Sadly I am posting the news that David Saunders died last week.  His family have requested privacy and there will not be a public funeral.  

David was the first warden of Skomer in 1961, the organiser of the first national seabird survey “Operation Seafarer” in 1969/70, the author of many books including the first “Where to Watch Birds in Wales”, a past Director of the Dyfed Wildlife Trust (now the Wildlife Trust South & West Wales) and the critical (some would say very exacting) reviewer of many a published article and book.

He was a good friend, and for a time my employer while we were on Skomer, who maintained a very regular contact with us for the last 50 years or so. His opening remarks in many emails were often “I am furious” either because facts in articles were clearly incorrect or missing important detail.  He maintained a close interest in seabirds throughout his life and only two weeks ago he asked for the 2023 survey details of the seabirds on Skomer.

Those who knew David well will have appreciated his in-depth ornithological knowledge and his skillful ability to impart that to an audience. We will miss his critical appraisal, there are few around with his historical perspective, and even fewer with a library like his. 

  David with Ronald Lockley aboard the Waverley