@Alexander_Lees and co-authors are under fire for their "Parkerian shortfall in Natural history knowledge" in @AmOrnith 's journal The Auk. (Some) Scientists take offense b/c naming the shortfall after a white male NorthAmer ornithologist = bad timing but it was a tribute.

The Authors themselves, in my opinion should not be under attack. Indeed, they are following in the footsteps of their predecessors, I imagine it will still be awhile before a bird or process is named after @1blackbirder (it may never happen if we go full @BirdNames4Birds)

We need a sincere discussion of what the problem is. Ted Parker's passion/scientific excellence are not a problem, but if we shine a light on one person, others are cast in shadow. If it is always the same group of people, it gets cold in the shadow and they light fires

today's fire is against #colonialism. scientists have come into our countries told us what is valuable, what deserves protection, that we are incapable, and generally control the discussion, action and economics of conservation, they have taken the specimens, data and credit.

meanwhile indigenous and native people have carried the bags, cut the trails, made the food and the beds, drove the boats and cars and taken the photos. Their names seldom show up in papers, in photos they become "with local guide". this is what we are fighting against.

In review, the authors have an extensive history of support for south american students researchers and institutions. See a thread of support in defense of @Alexander_Lees here https://twitter.com/Erika_Berenguer/status/1297627191027683328?s=20

@CornellBirds @birdsoftheworld @MacaulayLibrary have done great work to support local conservationists in the Bahamas such as myself, especially through @BirdsCaribbean @BNTBahamas and other regional and national partners. I myself have benefited.

I don't think the authors need to spend their time defending themselves. Instead, let's consider moving the discussion to "Why is neotropical ornithology so white, while neotropical humans are not?" and would greater equity improve the science?

At the @BNTBahamas Bahamas Natural History Conference, I highlight the difference training locals can make in the biodiversity record. This is a shortfall that was mentioned in discussion in the Lees et al paper but barely https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1614819521999690&extid=vlsbkHZsMCBT7eHR

I think this is what scientists are upset about. Name and credit us for work in our countries. We want to see and hear others like us celebrated and named. What if there was a follow up to find Parker's best Neotropical student and add their name?

Also, let's move beyond shortfalls and lets talk about the bridge to cross the gap. @leticiasaurus Who is the scientist or where is the organization that has closed the gaps? I have a few proposals.

Proposing the #JamesWileyBridge. Science is white english speaking northern. Dr. Wiley actively recruited scientists from the Caribbean and supported their academic development. They now lead conservation action. read more @BirdsCaribbean https://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/view/323

proposing the #HerbRaffaeleBridge Science funding oft requires an EFL professional and northern citizen to lead and take most funding for their institution. Dr. Raffaele supported significant funding initiatives to change this in the Caribbean.

Proposing The #LeoDouglasBridge. Dr. Douglas has shown the difference early childhood exposure to nature can have. this is a problematic gap in local communities. and conservation, this is a major bridge @leo_r_douglas has helped to build.

Proposing the #BirdsCaribbeanBridge Local Scientists with goals of cultural preservation intertwined with species conservation or social and economic justice needs are often unheard in academia. @BirdsCaribbean bridges gaps between local & foreign science. https://www.birdscaribbean.org/?s=meeting 

Proposing The #EwertWunderleBridge. Drs. Dave Ewert and Joe Wunderle were the first Professional scientists to actively make sure that their local field techs like myself were named in publications in my experience. Giving that academic currency makes a huge difference.

Proposing the #EricCareyBridge. As a native Bahamian, Eric Carey has and continues to support the development of local and national autonomy and scientific capacity. this bridge comes from the other bank, but may be the most important.

Finally, Proposing the #JCOBridge. The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology includes local scientific articles in English Spanish and French without the economic/social barriers and gatekeeping artificially imposed in many journals. it's free. read. support. http://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco