I second that!

Equally depressing, I think, is a non-industrialized landscape devoid of wildlife and other animals. About 5 years ago I became interested in what birds might have become locally extinct in China and areas of Tibet during the 1900's and a fellow birder recommended the following book by Joseph Becker: Hungry ghosts: Mao's secret famine. Emotionally this book is a difficult read, but an eye opener. Joy's message reminded me that I would like to continue this research as time permits. Anyone else know anything about the decline in bird populations during the famines and strife in China? I got started on this track after readng a book about travel in Tibet (can't remember the author and title at the moment) in which the author mentioned local declines/expatriation/extinctions in duck populations in Tibet.

Judy
--
Judy Rowe Taylor
Mukilteo, WA
mailto: judyrowetaylor at comcast.net
www.enduringibis.com
"Art is a voice of the heart, a song of the soul."

-------------- Original message --------------

> Hello Tweeters;
> Recently I was told by a family member, who sometimes works as a
> quality control specialist at a plant in China, how devoid of non-human
> creatures their lives are. Here is the picture: A walled compound
> contains various industrial plants. Tall apartments surround this area
> close enough so the people can walk to work. 80,000 male workers go to
> work there everyday and hope they can produce well enough to keep their
> jobs one more day. There are no dogs, cats or other animals- just
> people. Vacation places, where they could potentially see wildlife, are
> reserved for the wealthy. This gives me chills and makes me realize how
> fortunate we are just to move around and experience nature! Tweeterland
> is heaven on earth.
>
> Joy Stickney-Markgraf
> White Salmon WA
> joymarkgraf at gorge.net
>
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