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Diabolically Arcane

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Last Chance To Clue?

30 August, 2011

Political lampooners will revel in such a bird as Abbott’s booby, a cousin in the gannet clan, and found flying over waters close to Christmas Island. Though not found easily, as the booby is one of several endangered Australian birds, from the Chestnut-Rumped Heath Wren to the Buff-Breasted Button Quail. And the six birds on this week’s clue list.

As that’s our latest Storm – to dream up inspiring clues for five rare birds that flit around the country. With no need to provide a definition element (unless it helps to balance your creation), can you make some magic with the six flappers listed below?

ANTARCTIC TERN
EMERALD DOVE
GOULDIAN FINCH
MASKED OWL
NIGHT PARROT
TRISTAN ALBATROSS

Best way to present your clues is with the bird’s unique initials as opener, and then your best shot at the wordplay. Here’s my MO for Masked Owl:

MO – Cut grilled inside, close to burnt

Or NP – Heard sir mimic

By 8pm on Thursday, if you can arrange your final flock of six for judging, after a spot of online preening, then I shall look forward to deciding which effort shows the greatest pluck. Good luck. (And best of luck to our six precious species too!)

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Text-speak is creeping into Scrabble. Where do you sit?
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