The Earl Poole Award
for Outstanding Contributions to Ornithology in Pennsylvania was given
to Dr. Paul Schwalbe following the PSO annual banquet on May 18,
1997. Paul has contributed to bird conservation and knowledge in many
ways during his career. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania
and spent most of his career teaching ornithology, among other subjects,
at Lock Haven University. More than 30 years ago, he laid out the Breeding
Bird Survey routes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for the US Fish and
Wildlife Service and continued as state coordinator until 1997. During
those years he ran a number of routes himself, totaling more runs than
almost any other person in the state.
Paul is an excellent example of ornithology's tradition of blurred distinctions
between professional and amateur. Although a professional, he has contributed
in many ways that went beyond his immediate duties. He has compiled Christmas
Bird Counts (and participated in more than 120 CBCs through the years),
conducted Breeding and Wintering Bird Censuses, served as Regional Coordinator
for the Breeding Bird Atlas and as Clinton County Compiler for Pennsylvania
Birds, banded birds, co-founded the West Branch Bird Club. He has
been involved in almost every significant ornithological activity in Pennsylvania.
Paul has contributed significantly to many publications, including authoring
15 species accounts for the Atlas, co-authored (with his wife Glenna)
the Annotated List of the Birds of Pennsylvania, and other regional
publications.
A significant, although largely unseen contribution, is his influence
on many students of various subjects who learned to appreciate birds under
his tutelage.
Ornithology in Pennsylvania would not be the same without Paul's contribution,
and the Society for Ornithology is privileged to give this honor to him. |