BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE 



Palmer David Skaar 



No one person has done more to further the study of Montana birds than Dave Skaar 

 (1923-1983). Dr. Skaar came to Montana in 1957 to join the faculty of Montana State 

 College (now MSU). He was widely respected as a microbial geneticist at that time, 

 and during his career he wrote extensively in that field. He also founded and directed 

 the Genetics Institute at MSU, and served for four years as editor of the Proceedings 

 of the Montana Academy of Sciences. Dave's involvement in the study of Montana bird 

 distribution made him well-known and respected throughout the state. His enthusiasm 

 was contagious, and his patience and modesty were exemplary. He was not one to 

 discourage or belittle the amateur and his words were always encouraging, never 

 demeaning. 



Dave pioneered the "latilong" concept in distributional studies. His definitive Birds of 

 the Bozeman Latilong was published in 1969 and was a model regional bird account. 

 In 1975, Dave published the first edition of Montana Bird Distribution. The impact of 

 this book was tremendous. It motivated and mobilized amateurs and professionals 

 across the state, and resulted in careful ornithological scrutiny of vast areas of Montana 

 that had never before been studied. The Fourth Edition of Montana Bird Distribution 

 is one of Dave's ongoing legacies. Future editions will continue as a direct result of Dr. 

 Skaar's inspiration and visionary efforts. ^ 



