During a recent trip to Upstate New York, I was inspired by my visit to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown which is part of Chautauqua County. Jamestown is a beautifully forested area that is a rich habitat for a wide diversity of birds. Roger is considered by many as the best ornithologist of the twentieth century.
His 1934 book entitled “A Field Guide to the Birds” was a revolutionary publication. Original copies of this book now sell for over $10,000. His accurate paintings and informative writings were presented in a novel style which made bird identification accessible in new ways. By grouping together birds of similar appearance according to their color, size, and shape, rather than by their taxonomic classification, he created a simple visual system. He produced clear illustrations that had arrows pointing out key features for identification. Roger’s works have been an immeasurable inspiration for birdwatchers throughout the world.
My visit stimulated my interest in Roger’s works. I knew he had lived in Glen Echo in the charming stone house at 42 Wellesley Circle. The house was owned by Nettie May Burgess, a well-known realtor and actively involved with the Washington Audubon Society. When Roger moved to Glen Echo in 1945, he was thrilled to find the existing diversity of birds. He declared, “I know of no woodlands in the United States that have a higher density of birds per acre than the wooded acres along the Potomac in Glen Echo.”
During his years in Glen Echo, 1945-1953, Roger lived with his second wife Barbara and their two children, Tory and Lee. The Peterson’s had many visitors including famous naturalists, luminaries, and friends from all parts of the world.
Roger was pivotal in identifying DDT as the cause of the shattering loss in bird populations. When he testified before a US Senate Subcommittee, he reported, “The side effects of most (DDT) spraying programs go undocumented and more than 1 million birds are probably killed yearly. I just could not live without birds, frankly. I would hate to live in a lifeless world.” Roger and Rachel Carson were good friends. She learned about birds from Roger’s field guide and they both served as directors of the local Audubon Society.
While in Glen Echo, Roger wrote to Clarence Beal, “We are right on the edge of the woods, and I can see pileated woodpeckers from my window; barred owls hoot at night; both scarlet and summer tanagers live in the huge oaks over the roof; Louisiana water-thrushes, Kentuckys, etc., nest in the back of the house, and even bald eagles fly over - saw two yesterday. Also, osprey.”
In 1953, Barbara and Roger put down roots and moved to Old Lyme, Connecticut. Roger continued his life’s work with intense drive and remarkable concentration. He further developed his reputation as a premiere artist, distinguished naturalist, and key visionary for the 20th-century environmental movement.
There is much more to know and many interesting stories about Roger Tory Peterson’s life as well as the history of this distinctive Glen Echo house. I recommend the following books and websites:
Devlin, John C. and Naismith, Grace. The World of Roger Tory Peterson – An Authorized Biography. New York Times Book Co., Inc. 1977.
Anderson, Carlotta. Glen Echo: The Remarkable Saga of a Very Small Town. The Town of Glen Echo. 2006.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
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