Professor Theo Rem and Professor Perry Metric, who were both mathematicians and
movie buffs, had just returned from a round of golf.  Theo presented Perry with
the problem shown in the image.  After puzzling for a bit, Perry proclaimed,




Perry, however, continued to insist that three was the correct solution. After
discussing the reasons for their difference, they decided that Professor
Featherstone would have to be the one to resolve the dispute and went off to
seek a consultation.  The eminent ornithologist was able to answer their simple
question of taxonomy easily, whereupon Theo was forced to admit that Perry had
been correct all along.  The solution was indeed three.

What did Professor Featherstone tell them?

(I will post the solution and explanation tomorrow.  Please post only replies
that do not give it away until then.)

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