- Scott Francis (1954-2010)
As surely as summer turns to fall, Earthspan biologists gravitate to the East and Gulf Coasts to continue our four decades-plus of research on migrating tundra peregrine falcons. In Texas Gregg Doney will again lead a talented and experienced group of volunteers; in Maryland Bill Seegar and Mike Yates will add to their combined totals of 66 yearly Assateague Island surveys. They will also present a program on Earthspan’s peregrine studies to the Assateague Island Alliance on October 14. The first order of business in fall 2012, however, will be a gathering at South Padre Island, TX to honor our friend and colleague Scott Francis (pictured). A long-time participant on the Padre survey and one of the finest falcon trappers who ever lived, Scott lost a courageous battle with cancer two years ago when only 55 years young. His memory and inspiration will always be with us, and his ashes will return to Padre this September as he wished. Thanks, Karen, for sharing him with us. And thanks, Scott, for your friendship and the simple truth that knowing you made each of our lives richer.