Bird Word: Ornithologist
Ornithologist: another name for a birder or bird watcher, but usually someone who takes their interest very seriously. Those who study birds as part of their work are best called ornithologists.
I regard myself as a birder primarily. I watch birds. I photograph birds. I write about birds (on this blog). I talk (as a guest speaker) about birds. I read about birds. People come to me with their bird questions in person, on the phone, by email or through asking questions on this blog. I answer as best I can, knowing that I am still very much an amateur and learning all the time.
At times, however, I am at best described as an amateur ornithologist. I do not get paid for watching or studying birds but I do take some activities very seriously. For example, I have collected data for three bird Atlases over the last three decades. The data collected has been published and is a valuable part of our knowledge of the birds of Australia.
A special offer you can’t refuse:
Anyone living within a few hours’ drive of Murray Bridge, South Australia, who would like a guest speaker on birds, please contact me via the contact form. I am willing to speak at schools, clubs, churches and any other organization.
And if you provide the ticket, I’ll even fly interstate!
And overseas!
Happy birding.
The real James Bond – ornithologist
No Comments »7th September, 2007; Category: Birders
Most people have heard of James Bond the slick, handsome, debonair lady-killing spy featured in a series of novels and successful films. Good escapist stuff for those who like action packed movies.
What most people do not realise is that the REAL James Bond was an ornithologist. Ian Fleming, the author of the spy novels was a birder and had a copy of a bird field guide on his bookshelves. Searching for a suitable name for his new creation, he borrowed the character’s name from the author of the field guide, James Bond.
There is a certain poetic irony in all of this. An avid bird watcher (feathered variety) is writing a spy novel whose main character is a bird watcher (non-feathered variety) so he borrows the name of a professional bird watcher (feathered variety) for said character. That’s neat.
Further reading:
- Bond. James Bond. Ornithologist. This article actually shows a picture of a copy of the famous field guide written by James Bond (ornithologist). It also has more information about the real James Bond.
The Second Australian Birdfair
No Comments »30th August, 2007; Category: Birders
The second Australian Birdfair at Leeton, New South Wales, is coming closer. It will be held from 15th to the 18th November.
The theme this year is “Our disappearing woodland birds – their future conservation.”
The Australian Birdfair 15-18 November 2007
- Seminars and lectures about birds and other aspects of the natural world.
- Birding and Nature related organisations, Market Stalls
- Exhibits of interest to the bird watching industry.
- Evening events
- Organised, and self guided birdwatching tours
- Entertainment, Art, and Varied Cultural activities.
It sounds like it will be a great event. I wish I could attend.
Perhaps I should treat myself to a special 60th birthday present on the 16th November!
The Big Twitch
5 Comments »23rd August, 2007; Category: Birders
Last year read a book called “The Big Twitch“ written by Australian birder, writer and sometime comedian Sean Dooley. This is an excellent read if you are even mildly interested in birds, and especially if you enjoy books relating adventure, quests, the search for unusual things and not without a little humour thrown into the whole mix.
I didn’t realise it at the time but Sean has a web site dedicated to the book. He has even started a blog which is accessed through the site (though he hasn’t updated it in quite a while).
Further reading
- Twitching in Australia – an activity that is alive and well.
- What is a twitcher – a very popular article on this blog.
- Armchair Bird Twitching – a lazy way to watch birds.
Bird Blogging Conference
I’ve heard quite a bit about conferences for bloggers but these have usually been for people who write blogs about blogging.
Now we have the First Bird Blogging Conference which is being organized by Sharon Stiteler on her blog called Birdchick.com. This sounds like being a great get together of birders who also blog on the north American continent. Pity it’s such a long way from Australia.
P.S. Anyone know where I can get a return air ticket from Australia for under $500???