I just wanted to chime in as well on Lex’s passing. As others have already stated, Lex’s sense of humor, passion for birds and habitat conservation, generosity, and genuine interest in people were unsurpassed. I am so very sad that he is no longer with us, but I’m truly privileged to have spent many, many hours, days, weekends, and more birding, joking, chatting, and just hanging out with him. Miss you brother.
> On Aug 18, 2025, at 4:59 PM, Mike Turner (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Carolinabirds and friends,
>
> I am extremely sad to hear about Lex's passing. Lex did not get me started in birding, but without his early involvement in this budding passion of mine, I would be a much worse naturalist and person. Lex, along with Robin Carter and his guide to finding birds in SC, were instrumental in my passion for birding. I think Lex and I met on a field trip to one of the famous granitic outcrops in SC or GA, which I think was led by Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman. When I learned he basically birded for a living for the SCDNR I was shocked that someone could have a job like that!
>
> For a few years early on in my birding journey, we spent a lot of time in the field; Santee NWR including the Bluff and Pine Island Units, Yawkey Wildlife Center, Francis Marion National Forest, and just going out in the field to work on our Saluda County Lists. My most memorable trip with Lex was the first time he took me into the FMNF, probably very soon after we met. Before this trip I never dreamed I would see some of the birds in my Peterson or Audubon field guides. On this trip he showed me Scarlet Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Baltimore Oriole (this name will tell you how long ago this trip was), Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Redstart, and the best of all, Swallow-tailed Kite!
>
> I wish I was better at checking in on people who I love, and better at staying in touch with them. Especially with Lex. He was a good person, a funny person, and a good friend.
>
> Mike Turner
> Fayetteville, NC
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM Bert Fisher <carolinabirds...> <mailto:<carolinabirds...>> wrote:
>> 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...> <mailto:<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
