Hello,
While many, perhaps most of you, will not have heard of Winston Banko, his passing is worthy of noting.
He was a Washington native who went on to work at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in 1948 and in 1960 the USFWS published his monograph: The Trumpeter Swan: Its History, Habits and Population in the United States. It has been reprinted several times over many decades and still remains the foundational information upon which the efforts to restore and conserve Trumpeter Swans was born. He was also well known for his work with Hawaiian birds, publishing many documents, some just a few years ago.

He was my mentor and personal friend. A charter member of Northwest Swan Conservation Association and a strong supporter of our swan work here in Washington State. His wisdom, insights and sense of humor were greatly appreciated. He will be missed.

You can read more on our Facebook site: www.facebook.com/nwswans or go directly to a short biography at: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/perry/bios/bankowinston.htm

As a tribute to Win, NWSCA is establishing the Winston Bank Education Project so that we can continue to bring the message about swans to the next generation. Something important to him.
You can contact me off list for additional information if you want to send something to the family.

Martha Jordan
Executive Director
Northwest Swan Conservation Association
PMB 272, 914- 164th St SE
Mill Creek, WA 98012
martha at nwswans.org
office: 425-787-0258
cell: 206-713-3684