[BCNnet] Fw: request for information

[Karolyn Beebe]

Maybe someone here has information to share on this...
Karolyn

(this is: 01-21-03 11:16 sjstrelka@juno.com request for information 
In: http://www.surfbirds.com/phorum/list.php?f=87)

----- Forwarded Message ----- 
From: <sjstrelka@juno.com>
To: <wisbirdn@lawrence.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 11:16 AM
Subject: request for information


> Hi all, 
> 
> I received this letter at the Schlitz Audubon Center.  Tried scanning it so I could send it to the net, but I couldn't get it to work.  So I am retyping the impt. parts of the letter.  This gentleman did not provide an e-mail address, so if you want to help him out you'll have to do it the old fashioned way.
> 
> -------------------------------
> Robert J. Clark 
> P.O. Box 685
> Collinsville, IL 62234
> 
> Dear Bird Enthusiasts:
> 
> I am an American Indian researching history topics related to natural history and the environment. I hope this inquiry can be posted in a newsletter or forwarded to elderly bird conservationists who might have memories to share.
> 
> The first project is on womens' contribution to science and natural history.  I am wanting to know more about women connected to ornithology on either an amateur or professional level.  This could be in any area such as bird watching, education, taxidermy, illustration, banding/census taking, habitat conservation etc. Women from any era are welcome, including the 1800's.  Are any elderly birders affiliated with this group aware of women who instilled a passion for ornithology amongst them when they were young?  A science teacher? Scout leader? Local bird watcher?
> 
> Do any members of this organization remember elderly women volunteers who assisted with any aspect of ornithology?  If anyone knows of women who assisted the cause of ornithology (especially pre-1970), please contact me.
> 
> The second project is on the environmental impact of WWII.  I would like to hear from anyone who as an adult or child lived through WWII and has memories to share.  
> 
> Does anyone (especially veterans) remember environmental damage being done to bird habitats, nesting grounds, etc. as a result of war related industry or pollution?  Ex. nesting ground being destroyed to make way for airstrips or defense plants, pollution killing off flocks?  Military personnel shooting birds to reduce aircraft collisions or wanton killing for target practice or out of boredom?  This can be in the U.S. or overseas.
> 
> Do any WWII vets remember seeing different bird species while abroad?
> 
> Did anyone encounter unusual or rare bird species during the war?  Does anyone remember reports of a cryptozoological nature--such as oversized "thunderbirds" or sightings of presumed extinct species?  
> 
> Does anyone recall memories of nature hikes or bird watching expeditions during the war years?
> 
> Finally, I am interested in any vintage/historical photographs of birds in the wild or as military mascots during the war, and any images of women who contributed to ornitholgy.  Thank you for any response.  
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Robert J. Clark