I only have an older version of the "Simpson&Day" field guide, on page 278, under " Hints for bird-watchers" it says amongst other things: "Take a bag of bread to the beach and feed it to the gulls- then try to interpret all their posturing and calls"
I would like to know if S&D has moved away from this position? Or do they still recommend feeding bread to birds? It certainly shocked me. I would like to hear from people who own a new edition, is this "hint" still in the book?
I have a S&D field guide but it is in Qld and I am in NSW this weekend
I found a map error and emailed the publisher Penguin Books and they forwarded it onto Ken Simpson
We had an email exchange and then I found a 2nd error and continued the emails for a short while
I now have a new computer and therefore can not give you his email address
Peter
I don't think it is in the 7th edition, though there are a few issues with the quick index at the back of the book.
M-L I have the 8th edition and haven't found the section you have mentioned ( I haven't gone through it thoroughly yet) but I did find this on page 345 under House and Garden.
"Feeding wild birds is controversial. If doing so, feed only in late afternoon, after birds have foraged for themselves all day. Build a small feeding table in a safe place. Or suspend a bowl ( with a little drainage hole ) from the eaves.Place it where you can see it and supervise it. Keep bowls clean; don't overfeed birds."
He goes on to say about the importance of clean cool water and planting food plants in the garden.
Regards
Shane
This is also in the 7th edition.
thanks to all of you for answering, very intersesting. I still haven't got a new computer, so what I can do here is limited. Can't wait to get into it again, have taken some photos though. See you soon, Marie-Louise
M-L