Ken Newman, Author and illustrator of Newman's Birds of Southern Africa
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By Guy Rogers South Africa Herald
RENOWNED ornithologist and bird painter Ken Newman, author and
illustrator of the seminal Newman's Birds of Southern Africa, has
died.
Born in England, Newman lived much of his life in Johannesburg but
toured widely lecturing on birds, how best to spot them, and the need
to conserve them. He was in his mid-eighties, and died on Monday night.
His "Southern Africa" book went to eight editions and he wrote and
illustrated a number of others including ones on garden birds,
bird-watching for beginners and how to tell LBJs, little brown jobs
like larks and pippits, apart. He was also involved in illustrating a
number of editions of the Roberts series of bird books.
Birdlife South Africa spokesman Karen Marx said Newman had played a
pivotal role in the popularisation of bird-watching in South Africa.
His commitment to his field was reflected in his presidency of both the
SA Ornithological Society and Birdlife South Africa. He was still on
the Birdlife SA council when he died and was recognised by Birdlife
International as an expert in his field.
In May this year his contributions were recognised by his being
presented with the Birldlife SA Owl Award.
Marx said Newman would live on especially through his field guides for
years to come.
Birdlife Eastern Cape chairman Ken Munro, who served on the Birdlife SA
council with Newman, said his death was a great shock.
"It is a great loss. He was a delightful chap, quiet but firm, who
spoke of birds with great knowledge and affection."