Recent book purchase

You're right, Pete. Egging (oology) was a widespread hobby among children and adults up until the 1954 Protection of Birds Act.

There is an argument that it encouraged a curiosity and interest in Nature which, as far as I am aware, has mostly been lost to youngsters of today, many of whom seem to think it occurs only 'over there' - ie in a wildlife reserve - or in David Attenborough TV progs.

There are moves afoot to introduce a GCSE in Natural History to the school curriculum, but I am not convinced that it would make a lot of difference - I suppose it would depend on the content and the quality of the teaching. 

Don't you think talk of  "densities, distribution and conservation" might be a bit of a turn-off?

  

There is something to be learned Jim. Even in an elementary kids bird book of the 1940's and 50's, they had an obsession with eggs and nests, almost encouraging naughty boys to go birds egging. Hopefully we've now moved on and would talk more of population densities, distribution and conservation. 

Regards Pete

Seen a couple of what appeared to be swifts fly past, cameramen need to get more alert instead of concentrating on cricket!

Any birding updates from Brisbane?

Too advanced for me !

On reflection, my recent ornithological book purchase ( bought unseen on ebay)  was not particularly wise. I have learned nothing.