Dead men don't own anything!

How many fellow Montanans have read the MONTANA OUTDOORS July-August 2024 issue?

In particular, on page 11, "New names slated for some bird species?"

The American Ornithological Society has claimed authority to establish standardized English birds names in North and South America. The Society was formed after the the merger of the American Ornithologists' Union and the Cooper Ornithological Society in October 2016. 

They are a group of 'exclusionary, diverse, global network people.' (enough said...right).

This group plans to change the names of 263 species, 45 of which are in Montana. They decided "that naming wildlife species after any individual was problematic because the names were not descriptive and imply ownership."

A few of the Montana birds to be renamed are as follows with a brief history on how and when they were named.

Cooper's Hawk - named in 1828 by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in honor of a fellow bird lover, William Cooper. Bonaparte died in 1857 and Cooper died in 1864.

Steller's Jay - named in 1741 by German naturalist Georg Wilhem Steeler. He passed away in 1746.

Lewis' Woodpecker - named by Alexander Wilson after explorer Meriwether Lewis. While it is unknown what year the bird was named, Wilson died in 1813 and Lewis in 1809.

Clarks' Nutcracker - William Clark first saw that bird along the banks of the Salmon River in 1805. Clark passed away in 1838.

All that to say this.... DEAD MEN DO NOT OWN ANYTHING. So, leave the names as they are and STOP. trying to erase our history.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Mulligan, Libby