Folks

Dr. Alexander F. Skutch lived and died in Costa Rica.  He probably died on
his farm, Los Cusingos, Costa Rica which is near San Isidro.  He had been
there since he was about 26, was trained as a Botanist, but feel in love
with neotropical birds on a trip of Panama.  He did take a foray or two to
South America, but spent most of his adult life in Central America,
particularly in Costa Rica.

He wrote many books about the natural history of neotropical birds.  The
first one I am aware of is Life Histories of Central American Birds in March
1954.  He wrote numerous other books about the birds of that region:  A few
examples are Life of the Flycatcher; Life of the Tanager; Orioles,
Blackbirds & their Kin; Birds Asleep; Nature through Tropical Windows; as
well as the Guide to the birds of Costa Rica with Dr. F. Gary Stiles.

He produced more in his 70 years of work then anyone else is likely to
achieve.    I once recommended his image be put in the National Portrait
Gallery.  I think he was a Baltimore native.  So far I don't think my
recommendation has not been taken.  His memory will carry on with the many
works he produced.

Folks should look for obituaries on this great man.  Some day PBS will
likely do a special on him.

Sadly.

George
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Starling" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 7:34 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Bad news...


> Greetings,
>
> Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dr. Alexander Skutch passed away in
> his sleep last night at his home in Puerto Rico.  He would have been 100
> years old next week. (I received this info by way of the Colorado list-
> serv, by way of the Arizona list-serv).  Anyone who has been to Costa rica
> has surly used his gem of a resource, "A Guide to the Birds of Costa
> Rica".  I also know that some of you met Dr. Skutch last recently.  At any
> rate, he will be burried tommorrow at his farm in eastern Costa Rica.
>
> Good Birding,
> Chris Starling
>