Hi All,
Recently, at Montezuma NWR, what used to be known as Shorebird Flats was
dedicated in memory of Elon Howard Eaton, and is now known as Eaton Marsh.
To familiarize the subscribers to Cayugabirds as to who Eaton was, I have
included a short biography below. Professor Eaton truly was a pioneer figure
in the ornithological history of New York State and well deserves the
posthumous recognition.
Charlie Rouse
Secretary,
Eaton Birding Society
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Elon Howard Eaton
Elon Howard Eaton was born in Springville, New York, on October 8, 1866.
He spent his early years there enjoying the outdoors, which was the basis
for his life's work.
He was graduated with an B.A. degree from the University of Rochester in
1890, having been elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and received an M.A. degree in
1893.
While still an undergraduate he was an instructor of science at the
Canandaigua Union School, and after graduation returned there as
vice-principal and science instructor until 1895.
From then until 1907, he was a Master of Science at the Bradstreet School in
Rochester. During this time he was working on his first book, Birds of
Western New York, which was published in 1901.
Professor Eaton joined the faculty at Hobart William Smith colleges in
1908 and taught for 26 years. He established and was head of the biology
department, teaching classes in biology, ornithology and physiology, among
others.
From 1908 to 1914, he served as State Ornithologist for the New York Museum
and acted as Curator. It was at that time where he was selected to write
Birds of New York. (Volume I, 1910; Volume II, 1914).
This two volume treatise was the first complete study of birds of
Northeastern North America, and is still considered the standard authority.
Professor Eaton was instrumental in the establishment of Montezuma National
Wildlife Refuge, and for many years tried in vain to save Potter Swamp in
Yates County- ultimately succumbing to the advancement of agriculture. In
its day, Potter Swamp was a place where Big Day counts would exceed of 150
species.
Much of Professor Eaton's time was spent in original research in
ornithology, ecology, genetics, migration and conservation. He presented
papers on his investigations before the American Ornithologist Union - and
in 1927 was selected to head the Biological Survey of the Finger Lakes. His
prodigious efforts set a standard for work of this sort, being recognized as
the most complete investigation of its kind ever conducted.
A short time later he was appointed to the Advisory Council of the New York
State Conservation Department, where he helped formulate policy.
Accolades to Professor Eaton include: Two honorary degrees from the
University of Rochester. M. Sc. degree in 1911 - and a D.Sc. degree in
1925.
Naming of the H WS Colleges science building Eaton Hall in his honor in
1961, and was the Inaugural Recipient of the HWS Distinguished Faculty
Award in 1992.
In 1932, a group of ardent birders in the Geneva area established the Geneva
Bird Club under the guidance of Professor Eaton, and upon his death, renamed
the club the Eaton Birding Society in his honor.
Professor Eaton died at home in Geneva on March 27, 1934.
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