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Range Bayer receiving OFO Award at the August 2009 Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of Oregon Field Ornithologists in Charleston on August 29, 2009, an award was presented to Range Bayer of Newport for his many contributions to Oregon ornithology, OFO, and Oregon birding.
Range came to Newport in the early 1970's to work on a Master's thesis, studying Great Blue Herons. He stayed to pursue other natural history studies and to publish papers on birds, fish, and marine mammals. In addition, he has a keen interest in dragonfly migration, eel grass, and astronomy.
For decades Range has compiled the records of bird sightings in Lincoln County.
He has published a phenology of bird sightings for Lincoln County.
He has brought to print the observations of other natural history observers through Gahmken Press, and has made sure that these records were distributed to libraries where they are accessible to researchers. Recently he has worked with OSU libraries to convert these publications to digital format.
Range has also researched the notes of historic bird enthusiasts and made their writings more accessible to today's readers and future generations.
Beginning in 1980 Range became a key figure in the local club that came to be called the Yaquina Birders and Naturalists. He has served as president, editor of the newsletter The Sandpiper, field notes compiler, and field trip leader. He is much beloved by the local naturalist community.
In addition, Range has researched and written about contemporary issues like the proposed ship-breaking in Yaquina Bay, liquid natural gas development, and the control of predation by cormorants.
It was my pleasure to present this award to a very deserving recipient.
Congratulations, Range. Well done.
Paul T. Sullivan
Thanks to Bob Olson & Janet Webster for their research into Range's contributions.
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