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Some thoughts on scientific collecting

10,000 Birds

The species was in the news because some scientists had finally managed (or bothered – it’s much the same thing) to locate the population high in the mountains of the Solomon Islands, and catch and photograph one. Box after box of egg. The large room the collection was held in was a profoundly weird place.

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Chasing cuckoos

10,000 Birds

I can’t help wondering if the conspicuousness of the bird I saw was an attempt to draw attention to itself to distract the Grey Warbler while the other laid her eggs. Other cuckoos do use distraction in this way, but I don’t know in this case. Looking around. Facing me with a wing stretch. Note the contrasting stripey belly.