On the Wing #37: (BRO) Darwin Vs. Brewster

This weeks edition of Babe Ruth of Ornithology is the wild card of Charles Darwin and William Brewster. Lets get this started!

This isn't even my final form...

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is considered a saint in science history. It can easily be argued that the man has the most recognized name in science and is idolized by lovers of geekery and biology the world over. His theory of evolution has stood the test of time (and attacks from creationists who we really just wish would go away) and is still the basis for how sexual selection plays the most vital role in determining the ultimate survivor in the constantly shifting environs of the world. His work with birds is almost universal as "Darwin's finches" are the most recognizable pieces of evidence when it comes to support for the theory of evolution. The finches that were examined were later determined to be members of the Geospizinae subfamily and it's still unclear even to this day, as to which group of birds they truly belong to. Even when Darwin first collected them, he thought they were different species of birds like thrashers and wrens. His colleague, John Gould noted that the closely related forms were remarkably similar to one another and theorized that they might have had a common ancestor that originally came from South America. This probably wasn't surprising as Darwin wasn't chosen as the Beagle's naturalist, but instead as the ships doctor. His love for the natural sciences was a noted passion after all, but his overall understanding of ornithology was quite poor.

There were two other ornithological merits that Darwin put forth that aid in his inclusion in this contest. His use of the various breeds of pigeons that were being produced in during the Victorian age provided another window into understanding how artificial selection was merely a human controlled form of evolution.  Finally, two years after the publication of his "Origin of Species", a fossil discovery vindicated Darwin from his troubles with rivals ridiculing his theory! The discovery of Archaeopteryx ("ancient feather/wing") sought to put to rest all doubts that many had about evolution as a whole and in relation to theories about transitional fossils and the origins of birds as a group. Overall, he contributed very little to ornithology as a whole, but what he did contribute to biology was huge and I am so thankful for that.

Brewster unwittingly proving that not everyone looks good in sepia.

William Brewster (1851-1919) was another fine example of a Massachusetts ornithologist who made great contributions to his science and the history surrounding it. He is remembered as the co-founder of the American Ornithologists Union (advocating for safe birding conditions and reliable field guides since 1883) along with Elliott Coues (pronounced 'cows') and Joel Asaph Allen. He also served as its first president from 1895-98. One of the early conservationists, he got his start like many budding naturalists by hunting and seeking specimens for taxidermy projects. He later graduated to making study skins as they proved to be easier to make and maintain than the bulkier mounts. He kept detailed observations of everything he saw in the natural world. His dedication to such meticulous data collection and upkeep made him a prolific supplier of papers to the AOU's quarterly publication called "The Auk". He was so prolific that he authored over 300 papers for the publication. His role as president of the Nuttall Ornithological Club oversaw many changes in the birding world including the rise of the National Audubon Society and the growing interest and appreciation for birding amongst the general public. His work as a tireless ornithologist and birder is remembered in the AOU's

Score tabulation time!:

Charles Darwin:

• Responsible for putting forth a theory that assisted in understanding how the formation of differing species of birds and families could be related and have changed over time through the use of natural selection. (1)
• Wasn't actually an ornithologist and didn't initially understand the significance of his findings until his colleague John Gould pointed out similarities between the finches he'd collected in the Galapagos. (-1/2)
• Realized that artificial selection was merely a human controlled form of evolution and used pigeons to describe this to his fellow scientists. (1)
• The discovery of Archaeopteryx supported his theory of evolution and further cemented the idea that transitional forms played a role the origin and evolution of birds. (1)

William Brewster:

• Co-founded and headed the American Ornithologists Union. (1)
• Wrote over 300 papers for the organizations journal, "The Auk". (1)
• Was the Nuttall Ornithological Club's president during the rise in interest in birding among laypersons. (1)
• Had a hand in starting the first Audubon Society in the world, but it later failed due to a lack of recurring membership and revenue. (-1)
• Utilized "shotgun ornithology" for collection of specimens and subjects for nature observation and study of the natural sciences. (-1/2)
• Remembered in the form of a metal given to those authors and coauthors of an exceptional body of work concerning species found in the Western Hemisphere. (1)

Final Scores: Darwin - 2.5 / Brewster - 2.5 

With the scores tied, another Google search results tally has been suggested but batted down due to the last one causing such controversy. Instead a coin toss will be instituted. Heads for Darwin and tails for Brewster. Best 2/3 wins.

Here are the results of that:

1. Darwin
2. Darwin
3. Brewster

With that, the winner this week is Darwin! He will go on to face Alexander Wilson in the quarterfinals! Tune in next week to see the match up of Roger Tory Peterson vs. Florence Augusta Merriam Bailey! Have a good week (I have a chat to find at Drumlin) and as always, happy birding ^_^