Like many others, I'm very sorry to hear the news.
Todd was one of my first birding mentors. As David noted, he was also a
phenomenal teacher. Here are paraphrased, four birding wisdoms that I
learned from Todd:
* It's not just a name with wings or feathers. Make a little bit of
effort to really observe and maybe learn a little about the bird's
life history. At minimum, note what it's doing, you may be in for a
fun surprise.
* Birds live in the moment. Most have a very short life. Keep in mind
that small perching birds (passarines), can complete a full life
cycle in 12 months. That includes, birth, growing to reproductive
maturity, breeding, and then passing on like Todd.
* There's nothing wrong with going outside (chasing) to see X bird
species. And when you miss X species and instead see Y species,
enjoy it. Every time you go birding, be open to an "Audubon Moment",
whatever it may be.
* As Lorrie and Larry recalled, Todd would tell us: When you first
arrive at a birding destination; Stop, look around, and listen.
Settle in for a few minutes to just absorb where you are, and what
the natural environment around you looks, smells, and sounds like.
As some point in your birding walk, stop in one place again. Listen
and observe unobtrusively to the side for some 15 or 20 minutes.
Give the birds a chance to grace you with that amazing "Audubon Moment".
And one story because Todd also had a great sense of humor. Less folks
think that Todd not particularly grounded...
At one point we were chasing a bird with Todd, trying to look into some
thicket or reeds, and the skulky bird would not appear. After a few
minutes, Todd muttered something about throwing a firecracker into the
bush to flush the bird! Never mind that this came from a man with
doctorate in marine biology from Stanford University. A full professor
of biology at UCSC, that for decades would routinely win teaching awards
from students. As the gentleman that he was, Todd would never have
thrown a firecracker, but his saying it in the moment, broke the
tension, and reminded us of the fun craziness of what we were doing.
Rest in peace Todd, many of us have wonderful memories of you.
