: —————————— Message: 4 Message-ID: A@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 I think we all agree that Feral Cats are an enormous problem, especially in desert areas, and will lead to the extinction of various species of birds, mammals and reptiles in the short and medium terms unless something is done. However, while governments across Australia (whether Liberal or Labor) continue to be inflected with the neo-liberal ideology of governments-should-do-nothing-the-only-important-thing-is-to-have-a-budget-s urplus then I suggest that it is unlikely that anything will get done. Perhaps as well as writing to our MPs and the Minister we should also start to contest the notion that governments should do nothing as well in as many contexts as we can. — John Leonard —————————— Message: 5 Message-ID: < 53CFD0B10FE64ADEAC23329D10CCC58B@julians> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”utf-8″ Greetings Folks While updating a number of birdlists for my website [www.birdingsouthburnett.com] I came across the Coconut Lorikeet. It appears to be conflicting with Rainbow Lorikeet. The problem also exists in my computer bird journal program but I am addressing that issue elsewhere. It appears that only the IOC makes specific reference to the Coconut as a separate species: Coconut haematodus Rainbow moluccanus Clements has the Coconut as a ?group? within the Rainbow complex: Trichoglossus haematodus [haematodus Group] Rainbow Lorikeet (Coconut) Other consulted authorities [e.g. Lynx, Avibase, etc.] basically concur with Clements. Which brings me to the recently released BARC list: Trichoglossus moluccanus Coconut Trichoglossus moluccanus Rainbow Am I to take this as indicating that ?Coconut? is merely an alternative name for ?Rainbow?; or is it considered a subspecies; or that the two having identical scientific names is a mere oversight, a ?typo?? I would be grateful for any and all assistance in fathoming out how my Rainbows got onto the coconut shy. Cheers —————————— Message: 6 Cc: birding-aus < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Message-ID: < COL403-EAS123B0983340B8EE0DCA3F24DB2D0@phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”utf-8″ It was an absolute privilege last weekend to spend time with Bob at his property north of Yeppoon watching Buff-Breasted Paradise-Kingfishers. I fear the worst for their hillside rainforest community, it will probably take days to clear the track out. As we brace in Gladstone, it won’t be anything like what Yeppoon and Rocky are about to cop. Wishing you all the best, stay safe. Hannah wrote: 2004. —————————— Message: 7 < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Cc: David James < burunglaut07@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <000f01d04ca3$6b304490$4190cdb0$@bigpond.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”utf-8″ I’m sure this is a typo in the BARC checklist. Coconut Lorikeet is T. haematodus. Mike Carter, 03 9787 7136 30 Canadian Bay Road Mount Eliza, VIC 3930, Australia —–Original Message—– Julian Bielewicz Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 9:55 AM Greetings Folks While updating a number of birdlists for my website [www.birdingsouthburnett.com] I came across the Coconut Lorikeet. It appears to be conflicting with Rainbow Lorikeet. The problem also exists in my computer bird journal program but I am addressing that issue elsewhere. It appears that only the IOC makes specific reference to the Coconut as a separate species: Coconut haematodus Rainbow moluccanus Clements has the Coconut as a ?group? within the Rainbow complex: Trichoglossus haematodus [haematodus Group] Rainbow Lorikeet (Coconut) Other consulted authorities [e.g. Lynx, Avibase, etc.] basically concur with Clements. Which brings me to the recently released BARC list: Trichoglossus moluccanus Coconut Trichoglossus moluccanus Rainbow Am I to take this as indicating that ?Coconut? is merely an alternative name for ?Rainbow?; or is it considered a subspecies; or that the two having identical scientific names is a mere oversight, a ?typo?? I would be grateful for any and all assistance in fathoming out how my Rainbows got onto the coconut shy. Cheers
w@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Well – I guess if we hear of a mysterious fire and someone’s life list goes up by one will have a good suspect! On 20 February 2015 at 12:54, Carl Clifford < carlsclifford@gmail.com> wrote: could adequate email: —————————— Message: 11 Parrots Message-ID: <000401d04cb6$1aa9d140$4ffd73c0$@bigpond.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” They certainly walk amongst us, I have on several occasions had run in with them especially when sitting quietly waiting with the camera for a good shot and they walk in front of you and ask in a loud voice, “What is it” I remember sitting quietly on the water hole at Mungerannie Pub up the Birdsville Track one evening with a group of International Birdies and we heard what sounded like rifle shots and all the birds took off flying never to be seen again and this guy appeared cracking a whip, when asked what did he think he was doing he replied “It is easier to see them when they are flying. ” Hello any one home” Did he learn his pedigree very quickly. Fortunately these are few and far between and what John has described is a hanging offence. “Better to sit and watch than to tick and walk” Barney —————————— Message: 12 Cc: “birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < 6975231C-9ED5-4900-A25F-86150180245F@me.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 I’m going to weigh in again here with a plea for us all to be thoughtful, considered and temperate in our language when we post messages on a public forum such as Birding-Aus. I’m sure Carl had only the best of intentions, but here are some thoughts/comments on his post. 1. Did he seek John’s permission before sending John’s personal email to the list? John may not wish his private comments to be broadcast in this way (and they may not do him any favours by being made public). 2. Is second-hand information (“hearsay” in legal terms) sufficiently reliable to justify such strong and emotive language directed at another person [“Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person.”], particularly when this person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story? (John himself knows all about this.) 3. John states that the supposed miscreant “implied” that a fire might do something. I would like to have the actual statement before concluding that this was a statement of genuine intent or serious consideration, rather than say a careless or even whimsical comment (possibly misinterpreted in a sensitive and volatile setting). I know some might find all of this altogether too prissy and purist, and of course megaphone commentary makes for much more entertaining reading (or listening – think shock-jocks). But shouldn’t we try on this forum, particularly with its slightly scientific pretensions, to remain objective, reasonable, fair, decent – you know, all that stuff? And surely that’s enough on this matter. Regards. Richard wrote: disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. for his list at all costs and cost was the word. end so people could see them if lit when in position. feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. done. —————————— Message: 13 research from CSIRO Wildlife Research Volume 41(5) Message-ID: < F4A908353E454DE9B76669ADBCB728CF@workventd2bdc8> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I have no connection with this, other than getting the contents list on an email…….. I have copied the extracts of two of the articles here: Welcome to the latest e-alert for Wildlife Research. This issue includes articles about a diverse range of topics, including: meadow vole populations; behaviour of birds in habitats invaded by buffel grass; invasive stoat populations; effects of culling feral cats; light pollution and flatback turtle hatchlings; habitat use by feral cats; using mark-resight to monitor Canada geese; and the diet of frugivorous bats. To view articles that have been published Online Early before they have been collated into an issue, visit the Journal’s website. Alternatively, subscribe to its RSS feed to be alerted when new articles are published. Effects of low-level culling of feral cats in open populations: a case study from the forests of southern Tasmania Billie T. Lazenby, Nicholas J. Mooney and Christopher R. Dickman Feral cats threaten biodiversity, and are often culled to reduce their impact. The effectiveness of culling is largely unknown in areas where new cats can replace those removed, but by using remote camera technology to identify individuals, we found that low-level culling resulted in an increase in cat numbers and activity. This unexpected result demonstrates the importance of monitoring management actions, and the need for strategic, systematic, and ongoing commitment to managing feral cats if their impact on biodiversity is to be reduced. A critical review of habitat use by feral cats and key directions for future research and management Tim S. Doherty, Andrew J. Bengsen and Robert A. Davis Feral cats have a wide global distribution and are a serious threat to biodiversity; an understanding of their habitat use is essential to reducing their impacts. Our review shows that current knowledge of the factors influencing cat habitat use is poor. Future studies will benefit from employing an experimental approach and collecting data on the relative abundance and activity of prey and other predators. Local knowledge and active monitoring is essential when deciding on control programs. —————————— Message: 14 < carlsclifford@gmail.com> Cc: “‘birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org‘” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < C2F1879073AE7347BAB44065F143E1700186277B07@nuwvicms2> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I’m hoping this is the situation, and that they weren’t serious. I can’t believe anyone would be dumb enough to suggest that John get involved in burning them out, even if they were prepared to do that themself. I doesn’t seem very practical anyway, given that you’d get a fleeting glimpse at best, if you could see it in the smoke. Peter Shute —————————— Message: 15 Message-ID: <001601d04cc0$32067460$96135d20$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” The loss of a Night Parrot to a feral cat is sad and dismaying, especially as it is merely a known case among other unknowns, presumably. The unfortunate truth is that feral cats are now part of Australia’s fauna, along with foxes, cane toads etc. Despite many calls here for governments to do something, nothing can be done. Cats, like rabbits, are rapid breeders, and their biggest enemies are other cats eager for a vacant territory and food supply. Remove a cat, and you create a space for a grown kitten that otherwise might starve, as most young of most species do. To permanently affect a local population of cats there would need to be constant efforts of eradication, and even that would merely keep numbers low. That effort across a continent is impossible. A potential answer may be a genetically engineered virus for cats, both deadly and virulent. Were such developed, it could not be used lest it escape Australia to destroy native cats of all types in the old world. Cats and foxes are an undoubted threat to birds and other native animals, but the greater threat probably is habitat loss through clearing, grazing, weeds, fire-regimes etc, etc. I don’t have an answer; I just have a fear for these vulnerable species. —————————— Message: 16 Cc: “birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < 08B1EE78-14C8-4B7F-A517-8297587BEF64@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 1. I not only have John’s permission but encouragement to forward this email which he sent to me this morning. 2. It is not hearsay, the forwarded email is John’s word written in his own hand detailing what he heard and saw. 3. The accused person has the opportunity to state his/her case on Birding-aus. Indeed, I look forward to their side of the story 4. It is up to the list members and/or moderators to decide when it is “enough on this matter”, not one individual. As for intemperate language, what I wrote is a greatly modified version of what I feel towards a person who would use such tactics as described by John, just to tick a bird. Carl Clifford considered and temperate in our language when we post messages on a public forum such as Birding-Aus. thoughts/comments on his post. the list? John may not wish his private comments to be broadcast in this way (and they may not do him any favours by being made public). reliable to justify such strong and emotive language directed at another person [“Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person.”], particularly when this person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story? (John himself knows all about this.) something. I would like to have the actual statement before concluding that this was a statement of genuine intent or serious consideration, rather than say a careless or even whimsical comment (possibly misinterpreted in a sensitive and volatile setting). of course megaphone commentary makes for much more entertaining reading (or listening – think shock-jocks). But shouldn’t we try on this forum, particularly with its slightly scientific pretensions, to remain objective, reasonable, fair, decent – you know, all that stuff? wrote: very disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. for his list at all costs and cost was the word. end so people could see them if lit when in position. feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. done. —————————— Message: 17 Cc: “< Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org>” < Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org> Message-ID: < 0CA530BD-AD9D-480B-8723-BA660CF684CC@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii The best type of virus, would be one that causes sterility in males. Carl Clifford fauna, to —————————— Message: 18 Message-ID: < 54E6BDCC.4000600@labyrinth.net.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed I am personally always delighted to see a new bird. I am prepared to get in the car and drive a moderate distance to go and see one. I have been known to pay money for people to show me birds in Cape York and the Kimberley. But I am extremely concerned – no, appalled, to hear of some person seriously suggesting that spinifex should be fired in order to give him a chance of “ticking” a Night Parrot, or anything else. Or trespassing on indigenous people’s land to see a Princess Parrot, as happened a few years ago. My personal opinion is that far too much effort is spent on ticking species and building life-lists. If the same effort was put into studying the life-histories of even common birds, we would know very much more than we do. Certainly atlassing has greatly built up our knowledge of bird distribution and migration, and Twitchathons etc. have provided a great deal of fun for those energetic enough to do it – so has digital photography. But first and foremost, please let us consider the birds. Anthea Fleming —————————— Message: 19 Cc: “birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < 1A80547C-FD59-48E4-BFBC-0E99A4532CB8@optusnet.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed G’day All Some people! Could I suggest that the ecotraps made in Melbourne are a very good way to catch cats and dogs. I used them in the bird sanctuary in PNG, better known as Pacific Adventist University. 50% of cats (from some old research I read) will not go into cage type traps, but this trap does not look like a trap at all, even to a cat or dog. It has a 1.5m zip on the narrow end so that if it is a Bilby or other native animal you have caught, you can easily release it. Some nights I sat nearby and watched it work. Highly recommended – though a tad expensive. Cheers Mike =================== Michael Tarburton tarburton.m@optusnet.com.au =================== On 20/02/2015, at 12:54 PM, Carl Clifford wrote: —————————— Message: 20 Message-ID: <000301d04cd1$23a33a00$6ae9ae00$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” —–Original Message—– Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 4:18 PM Yes, ticking is a strange occupation, a bit like collecting train or bus numbers ( which I used to do when I was a kid). Of course it does very little towards conservation, and in fact there have been many comments from “real” conservationists ( however defined) regarding the contempt in which they hold twitchers. The twitching compulsion is however very powerful, similar to heroin or crystal meth. or even pot I guess, not that I have ever been foolish enough to try any of these. I’ve been twitching now since 1991 and have experienced the excitement and satisfaction of getting new birds over and over again, the feeling never diminishes. The anticipation has made me travel all over this great southern land, covering many thousands of kilometres and costing sometimes inordinate amounts of money, and, incidentally, helping the tourism industry along the way. I’ve nevr ever thought of lighting fires though. On reflection, it’s hard to explain. But it’s been thoroughly enjoyable and I’ve made lots of friends. Tony. —–Original Message—– brian fleming Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 3:24 PM I am personally always delighted to see a new bird. I am prepared to get in the car and drive a moderate distance to go and see one. I have been known to pay money for people to show me birds in Cape York and the Kimberley. But I am extremely concerned – no, appalled, to hear of some person seriously suggesting that spinifex should be fired in order to give him a chance of “ticking” a Night Parrot, or anything else. Or trespassing on indigenous people’s land to see a Princess Parrot, as happened a few years ago. My personal opinion is that far too much effort is spent on ticking species and building life-lists. If the same effort was put into studying the life-histories of even common birds, we would know very much more than we do. Certainly atlassing has greatly built up our knowledge of bird distribution and migration, and Twitchathons etc. have provided a great deal of fun for those energetic enough to do it – so has digital photography. But first and foremost, please let us consider the birds. Anthea Fleming
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http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org —– No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG – http://www.avg.com Version: 2015.0.5646 / Virus Database: 4284/9147 – Release Date: 02/19/15 —————————— Message: 8 Message-ID: < 54E68882.60307@labyrinth.net.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Major surprise during a late breakfast- 9.45 am – looked out and saw a large bird on the back steps behind the house, just below our bird-bath. Lots of splashy dark brown markings – a juvenile Brown Goshawk. Eyebrows and heavy legs clearly seen, tail out of sight behind it. It stayed there for a minute or so, then took off and flew through the garden. When I got out with the camera, it was perched in our neighbour’s big Sugar Gum, but again it took flight when I raised the camera. Its movements around nearby gardens could be traced by numerous alarm-calls. Brown Goshawks were regular visitors in the 1970s but in recent years they have not been seen very often. Our house is above Darebin Creek – major local bird-route. Anthea Fleming —————————— Message: 9 < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Night Parrot Message-ID: < 344EE6D7-5202-40E0-BCBE-6CB0A51A5F92@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 I have just received this email from John Young, part of which I find very disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: Hi Carl, I could not resist complimenting you on your quote about governments ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. Personally I think they are a baby kissing, weak hand shaking waste of space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. The scary part was I recently had an individual wanting to see the bird for his list at all costs and cost was the word. He actually implied that a spinifex fire would force them out the other end so people could see them if lit when in position. If I would have been closer I would have beat the #!%# out of him. Surely our priceless fauna mean more than just a bloody tick. Our focus as a serious group of people now should be the killing of this feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. A huge thankyou to you and those who are driving this point home..well done. My turn is coming and I will take no prisoners. Kind regards John Young —————————— Message: 10 Cc: “birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID:
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http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org —————————— Message: 21 Cc: Richard NOWOTNY < richardnowotny@me.com>, birding-aus < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < D5F67D1B-DDE1-49C5-92DA-FBEB37882F4E@bigpond.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 Having guided birders for 30 + years, I?ve some idea what mad keen birders are capable of. And knowing John (and Carl), I don?t doubt at all what Carl wrote. Denise Goodfellow goodfellow@bigpond.com.au On 20 Feb 2015, at 1:31 pm, Carl Clifford < carlsclifford@gmail.com> wrote: email which he sent to me this morning. own hand detailing what he heard and saw. Birding-aus. Indeed, I look forward to their side of the story “enough on this matter”, not one individual. what I feel towards a person who would use such tactics as described by John, just to tick a bird. wrote: considered and temperate in our language when we post messages on a public forum such as Birding-Aus. thoughts/comments on his post. the list? John may not wish his private comments to be broadcast in this way (and they may not do him any favours by being made public). reliable to justify such strong and emotive language directed at another person [“Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person.”], particularly when this person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story? (John himself knows all about this.) something. I would like to have the actual statement before concluding that this was a statement of genuine intent or serious consideration, rather than say a careless or even whimsical comment (possibly misinterpreted in a sensitive and volatile setting). of course megaphone commentary makes for much more entertaining reading (or listening – think shock-jocks). But shouldn’t we try on this forum, particularly with its slightly scientific pretensions, to remain objective, reasonable, fair, decent – you know, all that stuff? wrote: very disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. for his list at all costs and cost was the word. end so people could see them if lit when in position. feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. done. —————————— Message: 22 Cc: birding-aus < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Message-ID: < 21827EDF-65FA-47C4-A4B4-71CB746EEC25@bigpond.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Dear Anthea I am all the way with you on this one. Denise Goodfellow goodfellow@bigpond.com.au On 20 Feb 2015, at 2:23 pm, brian fleming < flambeau@labyrinth.net.au> wrote: see one. I have been known to pay money for people to show me birds in Cape York and the Kimberley. seriously suggesting that spinifex should be fired in order to give him a chance of “ticking” a Night Parrot, or anything else. Or trespassing on indigenous people’s land to see a Princess Parrot, as happened a few years ago. species and building life-lists. If the same effort was put into studying the life-histories of even common birds, we would know very much more than we do. distribution and migration, and Twitchathons etc. have provided a great deal of fun for those energetic enough to do it – so has digital photography. But first and foremost, please let us consider the birds. —————————— Message: 23 < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Message-ID: < 1424418914.90566.YahooMailNeo@web87901.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Dear All I have been twitching now for something like 40 years and have done my fair share of crazy things in pursuit of birds but this is beyond belief. If the person was serious then they should be named and shamed, black listed by all the bird tour companies, put in front of a court and tried for criminal intent. Let’s sentence him to being hung, drawn and quartered at the British Bird Fair. ? Tony Clarke, —————————— Message: 24 the Night Parrot Message-ID: < 916F16CC-B5C1-4DC6-9595-A833175F778F@optusnet.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 I?m not sure what the fuss is about. From the limited context in Carl?s original post, I presume John was referring to a conversation he had with a birdwatcher – possibly at one of his lectures – where the use of fire was mentioned as a hypothetical means to see a bird. I don?t believe that John is in the habit of taking people to Night Parrot locations, so there was no likelihood of a night parrot actually being disturbed. It is not unknown for birdwatchers to beat the ground to flush out birds, and I think that beating or selective spinifex lighting was a technique used to see Night Parrots back in the nineteenth century. Actually, I think many observations came from horse riders who saw birds flushed by their mounts. The bottom line is there are many people who don?t care about the welfare of the birds they see. All we can do is educate people … As for John?s comments about governments, I would remind you that there have been many successful government programs to conserve birds in places like Macquarie Island, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and in New Zealand. There is a place for both public and private sector conservation efforts. Regards, Laurie. On 20 Feb 2015, at 2:01 pm, Carl Clifford < carlsclifford@gmail.com> wrote: email which he sent to me this morning. own hand detailing what he heard and saw. Birding-aus. Indeed, I look forward to their side of the story “enough on this matter”, not one individual. what I feel towards a person who would use such tactics as described by John, just to tick a bird. wrote: considered and temperate in our language when we post messages on a public forum such as Birding-Aus. thoughts/comments on his post. the list? John may not wish his private comments to be broadcast in this way (and they may not do him any favours by being made public). reliable to justify such strong and emotive language directed at another person [“Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person.”], particularly when this person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story? (John himself knows all about this.) something. I would like to have the actual statement before concluding that this was a statement of genuine intent or serious consideration, rather than say a careless or even whimsical comment (possibly misinterpreted in a sensitive and volatile setting). of course megaphone commentary makes for much more entertaining reading (or listening – think shock-jocks). But shouldn’t we try on this forum, particularly with its slightly scientific pretensions, to remain objective, reasonable, fair, decent – you know, all that stuff? wrote: very disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. for his list at all costs and cost was the word. end so people could see them if lit when in position. feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. done. —————————— Message: 25 < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> Message-ID: < BLU437-SMTP1871FFAC2FC555DD7EAF2DE62A0@phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I’m sorry, but I take exception to people setting themselves up as arbiters on what is a worthwhile pastime and what isn’t. To me, birdwatching is a hobby, pure and simple: I collect photographs and I enjoy playing around with lists and accumulating sightings. I am not an ornithologist and have no desire to become one. Therefore, I feel it is someone else’s vocation to contribute to the body of knowledge about birds. I personally know some plane spotters, and, whilst I find it hard to relate to their excitement, I would never disparage or denigrate what they do. Some people on this list have a condescending attitude to twitchers and listers and are only too pleased when something like this fire story comes along so that they can tar everyone with the same brush. How many twitchers do you think would set a fire to flush birds out? Don’t forget, that listers choose to list birds rather than planes or trains or rocks. In most cases it’s because they actually like birds and wouldn’t harm them for the world. Steve Murray —–Original Message—– brian fleming Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 2:54 PM I am personally always delighted to see a new bird. I am prepared to get in the car and drive a moderate distance to go and see one. I have been known to pay money for people to show me birds in Cape York and the Kimberley. But I am extremely concerned – no, appalled, to hear of some person seriously suggesting that spinifex should be fired in order to give him a chance of “ticking” a Night Parrot, or anything else. Or trespassing on indigenous people’s land to see a Princess Parrot, as happened a few years ago. My personal opinion is that far too much effort is spent on ticking species and building life-lists. If the same effort was put into studying the life-histories of even common birds, we would know very much more than we do. Certainly atlassing has greatly built up our knowledge of bird distribution and migration, and Twitchathons etc. have provided a great deal of fun for those energetic enough to do it – so has digital photography. But first and foremost, please let us consider the birds. Anthea Fleming
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http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org —————————— Message: 26 Cc: birding-aus@birding-aus.org Message-ID: <00b901d04ce8$00fda190$02f8e4b0$@experiencethewild.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Hi Steve, You have a good point and it is good to be reminded of the fact that there is a biodiversity of bird watchers as well as birds. No-one has the right to be judgemental when it comes to another person’s priorities when it comes to birding. I have only very rarely come across birders/twitchers who seem to be more concerned about getting the tick than the welfare of the bird, (usually when it comes to what I would consider inappropriate use of playback). I accept that my opinions are not necessarily the same as everyone else’s and mutually respectful conversations on this as with other matters relating to the birds, conservation, taxonomy, lists, tickability, etc are interesting, enlightening and keep us checking the latest Birding-Aus emails. Mike Jarvis experiencethewild.com.au —–Original Message—– Stephen Murray Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 5:39 PM I’m sorry, but I take exception to people setting themselves up as arbiters on what is a worthwhile pastime and what isn’t. To me, birdwatching is a hobby, pure and simple: I collect photographs and I enjoy playing around with lists and accumulating sightings. I am not an ornithologist and have no desire to become one. Therefore, I feel it is someone else’s vocation to contribute to the body of knowledge about birds. I personally know some plane spotters, and, whilst I find it hard to relate to their excitement, I would never disparage or denigrate what they do. Some people on this list have a condescending attitude to twitchers and listers and are only too pleased when something like this fire story comes along so that they can tar everyone with the same brush. How many twitchers do you think would set a fire to flush birds out? Don’t forget, that listers choose to list birds rather than planes or trains or rocks. In most cases it’s because they actually like birds and wouldn’t harm them for the world. Steve Murray —–Original Message—– brian fleming Sent: Friday, 20 February 2015 2:54 PM I am personally always delighted to see a new bird. I am prepared to get in the car and drive a moderate distance to go and see one. I have been known to pay money for people to show me birds in Cape York and the Kimberley. But I am extremely concerned – no, appalled, to hear of some person seriously suggesting that spinifex should be fired in order to give him a chance of “ticking” a Night Parrot, or anything else. Or trespassing on indigenous people’s land to see a Princess Parrot, as happened a few years ago. My personal opinion is that far too much effort is spent on ticking species and building life-lists. If the same effort was put into studying the life-histories of even common birds, we would know very much more than we do. Certainly atlassing has greatly built up our knowledge of bird distribution and migration, and Twitchathons etc. have provided a great deal of fun for those energetic enough to do it – so has digital photography. But first and foremost, please let us consider the birds. Anthea Fleming
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http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org —————————— Message: 27 Park (& some other stuff) Message-ID: < COL128-W397E21EBAFBB62085F7D97FC2A0@phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”iso-8859-1″ Hi all I had a very ad hoc/unplanned trip to Sydney Olympic Park this morning (20 Feb). At the waterbird refuge there was a single possible Pectoral Sandpiper that would be worth checking out. It was seen working in and out of the samphire near the water’s edge about 50m to the right of the hide. Views from the hide were restricted to head only and it was best seen when looking back across the front of the hide (a long way) from the path. Distinctive feature was a very white belly with heavily marked breast and very distinct cut off between the two, which was what made me think Pectoral. Legs yellowish. A pale supercilium extended well beyond the eye and crown had no trace of chestnut. When it stood straight, it looked “tall”. No Sharpies on site for a size comparison and no pics possible unfortunately (too far away and camera battery discovered to be flat – that’s what happens with ad hoc trips…). I have also reported this in the NSW/ACT Birders Facebook site and I think there may be others heading out tomorrow to check it out (hoping it’s still there). Also at the hide was a small covey of Brown Quail (saw 1, reckon 6 based on locations of calls) in the long grass/scrub just to the right when looking out of the hide. I didn’t try to count the Red-necked Avocets but a good number of them and several busy groups of Black-fronted Dotterels too. There have been 3 Australasian Shovelers reported recently, but I could not find them. At nearby Mason Park, there were about 40 Sharpies (although they flew off and headed away before I could count properly). The flew off up the canal, so may have been heading for a site on Parramatta River or somewhere like that? There is a lone Pink-eared Duck at that site too. Cheers Tom Wilson —————————— Message: 28 Cc: Richard NOWOTNY < richardnowotny@me.com>, “birding-aus-request@birding-aus.org” < birding-aus@birding-aus.org> the Night Parrot Message-ID: < B8D4F0A2-70F2-4FA3-A24F-593DBA52E98F@bells.id.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Sounds to me like a birder brought up on a diet of Monty Python with tongue pressed firmly in the cheek. (One birder I could imagine making such a quip is Bill Oddie, and I wouldn’t put it past Jeremy Clarkson dropping a line like that either). Cheers, and remind me never to make such a twisted remark, even in jest… Andrew Bell email which he sent to me this morning. own hand detailing what he heard and saw. Birding-aus. Indeed, I look forward to their side of the story “enough on this matter”, not one individual. what I feel towards a person who would use such tactics as described by John, just to tick a bird. wrote: considered and temperate in our language when we post messages on a public forum such as Birding-Aus. thoughts/comments on his post. the list? John may not wish his private comments to be broadcast in this way (and they may not do him any favours by being made public). reliable to justify such strong and emotive language directed at another person [“Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person.”], particularly when this person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story? (John himself knows all about this.) something. I would like to have the actual statement before concluding that this was a statement of genuine intent or serious consideration, rather than say a careless or even whimsical comment (possibly misinterpreted in a sensitive and volatile setting). of course megaphone commentary makes for much more entertaining reading (or listening – think shock-jocks). But shouldn’t we try on this forum, particularly with its slightly scientific pretensions, to remain objective, reasonable, fair, decent – you know, all that stuff? wrote: very disturbing. How someone who purports to be a birdwatcher could suggest setting fire to a fragile environment as spinifex country, just so he could tick the Night Parrot is quite unfathomable. Utter contempt is not adequate enough to describe my feelings towards this person. Unfortunately, if I were to use the phraseology I would like to, I would likely be kicked off BA for life. Suffice to say, they would be a suitable candidate for retrospective sterilisation. Enough of my raging, here is John Youngs email: ?Cloud Cuckoo Land? how good and factual is that. space ? hence my stand to avoid them at all costs. for his list at all costs and cost was the word. end so people could see them if lit when in position. feral menace that has the potential in the VERY near future of wiping some of our precious fauna off the face of the earth. done. —————————— Message: 29 Cc: birding-aus@birding-aus.org Message-ID: < 12089AAE-7DFD-4A52-87E1-166CC1839825@optusnet.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Couldn?t agree more Steve. I?ll also never be an ornithologist and whilst i try to help out conservation where i can, I don?t think anyone should have to justify the fact that they simply enjoy birdwatching in whatever form gives them the most personal pleasure. Does no-one else have hobbies or ways to relax that don?t actually have a higher purpose? Do we judge people for reading the newspaper? I?ve personally been with birders who have made jokes about flushing things with fire etc – but it has certainly always been tongue in cheek for sure! Yes if someone made the comment seriously it is terrible indeed – but lets put away the pitch forks for a bit eh? Cheers Dave arbiters no I tar a Of see species distribution and —————————— Message: 30 Message-ID: < 2654B095-4291-49BC-93EB-52752CE29706@yahoo.com.au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii An interesting take on “fencing” to protect wildlife. http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-20/phillips-predator-proof-fences/6162 484 Cheers, Charles Hunter +61 402 907 577 —————————— _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org —————————— End of Birding-Aus Digest, Vol 16, Issue 18 *******************************************
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