I previously wrote about the decision of the National Audubon Society to keep “Audubon” in their name. Since that decision was made this spring, some related events have unfolded.
On November 1, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) announced its decision to remove the name of any person from the recognized names of all birds occurring within their territory. The AOC declined to judge “good people's names” and “bad people's names.” They simply decided: no people names. I agree that a bird's name should be about the bird. When I am looking for a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the name gives me a clue in the field. If I were looking for an Anna’s Hummingbird, the name provides no such clue.