Steve,
Thanks for sharing the sad news about Lex Glover's passing with everyone.
Lex and I spent many, many hours birding together 30 (yikes!) years ago.
One year we even surpassed 600 ABA birds. That year included trips to
Alaska, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and California, just to name a few of the
states we birded. Over those years we spent time in many fabulous birding
locales, relying heavily on Lex's excellent birding skills. He was, indeed,
the consummate birder!
In thinking back, the things that stand out beyond the birds are the humor,
the laughter, and Lex's willingness to go out of his way to share his
passion for birds and his friendship.
Lex will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Bert Fisher
Hillsborough, NC
On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 8:06 AM Steve Patterson <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> 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, increa
> sing 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 tho se 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."
>
>
> Your friend, Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Steve Patterson
> South Carolina
>
