World Series of Birding in National Geographic
Have you seen the April issue of National Geographic? Mel White penned the tale of the 2007 event.
I predict that even nonlisters will enjoy the delightful read, and I like that the opening photo of the online version shows dreadlocked, tattooed Philadelphia-based Tony Croasdale of Team Bristlehead. Not all birders sport gray hair and wrinkles -- the typical stereotype of those who feed, watch and chase birds.
I predict that even nonlisters will enjoy the delightful read, and I like that the opening photo of the online version shows dreadlocked, tattooed Philadelphia-based Tony Croasdale of Team Bristlehead. Not all birders sport gray hair and wrinkles -- the typical stereotype of those who feed, watch and chase birds.
Labels: World Series of Birding
posted by Amy at 5:29 PM
11 Comments:
I've been wondering what happened to this article. The NG folks came to Sandy Hook to interview the Big Sit team there. I guess they didn't make the cut (I only skimmed the article for now though). I've seen Tony's emails many times. It's amazing how a mental image of a person through email is usually different than the real thing. He looks like a cool guy!
Thanks for the link - I really enjoyed reading that.
Does anyone else think the World Series of Birding would make an awesome reality tv show/series - meeting teams, following the prep scouting and then the race itself? If done right I reckon it could be another Spellbound
Thanks for the info!
Tai Haku: "If done right" definitely is pertinent. It'd be easy for a nonbirder to create an unflattering portrait of the activity's inherent quirks.
Mel: You're welcome (c:
Totally agree Amy - I was thinking along the lines of "Deadliest Catch" (only without the danger and with birds instead of crabs)
They didn't even mention the ABA/Leica Tropicbirds!
Even though they spent an entire day with us and were planning on putting us in there.
And what's this about barely being able to tell a hawk from a heron??? This guy needs to spend a day with the 2007 Tropicbirds team! Some of us "Youth division" teams are better than some of the Adult teams! I think everyone should know that in the Cape May county division, we were beaten only by the MOS Yellowthroats. No other teams in the division came close.
Also, the article is inaccurate in several areas.
I actually think he confused '06 and '07.
I.E.: Pete Dunne did his big sit last year at Cape May point where he and his team had a record number of species. They included: Mississippi Kite, Western Kingbird and Parasitic Jaeger.
No wonder it didn't get printed in the Magazine. It's not good enough. It was also not even close to what they led us to believe they were going to put in there.... And the count record is 258 from TX? Where did he get that??
Seriously, I'd expect a lot more from a NG reporter. Even if he is a non-birder. He still has to get his facts right and figure out a better way to write it.
Anyway, thanks for the link Amy. It's impossible to get to from the link that NG Mag provides unless you know exactly where it is.
Someone who is a birder should write something on the World Series and send it to NGM. I think there's people out there who could do a better job.
I can't speak to all of your points, but as someone who's worked as a reporter and as an editor, let me clarify: The reporter can write as much as possible and as accurately as possible, but the final say belongs to the editor.
The reporter truly cannot be held completely responsible for the final version, because the reporter often doesn't have the option of reviewing an edited version that's been changed by editors.
I understand.
I guess I was kind of, more than anything else, ticked that they asserted that the youth division teams couldn't tell "a Hawk from a Heron." That just simply isn't true.
Although, personally, I don't think editors should have the power to change facts. Remove maybe, but change no.
Have you written a letter to the editor and calmly refuted the hawk/heron statement? Most editors really like to receive feedback, especially when it's politely contentious.
That is actually a good idea. I'll do so. Thanks.
Once in a blue moon, I have a good idea ;)
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