I spent the last few days at the annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group,
which was held at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo in Blaine. Great spot for watching
hundreds of Pacific Loons at close range, with Red-throateds and Commons
present, too. (Spent a long time looking for Yellow-billed, a curse bird,
without luck.) Oldsquaw (for now) and Harlequin Ducks were easily viewed,
though the former did not approach land too closely. A Peregrine was hanging
out, as were eagles, and a Short-eared Owl made a long flight over the bay
while being mobbed by gulls. A Black Turnstone flock had a few Sanderling and
Dunlin mixed in for variety. Besides a couple of guillemots, I was surprised by
the lack of alcids. Grebes and other seaducks were around, though.

Among my highlights of the meeting was finding a book published in 1956 and at
the top of my want list for 7 years: Birds of Midway and Laysan Islands, by
Alfred M Bailey. I have a keen interest in Midway's avian history and this book
is essential. While I am thrilled to have the reference, I became depressed
reading it last night.

On the cover is a painting of a Laysan Honey-eater, an endemic (found nowhere
else) species of Laysan Island. As the caption states: "It was a common bird on
its native island until the vegetation was destroyed by rabbits." Those rabbits
were introduced (along with guinea pigs) for the creation of a rabbit canning
business (which I believe never became established). Rabbits destroyed the
vegetation, leading to the extinction of three bird species.

We tweeters have been over it before: Habitat destruction, non-native species,
extinction.

Bird protection and conservation are not every birder's cup of tea (or
shade-grown coffee), but I align with those who wish for a stronger
conservation stance from those who spend time pursuing birds.

Some bird-related organizations are not conservation oriented (the Washington
Ornithological Society, for one). Nonetheless, these organizations can educate
their members and others in their communities about bird life histories,
habitat requirements, and threats. Many WOS members are strong advocates for
birds and bird habitats through their other affiliations (Audubon, for
example). Others do little or nothing but hunt birds for their checklists.
That's their choice, though I can't fully understand it. The Laysan Honey-eater
and the Miller-bird are two lost twitches, two check-marks that can never be
made.

For those of us who love birds for more than their contributions to our life
lists, our year lists, our state lists, those absent birds at Laysan should
haunt us, for they represent lost experience. And for those who value, simply,
the existence of birds, and who step up to support their preservation, thank
you.

Miller-bird: "These birds were abundant at the time of our visit... and so tame
that if we remained quiet they would land upon our heads..." (Bailey)
EXTINCT before 1923

Honey-eater: "...beautiful scarlet-vermillion birds with slender down-turned
beaks and eyes of reddish yellow..." (Bailey) "A most touching thing occurred:
I caught a little red Honey-eater in the net, and when I took it out the little
thing began to sing in my hand. I answered it with a whistle, which it returned
and continued to do so for some minutes, not being the least frightened."
(Palmer)
EXTINCT 1923
--
Scott Richardson
Olympia, Washington
salix at halcyon.com