Information makes you a better bird watcher
February 18, 2001

Information, whether scanned on internet or gleaned from library materials, has to be gathered through research or observation. Bird watchers through the years have amassed valuable material, published for use by future generations.

Recently Aegolius Bird Club members were reminded of this heritage. Drawing form a stack of slips, members were provided with the names of people, past and present, who have contributed to ornithological literature and knowledge.

Reports by members on their chosen personalities resulted in an interesting and informative meeting this past week. Meetings are held on Tuesday the second week of the month at the Woodland Dunes Marsh Haus. Visitors are always welcome.

Who were some of the people discussed? The contributions of any one of them has been of value to the field of ornithology. Some are no longer living, others might be retired, but are still active.

Dr. Ernst Mayr, a German born American biologist is best known for his work in fields of classification, population, genetics and evolution. In 1932 he became curator of birds at the American Museum of Natural History. In 1953 he moved to Harvard as a professor of zoology. Reportedly retired in 1987 at age 83, he continued to write scientific papers.

Wm. (Bill ) Vogt of Bird Lore (eventually Audubon Magazine) in the 30's. He is the author of the "Road to Survival" (1948) which dealt with the same population and conservation problems that are being faced today. Quote: "Quite apart from possible commercial uses to which they might be put, it would be of enormous advantage to mankind to set aside primitive areas typical of all major plant and animal associations."

Ernest T. Seton, a noted naturalist and artist contributed valuable information on his observations of birds. Unfortunately he seems to have been forgotten as there was only reference to him in the local library.

Florence Merriam Bailey (1863-1948) who traveled extensively with her husband throughout the United States authored books on "Western Birds" and "Birds of New Mexico" which are still valuable sources of information.

Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr. retired from the famed Laboratory of Ornithology, at Cornell. He authored a valuable "Guide to Bird Finding East of the Mississippi" among other books of note.

Frank Chapman abandoned a career as a banker to become a world famous naturalist and artist.

Althea Sherman, noted for her "Down with the House Wren Boxes", Rosalie Edge, champion of Hawks: Joseph Hickey, author of a "Guide to Bird Watching" and who replace Aldo Leopold at his death at the University of Wisconsin.

John Emlen, also associated with the University of Wisconsin, and Frances Hamerstrom all deserve an acknowledgement for their written contributions.

Suggestion to bird watchers... don't just watch or count them, write up your observations. Collected information could be compiled by organizations, such as Woodland Dunes, to add to the information needed to preserve habitats and the species that use them.