On the Wing #43: (BRO) Griscom Vs. Gould

Before this week's competition begins, I would like to let you guys know that I'm only doing one entry for the week as I'll be in Florida from Friday until next Tuesday. I'll inform you guys of how the trip went (hopefully with photos) and update the tournament as well. Thanks for bearing with me and the hectic start to the new year. Hopefully I can get some new species to show for it huh? (Here's hoping for Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) and Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus)) Anyhoo, let's get this week's competition underway! Griscom vs. Gould! The battle of the G's begins now!

Practically the Gaston of birdwatchers

Ludlow Griscom (1890-1959) as can be seen above, was regarded as being the "Dean of Birdwatchers". A man with a commanding personality and a passion for birds to match, he made his mark on the birding world, especially in Massachusetts and in the East. His most famous contribution to the birding world was the concept of field identification through the use of field marks and recognition of bird behavior. He maintained this idea and promoted it during a time when most ornithologists still relied on the shotgun to make an accurate identification of a bird in question. His use of this field technique was particularly inspirational to Roger Tory Peterson who would later incorporate this into his own field guide. A man of many talents, he wore many hats throughout his life and assisted the American Ornithologists Union (fighting for the recognition of Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) as being regarded to be just as important as Greater Yellowlegs (T. melanoleuca) since 1883), Mass Audubon, and the National Audubon Society by changing their visions and missions to focus on conservation and protection of birds. He is also remembered for his efforts to promote field birding as a method of field ornithology. This greatly improved public participation in birding and nature observation and encouraged many to start Christmas Bird Counts and bird clubs of their own. The man is even commemorated for his efforts to create Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on a monument within the park. A man of many disciplines, Griscom certainly earned his title as the "Dean of the Birdwatchers".

Colorful paintings, monochrome self portrait. Such is the life of the ever-suffering artist.

John Gould (1804-1881) is probably best known for his bird prints that captured the essence of much of the world's bird life. He was also critical in Darwin's documentation of the Galapagos finches that would become one of the more famous examples for the Origin of the Species arguments about natural selection. Without his intervention, Darwin might have left those finches as several mislabeled species including wrens, grosbeaks, and thrashers. He like many rich white aristocrats with a hand in science had several species named after him including a vibrant species of Australian finch called a Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) which was named after his wife Elizabeth. Well known for his bird art, he produced several volumes of books including "The Birds of Australia", "A Monograph of the Trochilidae or Humming Birds", and "Birds of Great Britain". Widely acclaimed for his bird art, The Gould League was named after him and became the first organization in Australia to promote the bird life of Australia and ways to protect it for future generations. An gifted man with a great talent and a true inspiration to all.

Score tabulation time!

Griscom:

• Promoted the use of field marks and bird behavior as means of identifying them in the field. (1)
• Inspired Roger Tory Peterson to create his own field guide after learning to use field marks to identify birds. (1)
• Assisted the National Audubon Society, Mass Audubon, and the AOU in focusing their missions towards conservation and the betterment of bird habitat. (1)
• Promoted the popularity of field birding as a means of nature observation and as a scientific resource. (1)
• Worked and commemorated as a partner in the creation of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, MA (1)

Gould:

• Famous for his prints of exotic birds from around the world. (1)
• Assisted Darwin in the recognition of the finche's he collected as being biologically significant and different from the other birds in his collection. (1)
• The Gould League was named for him and promoted the bird life and conservation of birds of the Australian continent. (1)
• Had several species of birds named for him and his wife including the colorful Gouldian Finch (1)

Scores: Griscom - 5/ Gould - 4

With that, Griscom goes on to the next round! Next week will be the final match up of the first round of competitors and will feature the queen of the Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia), Margaret Morse Nice vs. the famous Northeast bird artist (other than Peterson) known as Louis Aggasiz Fuertes! Can't wait to see what happens next! Have a great week and as always, happy birding ^_^.