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Topic: Columbus and the birds
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David Burch
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posted January 25, 2007 01:21 AM
You may recall the stories that after near rebellion on board, Columbus turned to follow birds at the insistence of the crew and found some landfall. This story has led to much discussion of bird routing in the ocean, and to the presumed good knowledge that these seaman had in those days.
I believe I recall that this was the case as reported in the Columbus logbook, which is available in several sources.
And so here is the exercise: first find a copy of the Columbus log and find that story to confirm that part, near the end.
Then, however, go back and read the entire log of all the voyage and note the many instances of the other, earlier sightings of birds, and as i recall the directions of their flight is given in some cases as well. Then look at their position in these cases, which may have to be estimated from DR, and note what would have happened in these cases if they turned to follow those birds.
From: Starpath, Seattle, WA
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