Splatometer To Uncover Scottish Midge 'Myth'...
An RSPB project will measure the numbers of midges hanging out in the highlands. Rather quaintly, they seem to think the area's reputation may be a 'myth'. Yeah, right...
Posted: 27 May 2004
by Jon
Top news from Scotland where drivers are being asked to fit their
cars with a 'splatometer' in order to assess the prevalence of the
dreaded Scottish midge.
Ironically, given the fearsome reputation of the wee biting
horrors, the programme is being organised by the Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds which is concerned that falling insect
numbers may be threatening an essential food source for birds.
Motorists taking part will be given a cardboard grid to fix over
their numberplates and, after travelling between 20 and 80 miles,
will be asked to count the number of insects they've obliterated
along the way.
All well and good, except that as everyone knows, the sight of a
rucksac or a pair of walking boots along with the scent of human
blood will draw millions of the little buggers from miles around and
totally skew the results.
Rather sweetly, the RSPB's spokesperson, quoted in the Guardian,
seems to think that the study may expose Scotland's midgey reputation
as 'a myth'. We say nuke the little critters now :-)
Full
story in today's Guardian.
Discuss this story
After reading this article "on-line", imagine my suprise in opening the local freepaper and finding a similar story in there! The RSPB wants to do it round here too! Synchronicity...
Posted: 27/05/2004 at 21:02
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