At 12:52 AM 7/6/98 -0700, Michael Price wrote:

>A lovely expression, Jim, but mis-applied. As a lover of language, I also
>like consistency and accuracy, particularly in a quasi-scientific avocation
>such as birding.

In other words, you're asking us not to offend you with imprecise language,
which I have to admit is similar to the request of others that we not offend
them by swearing.

However, I haven't seen you ask for censorship to enforce your wishes. Just
as Dan makes no attempt to wash our mouths out with soap for swearing, he'll
make no effort to so if we exclaim "breeding plumage", and you don't seem to
be asking that he do so.

Why does all this invoke an image of Monty Python in a circle around you,
holding American Redstarts, jumping up and down, waving the birds in your
face, shouting "breeding plumage!"? :) :)



- Don Baccus, Portland OR <dhogaza at pacifier.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, and other goodies at
http://donb.photo.net