I was saddened to see the posting on the tragic death of Phoebe - she was
indeed a remarkable woman as well as the world's leading birder.

My wife and I were on a trip with Phoebe(Tasmania and New Zealand), and
found her a delightful travelling companion, despite her formidable
reputation in the birding world. She had developed cancer several years
ago, and after treatment, decided to devote the rest of her life to birding,
which she did with passion and total dedication. She was not just a lister,
but truly enjoyed watching any bird, even one she had seen a thousand times.
I believe she had listed over 8000 birds(is that really possible?), which
establishes a record which will probably stand for some time.

On our recent visit to Australia we encountered many birders who knew Phoebe
- one told us that on a recent trip she had seen the last 3 owls endemic to
Australia(excluding the night owl).

Several years ago she was kidnapped in New Guinea and barely escaped with
her life.

There must be many stories about Phoebe, and she will be missed by many
people all over the world.



Wm Mulligan
8423 Calif Av SW
Seattle WA 98136
206-932-4340
FAX 206-937-6619

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