“Study finds steep drop in Bay State’s native birds (Boston.com, September 19, 2011)” possesses both an exemplary nutgraf and a compelling expert quote. A rather poetic lede quickens the reader's naturalist heart, then follows with alarming news about declining native bird populations. Native birds are “disappearing” and “other species from Southern States are mysteriously taking their place” “in a “landmark report by Mass Audubon.” That “nearly half of all the state’s breeding birds are declining” raises “questions about the health of the state’s wetlands and other ecosystems”. An “alarmed” E.O. Wilson tells us that these bird disappearances are “unmistakable markers of climate change.”
http://articles.boston.com/2011-09-19/news/30176513_1_common-birds-grasslands-ground-nesting
On several levels this is an interesting story. Thank you for sharing it. It IS a poetic lede, and a little bit of E.O. makes my day.
ReplyDeleteHaving feet of clay, I was bemused by, "The report, which surveyed more than 300 birds..."
I doubt they actually looked at 300 birds, and I highly doubt that 300 birds pecked out responses to questions. Now, the researchers might have "surveyed data about 300 birds.."
Evidentiary exhibit No. 6.022 X 10^23: Everyone needs a good editor.
As I said, "Feet of clay."
So it goes.
Great read -- and useful info.
Cheers,
Lee