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Roger Tory Peterson

Naturalist / Artist

Roger Tory Peterson was an artist and avid birder who revolutionized the world of bird-watching when he published his Field Guide to Birds in 1934. His detailed paintings and a simplified method of identifying birds helped to make birding a popular hobby. The guide was so successful that Peterson's system was applied to all manner of flora and fauna.

Extra credit: Before Peterson came along, the world's reigning painter of birds was John J. Audubon.

Four Good Links

Peterson Online

Great birding resource, especially for beginners

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

Events schedules, exhibit descriptions and education programs

Roger Tory Peterson

Great Peterson article from Defenders, a conservationist magazine

Roger Tory Peterson

Profile and tribute from the National Wildlife Federation

Vital Stats

Birth

28 August 1908

Birthplace

Jamestown, New York

Death

28 July 1996
(age 87)

Best Known As

The author of Field Guide to Birds