David Utterback

When I first arrived at the station, I was soon introduced to David Utterback, a naturalist and an artist who lived just up the road. His art was beautiful and lifelike and his drawings have been used in several ornithological textbooks as well as to decorate the office and gift shop here at the station. He was a talented naturalist, having a unique connection with many of the nesting birds in the area, he was often able to identify and follow individual birds from one year to the next. He was also an enthusiastic physicist, explaining theories of special relativity to me that sadly, were far beyond my comprehension.

But along with his brilliant abilities, came a tormented mind and on June 1st, he left everything behind and disappeared leaving only a note with some researchers at the station. Many hoped that he had driven off to Mexico or had run off to live in the mountains for a while. Sadly, just two days ago, his body was found up in the mountains near the station. He has become such a constant here at the station and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Heres to Dave Utterback, in hopes that he has finally found some peace.