Steve Sutton
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Steve Sutton
Well-known member
source that isn't 1 year short of being 60 years old.....nothing in the Scientific world is static and using a reference that is older than me simply doesn't make sense....
If your going to recommend Ducks Geese and Swans as a reference then you might specify the updated Frank Bellrose edition that came out in the early 80's.....still that ones over 25 years old and lots of things have changed since then. Stuff like common names, sceintific names and population status etc. etc....
Thanks again for the recommendation but I think I'll stick with my copy of Madge and Burn WATERFOWL, an identification guide to the ducks, geese and swans of the world, for its later publication date, its better art, descriptions of plummage, habits and range and for its Worldwide coverage as my starting point and then the internet for the checking up on the most recent information....
Steve
If your going to recommend Ducks Geese and Swans as a reference then you might specify the updated Frank Bellrose edition that came out in the early 80's.....still that ones over 25 years old and lots of things have changed since then. Stuff like common names, sceintific names and population status etc. etc....
Thanks again for the recommendation but I think I'll stick with my copy of Madge and Burn WATERFOWL, an identification guide to the ducks, geese and swans of the world, for its later publication date, its better art, descriptions of plummage, habits and range and for its Worldwide coverage as my starting point and then the internet for the checking up on the most recent information....
Steve
Jay Anglin
Well-known member
The cover has pretty much fallen off my copy of Belrose. I was reading it last night and it's really starting to show it's outdatedness(is that word?). I didn't look it up but as far I know there hasn't been an update? The last time I checked was a couple years ago. I thought I'd heard someplace...maybe here...that somebody was updating Belrose's work. Heard anything? I don't have Madge and Burn and I should pick that up. Have you heard of anything to fill the need for a new Ducks, Geese and Swans of NA?
Jay
Jay
Matt Cottingham
Member
Guys
Not as extensive as ducks, geese and swans of North America but interesting and new is an article By David Allen Sibley. Titled Identification of Canada and cackling goose. Updated October 7, 2004 i know that some one will have problems with the termanology so pipe up and i will try to explain. it is a good read about geese.
Not as extensive as ducks, geese and swans of North America but interesting and new is an article By David Allen Sibley. Titled Identification of Canada and cackling goose. Updated October 7, 2004 i know that some one will have problems with the termanology so pipe up and i will try to explain. it is a good read about geese.
Steve Sutton
Well-known member
at the time of his death updating his 1980 "revision" of Kortright's book. What happened the planned update after his death I do not know....
Madge and Burn is from 1987 so it too is a bit outdated as far as "common names", the seperation of some "species" and "sub-species" and current status but as far as I know its the most recent comprehensive book that covers only waterfowl and that provides detailed life history information on the birds, including descriptions of all plummages, ranges, habits, etc. etc.....
One of the more recent field guides would be more accurate as to current common name and any changes in scientific classification but you won't get the detailed information that is include in Waterfowl so until it is updated, or something of equal detail comes out to replace it, it remains the most accurate and comprehensive of the field guides, at least that I'm aware of...
That said any book is outdated almost as soon as it goes into print which is why the internet has become such a huge resource....everything you want to know, from the earliest studies to the lateset is right ther at yout fingertips courtesy of that internet wizard, Al Gore.....
Steve
Madge and Burn is from 1987 so it too is a bit outdated as far as "common names", the seperation of some "species" and "sub-species" and current status but as far as I know its the most recent comprehensive book that covers only waterfowl and that provides detailed life history information on the birds, including descriptions of all plummages, ranges, habits, etc. etc.....
One of the more recent field guides would be more accurate as to current common name and any changes in scientific classification but you won't get the detailed information that is include in Waterfowl so until it is updated, or something of equal detail comes out to replace it, it remains the most accurate and comprehensive of the field guides, at least that I'm aware of...
That said any book is outdated almost as soon as it goes into print which is why the internet has become such a huge resource....everything you want to know, from the earliest studies to the lateset is right ther at yout fingertips courtesy of that internet wizard, Al Gore.....
Steve
Jay Anglin
Well-known member
I'll definately have to pick up a copy of Madge and Burn, thanks for the tip. I vaguely remember one of my professors using that as a reference but for some reason it got past me when I was on top of that sort of thing.
It still amazes me how often I refer to Belrose and he's dead on even though it's outdated. I usually delve into the net as well but it's so nice to kick back with a book..one of life's little pleasures. DAMN that Algore.
Matt I've read Sibley's breakdown of the geese a few times including recently. I also noticed that other resources often quote him or cite that paper when discussing Cackling and Canada geese. I also use the Sibley guide often but sometimes I find it overly simpified though I'm sure that was his intent.
It still amazes me how often I refer to Belrose and he's dead on even though it's outdated. I usually delve into the net as well but it's so nice to kick back with a book..one of life's little pleasures. DAMN that Algore.
Matt I've read Sibley's breakdown of the geese a few times including recently. I also noticed that other resources often quote him or cite that paper when discussing Cackling and Canada geese. I also use the Sibley guide often but sometimes I find it overly simpified though I'm sure that was his intent.