Tweeters and such,

I find it interesting that some folks are put out by the four-letter code for
bird names. It would help if you look at the fun aspect and see this as a
valuable learning process. We're always trying to improve our field ID skills but
balk at having to learn a four-letter code for bird names? I'm with Gary
Bletsch and have to agree that it's not that difficult.

As an etymologist, lover of acronyms, anagrams, and words in general, there's
a lot of fun to be had just in reading the list from A to Z. Check out this
website..
<http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm>. Just scroll down through
the list and enjoy.
How can you not see a bit of humor in calling an Arctic Loon, ARLO?
How about BOBO for a Bobolink?
Do you know of a Great Egret named GREG?
If it's all caps, a PUMA is not a mountain lion; it's a Purple Martin.
Have a little fun and don't fight the four-letter advocates. After all, a
Sora is still a SORA; and a Ruff is still a RUFF.

It might be something else to learn but I always think of birders as being
ready for new "tools."

Joe Meche
Birding Programs Coordinator
North Cascades Audubon Society
Bellingham, WA