Natural History Wanderings

Updated

I just learned that Rich Stallcup, legendary birder, has died. He died of complications of leukemia. The following is the post I read on The Birding Lists Digest:

I am heartbroken and so deeply saddened to have to share this awful news. Rich Stallcup passed away last night from complications related to leukemia, with his loving partner Heather and his daughter Willow at his side. This is a tremendous loss to us all.He faced his illness with unbelievable courage and an incredibly positive attitude. Rich was a hero in conservation. He inspired and taught so many of us about the beauty and magic of birds and our natural world. He was only a teenager when he shared a vision of establishing the country's first bird observatory at Point Reyes almost 48 years ago. He dedicated his entire life to understanding and protecting birds and the environment. He inspired thousands of people to see and experience the wonders of nature.Rich spent every day of his life, even when his body was so weakened by his illness, getting outside, appreciating nature and sharing with others his passion for life. He had a unique fire that inspired everyone else to be a better human being.I imagine Rich's message to us today would be– spent time outside, watch the birds, and replenish your souls with nature!His family will be planning a memorial for some time in the future. We will also do something at PRBO to honor and celebrate our dear friend Rich.Ellie and Melissa

From the PRBO page:

Rich Stallcup, PRBO Naturalist, Outreach and Education Group Rich has beeninvolved with California Field Ornithology for many years. In the early1960's he (with CJ Ralph) discovered the amazing Spring and fall “vagrant”phenomenon on outer Point Reyes and other “migrant traps” along the coast.Rich was also a founder of PRBO and has served on its Board of Directors,was president of Western Field Ornithologists, was regional editor forAmerican Birds, was a member of the California Bird Records Committee and isa new grandpa. He has published many scientific papers, 4 books about birdsand 60 “Focus” articles in PRBO's newsletter, the Observer. From 1976-1988,Rich was an owner and tour leader for WINGS birding tours and led many PRBOtours prior to that. In 2002 the American Birding Association presented Richthe Ludlow Griscom Award for outstanding contributions to Americanornithology. Rich now serves as PRBO's Naturalist and works with the Gulf ofthe Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Beachwatch Program (In 1998 he wasdesignated “star of the sanctuary” for Cordell Bank). Each year he bringsnature to hundreds of humans through his tours, trips, and trainings.

An Interview with Rich Stallcup that appeared in Bay Nature: Fearless with Feathers: An interview with Rich Stallcup of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory

An old biography of Rich Stallcup from Who was Who California Birding which describes “Rich Stallcup is a legend in his own time.” http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/CAwhoRS.html

Obituary: Richard William “Rich” Stallcup (1944 – 2012) – Find A Grave Memorial