Rob Saecker wrote:

> At 12:14 AM -0700 8/8/98, Jerry and Sandy Converse wrote:
> >Now how am I supposed to figure out what they look like when I don't
> >even call them the right name. ie subject is--"Rough-legs" instead of
> >Rough-legged. Now that I have the name right there should be no problem.
>
> Uh oh, watch your language around Jerry. ;-) But really, when you're
> driving down the road and you see one of these hawks, do you say, "Look,
> there is a rough-legged hawk."? Or do you holler, "Rough-leg."?

I say Rough-leg. I was correcting myself, not anyone else. Remember when I saw
the Common Grackle? I called it "Common Crackle" daaa.

I had just read that the "Carpal" is the underwing at the "wrist", usually
composed of all the primary underwing coverts. To use it is part of my learning
process. I didn't mean to use it to correct anyone else.

> I'm just
> using the vernacular, which has the added advantage of fewer letters totype, a
> benefit to those of us who are typing challenged.

Talk about typing challenged---I have been 45 minutes so far on this letter, so I
hope everyone appreciates this effort. Ouch--I just dislocated my shoulder trying
to pat myself on the back. :-))


> Besides, I
> noticed you didn't complain about red-tail or ferruge. ;-)

Again I was complaining only about my non-use of proper terms. Sorry that came
across wrong.

> >I have Wheeler and Clark (borrowed from a friend) and there are 'only'
> >20 pictures of "Rough-legged Hawks"
>
> This is where _Hawks in Flight_ has the advantage. They have a slew of
> photos in the back of the book, but the illustrations that accompany the
> text give you only three variations, which suggest the range of
> possibilities without overwhelming you. Again, an oversimpification, but it
> makes getting started easier. In addition, the illustrations make comparing
> different species *much* easier, because all the birds are illustrated from
> the same perspective.

Sounds like I will have to break out the pocket book again.

> Actually, if all you've been looking for are the carpal spots, I suspect
> that you've mostly been seeing immatures, because the carpal spots are much
> more prominent on juveniles.

Interesting, we will keep that in mind.

>
>
> >I like that word "carpel" I also like "superciliary" and "pre-basic
> >molt".
>
> And to think I consciously used wrist instead of carpal, just to avoid
> confusing you. Won't make that mistake again. :-)

I also like the terms Northern and Southern Migration. It puts a better picture
in my little brain. Did you know that I have a photo graphic memory. I just keep
forgetting to put the film in. ;-))

Thanks for the reply.

Jerry Converse
Grand Coulee, WA

> Rob Saecker
> Olympia