h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A24145643

I have a couple of queries about this.

First, you say "It is perceived to be in decline and not a threat."

Why would it be a threat? You don't mention this at any other point and I (so presumably others too) really don't know what you mean by this.

Seccond, you say that the black neck ring is "absent when in eclipse". What does 'in eclipse' mean? I don't think I've ever hear the term with reference to birds before and I think it might be worth explaining.

Hi Bernadette.

Points taken on board, but it is currently with the Editors, so I cannot amend it.

However:

1) 'It is perceived to be in decline and not a threat' means that as a non-native, it is not expanding it's territory and so is not a threat to native wildlife!'

2) 'absent when in eclipse' is when any water bird loses it's breeding plumage, as it is worn out, and becomes drab. It tends to hide away as it cannot fly or go near water, as it is not waterproof.

I apologise. Being a birder, it is very difficult to think outside of non-birding terms, as my sub-ed will tell you.

I have a major learning curve for my next UP!

Thanks for the wake-up call!



MMF

I am sub-editing this piece, that's why I brought it up - I suppose I should have mentioned that specifically but I forgot. I guess it's rather ironic that when saying I think you're assuming too much knowlege on the part of the reader I'm doing exactly the same thing myself.

If you could come up with a sentence to explain what 'in eclipse' means that I can insert into the text I think it would help; I'd not come across the idea before and it sounds interesting. Does this phase last long?

I think if you write a line or two to explain it it will work better with the rest of the piece than if I try to rewrite your answer above to fit the text. Just post it here and I'll put it in.

I don't know if there's anything else you want to add or comment about - the link above is to the copy I'm editing - please let me know. Apart from clarifying the points I made here I think I just need to add a few links and it'll be done.

Eclipse - Once the breeding season is over, male waterfowl lose their bright breeding plumage and adopt a more drab plumage, usually similar to the female's. This period of change causes the birds to look scruffy and in many cases lose their waterproofing, so they have to hide to avoid predators. The drab plumage also helps them blend into the less colourful Autumn and Winter scenery, until the onset of the next breeding season.

I hope that helps. It may be a bit wordy, but I am unsure how to reduce it without losing meaning. Maybe you can.



And for I hadn't realised it had gone to Sub-Ed, so apologies for appearing a little flippant... I wish you well with it, and hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!



MMF

As the other author (a happy surprise - thank you, MMF! ) I just want to take issue with the line:

'It is thought to be in decline and not a threat to native wildlife.'

The problem with this 'decline' is that there is little for it to decline from. To my knowledge, the ruddy shelduck has never had breeding status in the UK, has never been considered a naturalised species and is currently listed as a 'rare vagrant' (meaning it has been recorded on a handful of occasions in a decade). Similarly 'There is scant information about the bird nationally, either its distribution or numbers' - there is considered to be no resident population. The section under 'Records and Distribution' at http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1710.htm shows how common it is...

Yes, that's a lot to query two lines with, I know...

Well, that is interesting and I had noted that information, however I spotted two pairs near Rutland Water 10 years ago, with no difficulty...

We were actually looking for hares at the time!!!

I really don't know where to go with this...

I know from magazine articles it is listed as a breeder, and in the British Bird List, it is listed... but to what extent, I don't know.

A report from the rare Breeding Birds Panel of 2001 states:

"Norfolk: Pair present at Holkham Park all year. In addition there were 'many' (my highlights) sightings of singles and small flocks reported to us."

http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:36wnLoBT3dgJ:www.rbbp.org.uk/RBBP%2520NN%2520Report%25202001.pdf+population+breeding+uk+ruddy+shelduck&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=8&gl=uk

What exactly that means is open to conjecture but, one breeding pair indicates decline to me, and no threat!



MMF

Don't get me wrong, MMF, but occasional records don't give an indication of population nor distribution - for there to be a 'decline' there has to be a breeding population in the first place!

The British Ornithologists' Union (why can we not have one body??) says that it is a BE* species, which means:

B Species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1 January 1800 and 31 December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.

E Species that have been recorded as introductions, human-assisted transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self-sustaining. Species in Category E that have bred in the wild in Britain are designated as E*.

These are the same reasons why I thought it should not be included in the breeding birds project, but as far as 'where to go' it is in the right place - in the hands of a Sub, on its way to the EG. I just have issues with those two lines. The fact that you quote from the RBBP seems to back this up!

One breeding pair means nothing. Ten would. Either means no threat!

Personally, I would replace the line:

'It is thought to be in decline and not a threat to native wildlife.'

with

'It is not thought to have a sustainable breeding population in the UK, with only occasional records, and is not considered to be a threat to native wildlife.'

It's a great Entry, but as you know already I disagree with the breeding status you give it. Do as you feel fit - I've made my point, and I'm not going to be around for a few days anyway. If you're happy, so am I

Hey, mate. I don't really worry, as long as it is as accurate as I can make it...

I'll roll with it!

MMF

With MMF's permission then, Bernadette, I'd like to suggest replacing:

It is thought to be in decline and not a threat to native wildlife.'

with

'It is not thought to have a sustainable breeding population in the UK, with only occasional records, and is not considered to be a threat to native wildlife.'

and

'There is scant information about the bird nationally, either its distribution or numbers'

with

'Although there is scant information about the bird nationally, and casual records are submitted from time to time, the bird is believed to be an occasional or rare visitor to the UK, and therefore a species well worth keeping an eye out for.'

What do you think, MMF?

Aptly put, dear fellow, aptly put.

Dots the 'T' and crosses the 'I's, me thinks!

Thanks!

MMF

I could, of course, subbed another of the UP Entries while I've been nitpicking at this

But you thought better of it!

Don't blame you! Just don't pick the parrot one when it comes round...

You don't have time



MMf

Btw Bernadette, Got a bit carried away on your .

Apologies!



MMF

Is it OK now?

I'm sorry this is taking so long.

It is looking good, and don't worry about time factor!

I would be inclined to drop the eclipse footnote and just say 'as detailed below' or somesuch, as the next paragraph rather detracts for the need of a footnote.

Up to you, but thanks for your excellent work, especially if you are not a birder like me.

A real challenge.

If you see on an entry on the membersof the parrot family... Steer clear!

I'm going to bed now (2.24!) so it will have to wait for a little longer, I'm afraid.

Hey! Don't worry!

Any time will be fine. I started the project eons ago, and life is!

When you have time will be time enough.

well, and don't be disturbed bty quacking noises

Actually i don't belive they Quack, I think they hiss!

Must look that up!

Goodnight!

How about now? I took out the footnote and added a line further down.

If you're happy I'll send it in. The Editors are begging for subbed entries.

Looks really good, even if I do say so myself.

Thanks for all your good work!



MMF

I give it the big too!