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Don R. Eckelberry
Don Eckelberry, born in 1921, was a major player throughout the era of the illustrated field guide. Of his 14 books, the most widely recognized are probably Richard H. Pough's series of Audubon Bird Guides (1946-57) for which the artist produced 1,250 images. Another multi-volume production, Brown and Amadon's Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World sponsored by the National Audubon Society, is the source of the Eckelberry images shown in this web site. These portraits have been compared with those of Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874-1927): unlike the flattened forms typical of field-guide style, Eckelberry's birds are aesthetically appealing yet allow easy comparison of the Falco of our region: Merlin, American Kestrel, and Prairie and Peregrine Falcon. |
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While both seek winged prey, Merlin, formerly known as the pigeon hawk, concentrate on birds, and American Kestrel (despite its former name ‘sparrow hawk’) on insects. Difference in prey choice relates to difference in foraging style: Merlin, pursue prey in a low, straight flight; American Kestrel hover, hawk and swoop.
Stanford Note: For years you could expect to see the jay-sized American Kestrel at the Dish, upslope from Stanford Avenue. In contrast, Merlin (mostly seen on campus during migration or in the winter), might come-and-go undetected. |
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