We called him Ol' Coot

   Jeff R. Wilson passed away on February 11, 2013. Here is the obituary from the local newspaper.

"Known to many in the birding community as Ol' Coot, Jeff spent much of his time outdoors searching for rare birds, conducting Christmas bird counts or leading groups on birding expeditions all over the world. He was a member of The Audubon Society and American Ornithological Society. Jeff was also a member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society. His artwork has been shown at the Brooks Museum of Art."

   I must add a favorite Ol-Coot story at this point. He and I met down at the Ensley Bottoms off Riverport Road. He was studying the shorebirds in the tailing ponds of the waste treatment plant. I was very new to birding then. He showed me this bird and talked about that bird; I was impressed with the massive experience he had.

   He took me down the small path, behind the treatment plant itself. The small forked path leading down to the tail end of McKellar Lake, where the out-flow pipe empties fresh water back into the Mississippi River. We stood next to a line of bushes and Jeff whispered, "There is a Yellow Billed Cuckoo in here." My eyes got big.

   Ol' Coot cupped both hands together and started making a low steady cooing call. I could not believe it when a Yellow Billed Cuckoo hopped out of the bushes and looked down at us. Ol' Coot had called a wild Yellow Billed Cuckoo and it came when he called. Amazing !

   Here is a link to Jeff Wilson's excellent pbase database of bird photos.

   Jeff Wilson will be missed. Our condolences to his loved ones. After the passing of Caroline Bullock two years ago, and now Jeff Wilson, Memphis has lost its greatest birders.

Robert and Berry

photos courtesy of jwilson, dspeiser