Ian Fraser, ‘How Did Australian Birds Get English Names?’

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Thursday, 15 September 2022 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Ian Fraser, a local conservationist, says the stories of these name creations can be intriguing, funny, erroneous and sometimes downright ridiculous, telling us more about us than the birds. This talk is a celebration of birds, words and history.

Abstract

The answer to how did Australian birds get English names is from many and varied sources, including Indigenous (though sadly not many), Old English, Portuguese, Malay, French, Malagasy, Tupi-Gairani and many others. Many more were invented because so much was unfamiliar; the stories of these creations can be intriguing, funny, erroneous and sometimes downright ridiculous. Names usually tell us more about us than the birds. This talk is a celebration of birds, words and history.

Biography

Ian Fraser has spent the last 40-plus years in Canberra, as naturalist, conservationist, award-winning author, ABC broadcaster, educator and tour guide. The second, revised, edition of Australian Bird Names; origins and meanings (co-authored with Jeannie Gray) was published by CSIRO in 2019.

Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November.  Talks last for 1 hour.  We welcome a gold coins donation. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and thank all those who have donated.  Please note: unless otherwise indicated, talks are in the ANBG Theatrette.

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The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Some summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. A donation to the Friends for the use of this material will be gratefully accepted. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au

The talks are in line with COVID-19 guidelines which can change rapidly.