Crossley ID Guide: Britain & Ireland (1 Viewer)

[dogfish]

I think the decision to use the five-letter codes in this book was completely bonkers. |It's very irritating and could only have saved a tiny bit of space.

Sean

 

[Chris Sharpe]

Just curious: does anyone know what "AMCO" (familiar to me as the alpha code for American Coot in the North American BBL and AOU systems) refers to in the Great Black-backed Gull account¿

 

[Richard Klim]

The 5 letter codes as mentioned pretty offputting too!!

I think the decision to use the five-letter codes in this book was completely bonkers.

I haven't actually seen the book, but just from the extensive Amazon preview I agree that the pervasive use of the five-letter codes is absolutely bizarre. These codes (thankfully!) are not common currency amongst ordinary birders, and certainly not amongst the beginners that the book is aimed at – eg, I've rarely seen them used on BirdForum or in any popular birding literature. It gives the impression that the authors are aliens from another planet, and suggests that birdwatching is a completely arcane activity.

 

[Richard Klim]

Just curious: does anyone know what "AMCO" (familiar to me as the alpha code for American Coot in the North American BBL and AOU systems) refers to in the Great Black-backed Gull account¿

I assume that it does indeed refer to American Coot!
eg, Great Black-backed Gull Predation on American Coot.

But 'AMCO' is rather unlikely prey in Britain & Ireland, and anyway meaningless to most of the intended readership.

FUBAR!

 

[Richard Klim]

British Birds

Reviewed by David Parkin: Brit Birds 107(1): 54.