[MASSBIRD] Peter Vale

[dov...@comcast.net]

Peter Vale

 

Lois and I and Fay Vale were engaged in animated, and no doubt fascinating conversation and Peter stood with us, his quiet self. Then he abruptly ended our conversation with five words. “I have a Louisiana Waterthrush”. And sure enough, while we were talking, Peter was silently birding and found the only Louisiana Waterthrush I have ever seen on Plum. So, characteristic of Peter. Quiet and polite as well as competent. Two of the more reliable observers, Peter and Faye, were special friends to Lois and I. They were responsible for some of more memorable sightings like the Ivory Gull and a Prothonotary    Warbler in Groveland. We would meet in the field and occasionally we would have lunch.  Every year we would have a deliberate lunch that we dubbed the cattle egret lunch. Every spring after both couples found a Cattle Egret we would celebrate with a lunch.

              Peter’s passing was a surprise to me. And not only is deeply saddening but leaves me with a strange sense of isolation.  A sad little insert to the migration.

Doug Chickering

dov...@comcast.net

 

 

[Michael Emmons]

Nice remembrance .

Michael Emmons 

Michael...@comcast.net

Wilmington , Ma

On May 13, 2023, at 10:19 PM, dov...@comcast.net wrote:



[Jane Lothian]

Lovely to read Doug Chickering's tribute here!

Here are my own thoughts:

My friend and fellow birder Peter Vale passed away May 13, while in the hospital recovering from heart surgery. 

Behind Peter's quiet demeanor was a brilliant mind and a giving heart. He began birding with Fay, his beloved wife of fifty years, and together they birded the world. Even after Fay’s passing, Peter birded abroad, including recent trips to Uganda and Cambodia.

I remember Peter's generosity at sharing birds in the field, and his many contributions to Massachusetts birds and birding. He led numerous Brookline Bird Club trips, including many Big Sits. He loved inviting birders of all ages and experience levels to join in the Melrose Christmas Bird Count, which he coordinated. After retirement, he volunteered at the Plum Island banding station.  I'm told that he also converted the Bird Observer sightings data to eBird. 

He’s survived by his brother Al and cats Munchie, Florence, and Pam. When memorial information is available, I’ll share it here. 

With deepest condolences,

Jane Lothian

[Lynette Leka]

I am heartbroken about the untimely loss of Peter - his kind, quiet, generous nature was a gift to all, and one that I assumed would be with us forever.

------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019



Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: lynett...@yahoo.com

[Jane Lothian]

Massbirders, 

To follow up on the sad news of Peter Vale's death last Saturday, here's a link to his obituary. 

https://www.goldmanfc.com/memorials/peter-vale/4459432/index.php

I hope that his many friends in the birding community will share photos and memories on the site. Plans for the funeral or celebration of life are still developing. 

In sympathy,

Jane Lothian

Maynard, MA

janelothian2(at)gmail.com