Subject: yet more re: Seoul & etc.
Date: May 17 16:14:08 1997
From: Phil Hotlen - n8540420 at animal.cc.wwu.edu


Hello again Tom (and interested others),

This time I am going to assume can't get ahold of the necessary field
guides and bird books. It looks like there are to ways to go, with both
together giving ideal results.

The first is to purchase the books locally, in the local languages.
Scientific names would be recognizeable regardless. Then bone up in your
hotel room.

The second is to use a one-on-one approach. The book I recommended earlier:
"The Birds of Korea" (1971) by M.E.J. Gore and Won Pyong-Oh can be used
as a starting point (maybe). Gore was attached to the British Embassy in
Seoul. Also, the book is/was sponsored by the Royal Asiatic Society,
Korean Branch. As a society, the British have long been the world's most
avid birders. Therefore, with your impressive credentials, you should be
able, in my oppinion, to make initial contact and arrange for a personal
guide, e.g. student(s). The co-author, Won, is/was at the Institute of
Ornithology, Kyong Hee University, Seoul. The possibilities might be
endless!

One species, the Crested Lark (Galerida cristata), is not found in the
Japan field guide, and apparently not found in Japan. It is a bird of
dusty roads around villages (and also found in Germany, etc.). In "The
Birds of Korea", it is pointed out that the Crested Lark is declining due
to being a target of air rifles. That is a major problem all over the
Third World (see the book, Birds of Bali for example). I am worried that
the colorful Bee-Eaters, Kingfishers, Red Turtle Doves, et al. in rural
Vietnam will suffer the same fate, now that teenage boys will soon be
able to afford air rifles.

One summer species to keep your eyes open for is the Black-Naped Oriole.
It is a bird of the canopy, especially in stands of tall poplars, etc.
You will hear it easier than see it.

So long.

Phil Hotlen
Bellingham, WA