There is one record of Spotted Towhee, & I think one report of
Plumbeous Vireo for Florida. I wonder if Lyn used the AOU Check
List in doing her big year? Lyn?
Rick West wrote:
>
> In a message dated 12/12/00, [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> > If the record was set in 1974, just out of curiosity as another small factor
> > I'm
> > wondering if assorted splits and lumps since that time have netted a gain,
> > loss,
> > or perhaps neither in the number of likely species in the state. Does
> > anyone
> > know?
> > Margie Wilkinson
> >
>
> The answer to Margie's question is tough as one delves into it. I won't
> attempt an answer be just mention a few changes.
>
> Splitting Nelson's and Saltmarsh Seaside Sparrows is a clear gain.
>
> Splitting Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's Thrushes is a potential gain, but
> Bicknell's would be both rare and a tough call.
> Similarly splitting Eastern and Spotted Towhees potentially adds a species,
> but the likelihood of encountering a Spotted Towhee is small.
>
> Splitting back Baltimore and Bullock's Orioles may be a gain, but winter
> Orioles are a tough call. I say "may be a gain" because 1974 is the year
> following the infamous lumping by the AOU of orioles, juncos, seaside
> sparrows, Savannah sparrows, Great White and Great Blue Heron, Blue and Snow
> Goose, Green-winged and [Eurasian] Teal, Harlan's and Red-tailed Hawk, and
> Audubon's and Myrtle Warbler.
> There were a couple of splits recognized in 1973: Willow and Alder
> Flycatchers, and Thayer's from Herring Gull.
>
> This lumping (Auk 90: 411-419 (1973)) was obviously greeted with outrage by
> listers, particularly by those who saw their lists shrink below 500 or some
> other threshold. So most birders and the ABA were a little slow to follow
> the AOU lead. I not sure what standard Lyn applied, but she was compiling a
> list during a time of shifting ground rules.
>
> I hope others can add more to the answer to Margie's question. I'm sure I
> have overlooked some changes.
>
> Rick West
> Tallahassee, FL
--
Wes Biggs
Florida Nature Tours, Orlando 407/363-1360 [log in to unmask]
http://www.floridanaturetours.com ABA sponsored
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