Once upon a time, I was given an old bird guide for eastern North American
species with an index that included scientific names and common and
regional names. I had an enchanted evening discovering all the unusual
regional names for birds I knew or hoped to see. Best time reading an
index I will ever have.

I will do my best to shift my poor brain to the new terminology when it
arrives. But I will always mourn the passing of the Water Ouzel. American
Dipper just doesn't "sing" for me, even though I use it, and I'm always
delighted to see the bird.

Carol Stoner
West Seattle