Roger Tory PetersonDied 28 Jul 1996 at age 87 (born 28 Aug 1908). American ornithologist, author and conservationist who wrotewildlife field books on birds, which as a artist, he illustrated with great skill. His first book, A Field Guide to the Birds, (1934; 4th edition 1980), increased public interest in the study of birds across the American and European continents. His own fascination began at age 11, when he joined a Junior Audubon Club. Shortly, he began field studies with the customary equipment: binoculars, camera and a reference book. He had developed a talent as an artist, which he applied to illustration birds to indicate their distinctive characteristics for identification. His first book, A Field Guide to Birds was published in 1934, and 46 years later, it had updated to its 4th edition. He was a committed environmentalist, including advocating the banning DDT, which harmed and thinned birds' egg shells.« |
