Thanks for sharing this story, Ross. There are many such stories like that out there about Stephen Davies.
One region where mallefowl seem to be relatively widespread is the mallee woodland in which the Eyre Bird Observatory is located. Stephen recognised the value of the abandoned Eyre Telegraph Station as Australia’s first bird observatory and, with the help of others, set about establishing the Eyre Bird Observatory in the mid-1970s. Eyre became the template for other Australian bird observatories, once four in number, but now down to two (Eyre and Broome).
Stephen Ambrose
Ryde NSW
From: Ross Macfarlane (TPG) <>
Sent: 30 October 2020 8:27 PM
To: 'Stephen Ambrose' <>;
Subject: RE: [Birding-Aus] Stephen Davies
This is sad news, Stephen was active in malleefowl conservation in WA and was a founding member of the National Malleefowl Recovery Team. He is very fondly remembered by all the malleefowl enthusiasts along with the many other birdos and scientists who knew him.
Dear Birding-aussers,
About one hour ago I was informed by Stephen Davies' daughter, Fran, that Stephen died peacefully in Perth around 10 am yesterday. Stephen would be well-known to many as a former President of the RAOU, its first Director, an RAOU Fellow, and a former Chair of the WA Group of the RAOU.
I also remember him as a friend, mentor, co-supervisor of my Honours and PhD projects at the University of WA and as someone who guided my early career. I first met Stephen when I was 11 years old (in 1970) and he encouraged me to maintain my interest in birds and to chase my dream of becoming an ornithologist, a dream that was realised many years later. I know many who have a similar story.
RIP Stephen Davies. My sincerest condolences to all the Davies Family.
Stephen Ambrose
Ryde NSW
