These Pennsylvania Birds Will Be Renamed as Watchers Reckon With Racism, Inclusion
The Pet Zealot | November 24, 2023 | James Alain L.In a significant move towards fostering inclusivity and distancing avian species from problematic historical figures, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced its intention to rename several North American birds. This initiative, set to impact numerous avian species in Pennsylvania, aims to dissociate these magnificent creatures from namesakes associated with racism.
The AOS’s decision to rename certain birds stems from the realization that several species, such as the Townsend’s warbler and solitaire, bear names that honor individuals with racist backgrounds. Peter Saenger, an ornithologist from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, has highlighted that this project could potentially affect over a dozen birds that breed, migrate to, or visit Pennsylvania.
(May I just say, James Alain L., that is an unusual name?
I will not choose it for my Witness Protection name, because it would attract unwanted attention.)
Damn birds.
The bird is the word.
James Alain L. Is not an unsual name at least compared to mine. My name is Dexter L. Breaux. They call me Bro.
Wagstaff. Professor Wagstaff.
My faves: the Doe-Doe, the Titmouse, the Boobie.
All birds should be named… Loretta.
No one should touch any of the tits…
How about boobies? Are boobies fair game?
I pray the Tufted Titmouse is not in peril.
Does more than one = Titmice?
Tufted is a racist codeword.
It refers to when slaves had bits of cotton tufts stuck to their sweaty bodies and in their hair. -This fact brought to you by Historical Facts I Just Made Up. Watch for it to appear in an AP article any day now.