Talk:Manx Shearwater

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[edit] Not the oldest

A Northern Royal Albatross named Grandma was ringed in New Zealand 1937, at least 10 years old at the time, and was last seen 51½ years later in 1989, having lived at least 61 years. This is mentioned in the Albatross article. But the Manx Shearwater must hold the record for the Western Palearctic. --Anshelm '77 16:14, 22 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Trivia

Richard Dawkins "The God Delusion" mentions the bird on page 87, citing experienced ornithologists who point out that the bird is popularly know in various parts of the world as the Devil Bird. -The preceding unsigned comment was added by 217.174.67.69 (talk) 14:49, 18 December 2006 (UTC).

I came here to ask about this. Dawkins says people mistake it for the devil talking, because it makes such a diabolical sound. Here is a link with an audio recording, but it doesn't sound particularly frightening to me. http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/m/manxshearwater/gallery.asp Gary 15:26, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

bear in mind that this will only be heard on a moonless night, and that there could be dozens of them flying around your head and calling. Particularly in more superstitious times, surely just a bit scary? Scary Jimfbleak.talk.15:37, 24 December 2006 (UTC)
Not particularly frightening? If I wasn't told beforehand that it's a bird I'm listening to, I could imagine all sorts of horrific creatures to go with that sound. (The link above is dead, the new link is http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/manxshearwater/index.asp .) 82.95.254.249 13:50, 23 June 2007 (UTC)
Quite amusing anecdote. I never heard of the manx shearwater until I read about it in "God Delusion".--192.94.73.4 (talk) 03:53, 4 February 2008 (UTC)