Bilk - no 062 - 1994 11

Magazine Overview

This is Birk #62, published bi-monthly in November 1994. The magazine focuses on legendary aquatic creatures, UFOs, and cryptozoology. Subscriptions are DM 15 for Germany and Europe, and DM 20 for the rest of the world. The publisher's address is Ulrich Magin, Fribolinstraße 5, 74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany.

BEHEMOTH:

Loch Ness

The issue includes several reports related to Loch Ness. One clipping from the Inverness Courier, dated September 26, 1969, recounts an angler's sighting of a large, 'V'-shaped wave that moved at high speed on the loch. Another report from October 15, 1993, mentions a hoax story from the Canadian "Sun" about British paratroopers capturing Nessie. More recently, the "Pess & Joutrnal of Aberdeen" reported on August 8, 1994, that operators of the Loch Ness submarine, Alan Whitfield and Gordon Swindells, intercepted unexplained singing noises from the deep. Whitfield suggested these could be from seals or Nessie itself, noting that dolphins have also been observed in the loch historically.

The magazine also references an alleged photograph of Nessie by Paolo Rilf, whose name is noted as an anagram for "April Fool." A report from "Blick" states that Nicolas G Hayek, head of Swatch, will finance a research submarine for Loch Ness, aiming to study climate history and potentially capture images of the monster. Adrian Shine is quoted as a believer in the monster, suggesting a whole family of unknown creatures may inhabit the loch.

Escaped Exotic Reptiles

Following a monster scare involving an escaped alligator in Neuss, Germany, in the summer of 1994, reports of escaped exotic pets have continued. Examples include an iguana spotted in Feddersheim, Worms, Germany, which escaped authorities; a snake found in a parcel in Essen, Germany; and a crocodile discovered dead in the Rursee in the Eifel Mountains, believed to have been exposed by its owner.

In France, a boa escaped its terrarium and returned to its owner after two months. A pet caiman in Cologne, Germany, which caused a police search, will remain at the zoo. Separately, a pike injured a mailman in a Füssen lake.

LEVIATHAN & CRYPTOZOOLOGY

Bits and notes

Francois de Sarre's theories on whales and dolphins evolving from archaic marine humans are mentioned, as is his identification of a French cave drawing as a long-necked sea serpent, which the author disputes, believing it to be a chicken. This misidentification was reportedly repeated in the German magazine "Mystics."

A new cryptozoological enigma, a "bird with nine heads," has been reported by Chinese peasants in Hunan province. The magazine also mentions a 2.70 m tall sasquatch spotted near Dorsen Creek, Canada, and tracks found near Vancouver.

The "HÖRZU" magazine is criticized for its sensationalist reporting on cryptozoology, mentioning smilodon reports, hippopotamus killed by a sable-toothed tiger, yeti sightings, and giant octopus cases.

Strange Amphibian Discoveries

An albino frog was discovered in Tamworth, England. In China, over 30 three-legged frogs were found near Peking. In Pennsylvania, USA, the fossil remains of the oldest amphibian were discovered, described as approximately one meter long with a crocodile's tail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers reports of mysterious creatures, unexplained phenomena, and unusual animal discoveries from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting on these topics, with a critical eye towards sensationalism, as seen in the commentary on the "HÖRZU" article. The author, Ulrich, expresses a desire to devote more time to future issues and welcomes news and views from readers.