>1) How do you pronounce _Aythya_, the genus name for Scaups, Pochards,
Canvasbacks, and so on?

Historically, AYthya. But when I think about it, ayTHEEah seems better.
General answer for pronunciation of Latinized names: if whoever you're
talking to understands what you said, you're alright.
Also reminds me of Sgt. Woj-- on Barney Miller. "...just like it's spelled."

>2) why do Gannets "elongate" their necks before take off from a colony?

Why do I get the feeling it's both to inform cliffmates AND gulp O2?
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Scott Richardson
NE Seattle
salix at isomedia.com