<p>The noted ornithologist who cut a wide swath through the world of birding died in the early morning on Jan. 21 at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
Vernon Laux, the noted ornithologist and naturalist who cut a wide swath through the world of birding with an expertise and enthusiasm few could match, died early Thursday at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. He was 60 and had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2014.
Largely self-taught, intrepid and unfailingly upbeat in all things, more than once he had been called a giant, as much for his deep knowledge in the field as for his physical size.
“Go ahead and picture what you think a birder might look like and it’s fair to say that he probably doesn’t fit the mold,” Jason Graziadei wrote in a November 2015 profile published in Nantucket Magazine. “Vern Laux is a bear of a man who has spent most of his life learning all there is to know about the Earth’s fowl.”
He had formerly lived on the Vineyard for many years, where among other things he wrote a column for the Gazette. In recent years he had lived on Nantucket where he was the senior naturalist for the Linda Loring Foundation. He was a longtime contributor to WCAI, the National Public Radio station based in Woods Hole.
Birding was his passion.
Birding was his passion.
“It was a good thing I was a big kid,” he told the Gazette in a 1981 interview. “I could always say to people who gave me a hard time, ‘What’s the matter? You don’t like birds?’ So I was able to go birding.”
E. Vernon Laux was born on March 17, 1955 in Wellesley, where he grew up. A gifted athlete, he played baseball, football and basketball. But a junior high school science teacher sparked his interest in birding. It began with a quiz, he recalled in the Gazette interview.
“I realized I had to study these charts and take this test . . . I thought every bird I didn’t know was a chickadee, and so I flunked,” he said. “It bothered me.”
Then another time the same teacher brought in a dead bird and challenged anyone in the class to identify it. Vern went home, got out all the encyclopedias he could find to study them and try to identify the bird, even consulting with a corporate executive who lived down the street and was a bird expert.
“I gave a lousy description of it. I never did get the bird [which was a Virginia rail],” he said. But Vern Laux was hooked on birding. He later would travel the world on expeditions, more often than not returning with some wild tale of adventure.
After high school he took classes at Cape Cod Community College, transferred to a college in Tucson, Ariz., and then decided to take some time off. While on an expedition to Alaska he met his wife Ginger, a stunning Midwestern transplant working as a waitress at the time. They were married in 1978, had two children and later divorced.
He attended the University of Arizona through his junior year, studying wildlife ecology and speech communication. But he found collegiate life too confining.
Laux-led expedition on Cuttyhunk.
Laux-led expedition on Cuttyhunk.
“My ideas about school are that I’ve always learned a whole lot more, like three times as much, out of school as I’ve learned in school,” he told the Gazette.
He returned to New England, landed a job on a fishing boat where the captain was prone to fits of rage, quit that and went to work on the Cape for Air New England, the regional airline at the time. His pay was $100 a week. When a job at the airline opened on the Vineyard, he and Ginger moved to the Island.
His love for birding was a prime driver in the move.
“Compared to the Cape, the bird watching on the Island hasn’t been that well studied,” he said. “I wanted to come over and look for birds, really. I always wanted to live on an Island anyway.”
Three years later Air New England folded its tent, but Vern was characteristically upbeat. “Bigger and better things,” he told the Gazette. “Move on. It’s opened up a bunch of doors.”
And doors kept opening for Vern Laux, who established himself over the next decade as a pre-eminent authority on birds and the natural world. He authored a book titled Bird News: Vagrants and Visitors on a Peculiar Island. For a time he wrote a column for the Cape Cod Times. His writing was at once fluent and unvarnished. “This is no ‘bird snob’ column,” he wrote in his inaugural piece. “All experts were once rank neophytes. The more you know the more you realize how little you know.”
During walks in the woods, his perfect imitations of bird calls amazed friends and strangers alike. His signature signoff on the radio and in print was, “Keep your eyes on the sky.”
Word of his death spread rapidly on social media on Thursday. WCAI announced it would air a special program on The Point with Mindy Todd on his birthday in March.
Comments
Fly, Vern, Fly........
Friend EdgartownFly, Vern, Fly........
Vern was a good friend who
Eleanor West tisburyVern was a good friend who will keep his eye on the sky.
Great friend classmate and
Merrill Marsh Portland MaineGreat friend classmate and all around nice guy. Sad news.
Vern was a generous person
Fernando Colon Osorio Nantucket, MAVern was a generous person who love the earth, birds, the flora and the fauna. He walked this earth by sharing his joy for nature, and each and every day teaching someone something very special. His generosity was without par.
I remember once, when I was off island and Vern on cold winter day stopped by my house in Eel Point to enjoy the skies. I go a call from Vern - Fernando he said, do you know you have an open window upstairs. Of course, I said I didn't, and he went inside and make sure that the window was closed and my house secured. That was Vern. You will be sadly missed.
Vía con dios.
Ginger Great BarringtonVía con dios.
I really missed Vern Laux's
Susan Johnson Vineyard HavenI really missed Vern Laux's reports when he moved to Nantucket, and so wish I had gone on one his bird boat tours when I had the chance. Over tge years, Vern's reports opened my eyes to the skies and the importance of our relationship to birds. RIP, fly high & free.
Another force of nature taken
Jane Varkonda EdgartownAnother force of nature taken from this world too soon. God's speed Vern.
What an enlightening
Elise Vineyard Vineyard HavenWhat an enlightening,attainable - to - all voice,just quieted ~ we'll still hear him in the feathered friends aloft.I was always so happily suprised when his radio moment(s) aired & I hadn't missed it.A name one remembers.
Sad news. Thank you, Vern,
Martha Here, There and EverywhereSad news. Thank you, Vern, for sharing your love for the Bird Kingdom with the rest of us. Your goodness shined through your words. How lucky we were to have you in our midst . Fare thee well, benevolent guide!
I remember reading his
Alexis Starke Piermont, NYI remember reading his columns with my family in the Vineyard Gazette growing up How sad to lose another great person too soon to cancer
Early 70s - it's winter on
Dick Harlow AtlantaEarly 70s - it's winter on the Vineyard sitting in the Air New England operations office at the airport. Vern howls and points. There's a snowy owl on a bank on the tarmac! Between flights he always had a pair of binoculars and a notepad out checking out the birds. I loved the guy!
He could always make us smile
Gerry Letourneau Spring Hill FlHe could always make us smile. Have thought of him often over the years.
An indelible memory will be
Mike Bryant and Ray Slyper New York CityAn indelible memory will be of Vern on a guided trip he was giving us, sprinting, scope in hand toward a hovering raptor at the Katama Airfield. The bird turned out to be the famed MV Red Footed Falcon. An unforgettable moment with an unforgettable man.
Very sad to hear of my high
Brian Fay BozemanVery sad to hear of my high school classmate's demise. Always loved that guy.
I didn't know Vern well, but
Katherine Scott TisburyI didn't know Vern well, but I loved his columns, despite my not being a great birder.
He also was generous with tips on visiting Prince Edward Island, where I think he also spent quite a few summers.
Very sad news. Taken too soon.
Very sad. We had been on
Frank & Joan EdgartownVery sad. We had been on several "expeditions" with him and enjoyed the knowledge he imparted.
I met Vern years ago at the
June Starke Tappan, NYI met Vern years ago at the little airport near South Beach while he was birding. always read his columns and never forgot to "keep my eyes to the sky." Very sad news.
Vern was a pretty good
dick pratt edgartownVern was a pretty good basketball player--One sunday morning--at the Tisbury school--playing pickup ball with "the guys"---under the backboard--we ran into each other and both fell down--We looked at each other---He reached out and we helped each other up---He was the kind of guy that would help you up--!!--enuf said
I ran into Vernon about 15
Marcy Fortune Fall River, MAI ran into Vernon about 15 years ago in Woods Hole. HE was as friendly as always and never mentioned what a great bird watcher he was. He never took himself too seriously, very self effacing, great guy.
Swift wings, Vern. And big
Dana Anderson HonoluluSwift wings, Vern. And big love.
I will miss Vern's reports on
Nancy Holt EdgartownI will miss Vern's reports on NPR-- He was like a spiritual friend.
So long Vern. I will always
Joseph Arvay NantucketSo long Vern. I will always cherish the memories of pre-dawn CBC oatmeal by the fire, then post CBC libations again by the fire in our little Sconset cottage.
Your unbridled enthusiasm will reverberate through the moors and beaches of Nantucket for ever.
we met at Tea Lane .. a sweet
debbie dean mvwe met at Tea Lane .. a sweet manbear .. always keenly aware .. sadness remves sweet bearman ..let us remember the lve he shared ..every feathered sweet
Received the news today via
Bob Gorgone New Gloucester, MEReceived the news today via some of Vern's neighborhood buddies and fellow high school classmates. We have been exchanging Vernon stories all afternoon. They all circle around Vern's love of birding, soft spoken manner.
You can fly with them now big bear.
A wonderful guy to grow up
Dave Neises Savannah, GAA wonderful guy to grow up with. I always enjoyed seeing him at high school reunions over the years. A gentle, intelligent, bear of a man. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about Vernon
Missy HarveySo sorry to hear about Vernon - What a great guy - he really loved life! My condolences to his family.
Although I never had the
Mary McDermott Orleans MAAlthough I never had the privilege of meeting Vern, I feel as if I've lost a friend. To hear him say, "Keep your eyes to the sky" on the radio was like receiving a blessing.
Getting out of my car in the
Judith Bandieri West HyannisportGetting out of my car in the driveway yesterday, I heard a hawk. Scanned the nearby trees. IThe hawk glided across the cul de sac from one oak tree to another. I thought, "Thanks for stopping by, Vern." Keep your eyes to the sky!
Vern,
Robert Lassiter BarnstableVern,
We'll all miss you. Great memories from childhood summers in Centerville. You followed your dreams.
Vern had a smile in his voice
Dianne Cape CodVern had a smile in his voice--and entire being, it seems. I actually heard him say on WCAI, "I always want to fly with them." His wish--our loss.
He was a true Book of
Liz Slaughter New Rochelle NYHe was a true Book of Knowledge. I will miss him.
In the few seasons of birding
Sally VineyardIn the few seasons of birding with Vern I always felt that the knowledge of birds he gave me was far more comprehensive than from a school. He was an amazing, generous and passionate teacher and man with enthusiasm like no other. I will always think of him when looking to the sky.
It is tragic that you were
Lucy W Hingham, MAIt is tragic that you were taken too soon, Vern. But we don't know much about anything. Everyone knew your true love. Thank you for imparting this to so many humans. You won't be forgotten.
Walking down the snowy road
Amanda West TisburyWalking down the snowy road to Cedar Tree Neck this afternoon, I encountered a large, Red-Tailed hawk swooping low through the oak trees- my first thought was of Vern.He was one of a kind, and he will be sorely missed.
I was always thinking Vern
Steve Zimmermsan Gig Harbor, WAI was always thinking Vern and I had a few more trips to make together. Hearing about his passing made me sad beyond all measure. Vern was one of the greatest and most fun people I have ever known. I can’t believe he is gone. It is hard to even think it. A huge loss for all of us who knew and loved him.
We're wearing his Red-footed
David Weaver BostonWe're wearing his Red-footed Falcon t-shirt today. RIP Vern!
Our deepest condolences to
Diane Silverstein and Michael Dettrey Livingston TexasOur deepest condolences to Vern's family and friends. He brought so much spirit to birding. We will miss him. Soar high, Vern.
"Hope is the thing with
Friend Concord, MA."Hope is the thing with feather
that perches in the soul
and sings the tune without the words
and never stops -- at all."
-- Emily Dickinson
We will all miss Vern Laux.
Frances Sullivan CentervilleWe will all miss Vern Laux. So much knowledge,good spirit and energy.
Old friend. Hadn't talked
steve gamsby the capeOld friend. Hadn't talked with him in some time. Today I thought about him and looked him up. I knew he was on Nantucket. Saddened by the search results. I believe we all know that he's got some special wings. Don't save your hello's for another day.
Vern you had a golden Heart
Eugene Meskenas Sydney AustraliaVern you had a golden Heart and a very generous outlook towards other people. You were unique.
You looked after me so kindly when I was on Martha's Vineyard. You will truly be missed.
I only met Vern once and he
Eddie NantucketI only met Vern once and he was as kind and generous with his time and knowledge in person as he was on the Bird Report. He had a special way of attracting people to his passion. He will be sorely missed.
His passion for Birds was
Robert BostonHis passion for Birds was bigger than himself. He left us too soon. Thanks for all. RIP.
Vern's inspiration,
Alice Mohrman Georgetown DE - former Felix Neck Teacher/NaturalistVern's inspiration, enthusiasm and kindness is unparalleled. I remember, during a 5 am Breeding Bird Survey, he would talk non-stop, while driving the Vineyard backroads, with the windows down and hear every bird song! He knew when to be quiet, long before this birding novice, and he genuinely wanted you to hear and learn the calls. He even found birds at 5 corners at 7:00 am while rendezvousing with a friend to give him fresh fish (in a cooler) he caught at Cape Pogue at midnight. I think of him often and smile.
Your gonna be missed far and
Bob Buckler UK and SPAINYour gonna be missed far and wide Vern, it was a great pleasure birding with you wherever we were. Both Dawn and I will never forget the 'big man' from Nantucket. Thank you and Trish for sharing those few days together last October on the island, memories to cherish. Happy birding in the big reserve in the sky, see you there sometime. Bob & Dawn
I had just met Vern and after
Martin Lammert St. LouisI had just met Vern and after a night of good time at farm of his good friend, John Moore, we woke up the next morning and looking from the porch over the Mississippi River valley we saw a thousand white specks going down the flyway in the distance. Without thinking Vern tells us they were pelicans headed south. It was amazing. We never knew that pelicans came through there! To Vern !!!
Just coming back around again
Colter Rule Falls Village, CTJust coming back around again to think of Vern Laux. A Giant, in Every Way. Giver, Lover of Life, A Just Plain Exceptional Human Being. Good Vibes ? You should'a been there. I can still hear his laughter. Gone too soon. Amen, Brother. Thanks
Earth is a less interesting
Chris Hobbs Kansas CityEarth is a less interesting place without Vern Laux.
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