These last two weeks have been very rough for the falconry community, and today we are very sorry report on the passing of giant in the world of falconry and peregrine falcon biology. NAFA regrets to share the sad news of the passing of honorary lifetime NAFA member Jim Enderson. Please read more below, courtesy of Anne Price and her email to the the Colorado Hawking Club (CHC).
The Passing of a Legend
Good Evening Members:
It is with a very heavy heart that I must inform you of the passing of CHC Honorary Lifetime Member, Jim Enderson, this morning, after a brief illness.
Dr. James Enderson was Professor Emeritus of Biology at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. During his long and distinguished career in raptor research, he made innumerable contributions to the science and understanding of wild falcon populations. He was also the first person in the US to breed the anatum or “American” peregrine in captivity. Jim’s extensive research in the field, knowledge of the behavior of wild falcons, and steadfast dedication to the effort to save the peregrine falcon from extinction in the US made him a giant in the field. There is no one who knew more about wild Colorado peregrines than Jim. The only reason we have a wild take in Colorado today is because of unquestionable data he obtained, and the respect he commanded from both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Among his numerous awards and citations, he was the recipient of the Hamerstrom Award for contributions to the ecological understanding and conservation of wild raptors, and the Cade Award for captive propagation and management from the Raptor Research Foundation. Beyond that, he was a skilled big game hunter, teacher, historian, life-long student of nature, and a dear friend, husband, father, colleague and mentor to many of us who fly and love raptors today.
Funeral arrangements are pending but will likely take place near the end of February. The Club will also taking steps to make a donation to the Archives of Falconry “Wall of Remembrance” in Jim’s honor.
Fly free Jim….and go with our thanks.
