Happy 100th Birthday – Roger Tory Peterson
August 28, 2008
Article in: Birding
A hundred years ago, Roger Tory Peterson was born in Jamestown, New York. We hope that Roger Tory Peterson Month will continue his memory in future years to come.
Roger Tory Peterson Month has been a fun time for us. We reviewed (and tested) the new Peterson Field Guide, read a few books about his life, one by Elizabeth J. Rosenthal and one by Douglas Carlson, and talked about All Things Reconsidered, a book Roger Tory Peterson wrote about his birding adventures.
Peterson in the field
Photo courtesy of Houghton Mifflin
We wish we could have met Roger Tory Peterson personally. Our knowledge of him comes only from books and the memories of others; for which we are thankful.
Here is to the hope that there will be a 100 more years of bird conservation. His mission is also ours as we work to conserve birds everywhere. Happy birthday Roger Tory Peterson!!
Next Generation Bird Conservationist – Dakota
Review: Birdwatcher – The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
August 26, 2008
Article in: Book Reviews
Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
Peterson Field Guide – Field Use Review
August 25, 2008
Article in: Book Reviews
Our review of the new and completely awesome Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America would not be complete without a true field test. The guide spent several hours riding in a backpack, sandwiched between water bottles and power bars. The cover stood up well – with only a minor ding – and protected the glossy pages inside. (more…)
Review of Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America
August 24, 2008
Article in: Book Reviews
To be released on August 28th and published by Houghton Mifflin, Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America (Peterson Field Guide Series)
History
Much of what continues to make Peterson Field Guides wonderful is the history. Having been around since 1934 and being produced by one of the world’s best bird artists, Roger Tory Peterson put his heart and soul into his guides. It wasn’t about fame or money. He wholeheartedly felt his work made for better birders and his positive attitude towards improving the state of birds radiates from his guides. (more…)
Review of Roger Tory Peterson – A Biography
August 20, 2008
Article in: Book Reviews
Without his mentor Ludlow Griscom and the Bronx County Bird Club, we may never have been blessed with the accomplishments of one of the greatest birders of all time, Roger Tory Peterson. There would also be no need for Douglas Carlson’s Roger Tory Peterson: A Biography (Mildred Wyatt-Wold Series in Ornithology)
Peterson’s life story is wonderfully retold and we learn so much more about who this legend really was. Roger Tory came from humble beginnings and his story shows us that we can be absorbed in birds, protect birds, and just plain love birds without necessarily being in a field directly related to birds.
RTP began his birding career through his skill of painting and while many of us (i.e. Birdfreak) have no artistic talent, we can always find ways in whatever field we are in to be leaders in bird conservation. And while Roger Tory had many skills that made him a great leader, much of his accomplishments were due to his dedication.
He spent “three years of intense effort, often under circumstances that would have put off a less passionate and less focused writer” to complete the first Field Guide. During that time, it would have been easier to give up, especially considering that the outlook for getting such a work published was slim.
“Peterson’s version of the publication of the Guide is quite different—and more colorful. After four New York publishers turned the manuscript down, Peterson and [John B.] May took it to [Houghton Mifflin senior editor, Francis] Allen, believing that [William] Vogt had written a letter of support. In fact, Peterson recalled, the letter hadn’t arrived, but Allen liked the idea. To see if [the "Peterson system"] worked, they brought in Ludlow Griscom, who was shown Peterson’s plates from across the room. He identified the birds pictured with 100 percent accuracy, and the deal was sealed.” – Excerpt from Roger Tory Peterson – A Biography
There are a few versions about how Peterson’s first Field Guide came to light, but it was definitely not a sure thing as to how well it would do. Of course as we know, the book sold extremely well.
Carlson’s work recalls Peterson’s life in chronological order including his time spent in New York City, Washington D.C. and Old Lyme, Connecticut where he spent a large chunk of his life until his death on July 18, 1996.
Above all, Roger Tory Peterson’s long list of accomplishments are always in regard to the love of birds, teaching about birds, and promoting their conservation. “As Peterson’s life and work suggest, the root purpose of natural history study should be to create environmentalists.”
Roger Tory Peterson – A Biography
Douglas Carlson
University of Texas Press, October 2007
304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0292716803
Overall Rating: 9 of 10 feathers
Phriday Photo – Roger Tory Peterson’s Birth Town
August 15, 2008
Article in: Photography
On our trip to Rhode Island, we stopped into Jamestown, New York, birthplace of Roger Tory Peterson.
We didn’t have time to visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, but it was nice to tour the town for a bit.
All Things Reconsidered – Birding With Roger Tory Peterson
August 4, 2008
Article in: Book Reviews
Roger Tory Peterson was one of the world’s best and most-famous birders. He had the ability to inspire people young and old, engage people in conservation, and even write a field guide.
All Things Reconsidered: My Birding Adventures is a collection of articles written by the master himself, Roger Tory Peterson. These stories provide a fascinating view into Roger’s world as an artist, naturalist, photographer, birder, and all around great person.
While never having the opportunity to meet Mr. Peterson, by reading his works and studying his field guide we feel the deep connection. It is fascinating to read into the life of such a great birder and conservationist, to immerse ourselves in his joys and struggles.
From “Capsized by a Rogue Wave”
Because our eyes were on the cormorants lined up onshore, only one of us was aware of the rogue wave—even momentarily—before our boat was rolled over, a couple hundred yards off Western Egg Rock, in fifteen or sixteen feet of water. I was wrapped in eye-dazzling foam one moment, in murky green depths the next, with dark objects sinking around me—thousands of dollars’ worth of camera equipment…had it not been for the courage and strength of young Bob Bowman, who helped me keep my head above water, I would not have had my eighty-second birthday.
Roger Tory Peterson always seemed to remain positive, always kept a sharp eye on the world around him, and always made others feel at ease in his presence.
The articles in All Things Reconsidered can be read by themselves but be warned, you may be unable to put the book down.
From the Bronx to Botswana and Cape May to Connecticut, these stories are inspirational and informative. Roger Tory Peterson shows us that while he was known mostly for his art skill, field guides, and eye for photography, he was also a superb writer and story teller.
Rating: 10 out of 10 feathers
Roger Tory Peterson Month
August 1, 2008
Article in: Birding
It’s official, August is Roger Tory Peterson Month! In honor of one of the greatest birders and bird conservationists, we have made this declaration. Not only was Mr. Peterson a great ornithologist, he was a superb photographer, educator, and of course, field guide creator.
This month we will be reviewing several books written or about Roger Tory Peterson including the much anticipated new field guide: Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of North America.
Help us celebrate this birding legend all through August!
