Date: 8/18/25 5:07 am From: Steve Patterson (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Lex Glover
Birding friends across the Carolinas,
Yesterday I learned that Lex Glover died on Tuesday, August 16. He had been very sick for months, battling cancer with grace, seriousness, dignity, and a little humor, all while authentically being himself.
I will deeply miss that unique and special self. He was a friend, mentor, colleague, confidant, and the best sort of travel buddy. Lex was the consummate birder. He kept meticulous written records of his birding encounters. He devoted his life to studying and enjoying birds, increasing knowledge that would hopefully contribute to their preservation. For decades he operated banding stations, conducted concentrated species studies (wintering Baltimore Orioles in SC, Painted Buntings, etc.), and directed ornithological interns in his work with SC DNR. His volunteer service terms with groups like the SC Bird Records Committee and the Executive Board of the Carolina Bird Club are always highly regarded. Enough cannot be said here of the importance of his influence.
Lex's impact on the community culture of our Carolina birding scene is incalculable. He helped make birding an experience of personal belonging, and not just competition and critique. When he raised a point of correction regarding identification or practice, it was done in a teachable way, protective of the tender enthusiasm of new birders; he did not belittle or embarrass those who were still learning. He knew that we are all still learning. He was not ashamed to be a scientist who also loved people, and he appreciated all the good that they brought to the various inclines and plateaus of the birding landscape.
May his memory and personal momentum now invite us forward to make this a better environment for birds and those who enjoy them. And I hope all who knew him well will forgive the inadequacy of my attempt to say "Thank you, Lex, for being true to yourself in a way that made us all better."
