There is a very difficult and sobering article on intentional bird trapping and killing in parts of Europe. While not on the subject of birds in New York, many birders may be interested in the subject matter; the article is by a New Yorker (and an active birder), and is published in The New Yorker magazine:
Jonathan Franzen, A Reporter at Large, “Emptying the Skies,” The New Yorker, July 26, 2010, p. 48 "The New Yorker" has a synopsis on their website. To read the full piece online, one must be a subscriber. The first two lines of the synopsis are: "about the annual decimation of migratory birds by hunters and poachers in southern Europe. Writer accompanies members of the German bird-protection organization the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) as they challenge songbird trapping operations in Cyprus. " ... (the article goes into much more, and is difficult reading for all bird-lovers.) . In a podcast available from "The New Yorker" website, Mr. Franzen speaks with Deborah Treisman about issues raised in the article: http://www.newyorker.com/online/2010/07/26/100726on_audio_franzen A "New Yorker" blog entry by Jon Michaud discusses Mr. Franzen's "bird" writings: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/backissues/2010/07/back-issues-birds.html Franzen may be best known for his 2001 best-selling novel "The Corrections", which won a National Book Award and was nominated as a finalist for many additional literary awards. He has written many other books and articles, and has written a new novel, titled: "Freedom" just published and currently appearing in book reviews. Usual disclaimer: I have no financial interests in any publications noted or in their parent companies. I have met Mr. Franzen while birding in N.Y. Tom Fiore, Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
