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The complete guide to Dodo relatives, living and dead

10,000 Birds

In fact, the Dodo belonged to a clade (sometimes called Raphini) of 15 remarkable, bizarre, intriguing island-adapted pigeons, some of which are still alive today, but eight of which have been hacked from the tree of life, driven to extinction by humans. The painting above is by 17th-century Flemish artist Roelant Savery.

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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. This collection isn’t some ghastly memorial or symbol of human stupidity. New Zealand Bitterns.

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Linda Hufford: A Rehabber Comments on “Collecting” Rare Birds

10,000 Birds

He said the federal government’s and Alaska’s state rules were, for the most part, okay; they were consistent and generally made sense for the safety of both humans and wildlife, and in many respects, coincided with his own views of protecting the native environment. How it is being affected by human intrusions?

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The Jewel Hunter: A Book Review About One Birder’s Quest for Pittas and Beer

10,000 Birds

Black-faced Pitta is found only on one of the Solomon Islands (northwest of Australia). The books work best when the birding is coupled with the human element. It isn’t till his travels get under way that we learn, chapter by chapter, about the specific difficulties of locating and viewing pittas.

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