In a message dated 5/19/2004 7:34:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,
 writes:

> 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
>

Indeed it is sad news. There is a fine article about him in this season's
LIVING BIRD from Cornell Labs. Really a shame he didn't live to see his 100th
birthday. He was the preeminent neo-tropical ornithologist of the 20th century.

Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD