> Do bird watchers ever use scientific names, or is it just us plant > folks? Here in N Ireland there is a rare bird reporting answer machine service. Bird watchers can phone in what they see including migratory and native birds. They only use common names. I only use common bird names when speaking to someone from the UK or Ireland. I'm bad at remembering scientific names but use them when corresponding with someone from Europe. Many Europeans are now actually adopting English common names There are a few American birds in Ireland just now including a Great Blue Heron and American Golden Plover Mark N Ireland -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 11651 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len/