Peterson Field Guides
Throwback Thursday to the original! It was now over 80 years ago that Roger Tory Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds was first released – April 27, 1934. It was and still is a catalyst that sparks a passion for bird watching in millions of people. It is a powerful tool in the conservation movement to support environmental awareness, understanding and stewardship. Keep the momentum going by venturing out into the chilly air with your favorite Peterson’s guide for a walk in the woods or even by staying cozy indoors and enjoying “your” birds at home through the...
Read MorePassenger Pigeon centennial
The world’s last Passenger Pigeon, Martha, died at 1PM on September 1, 1914 at the Cincinnati Zoo. Once likely the most abundant bird in North America it was effectively extinct in the wild around the turn of the 20th century and even Roger Tory Peterson, born 1908, never saw one. He did illustrate the species for his first field guide in 1934 with the help of museum specimens. Please visit RTPI to see these three Passenger Pigeons on display on our second floor and see Twan’s Meet Your Neighbours photos of them...
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson woodpecker plate
Throwback Thursday – Roger Tory Peterson with one of his exquisite woodpecker plates as taken by Noble Proctor. Can you identify the birds? I’ve seen all three! Maybe the last one was not living…you can find the Red-headed Woodpecker uncommonly in a few locations Western New York and the Pileated Woodpecker in areas of sizable mature forests. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is in RTPI’s collection along with several other now extinct species.
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson’s final plate
Roger Tory Peterson passed away on this date, July 28, in 1996. He was working on this flycatcher plate for A Field Guide To Eastern Birds the day that he died, exemplifying the dedication he had to completing the fifth complete revision of the revolutionary book he wrote and illustrated 62 years earlier. Our thanks to Dr. Peterson for everything he accomplished for nature education and wildlife conservation as we strive to continue his mission and prolong his legacy each and every day here at RTPI.
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