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January 6, 2007
Paul Coopmans Passes Away
Announcement from Birdquest Regarding Paul Coopmans – 5th January 2007
It is with great sadness and regret that we must inform you of the tragic and untimely death of Paul Coopmans, who died on the night of the 1st of January following a brave battle with cancer. Paul moved to the Galapagos after graduating from Zoology in Antwerp, Belgium, and, having been awe-struck by the biodiversity of Ecuador, set up home in Quito, where in recent years he lived with his wife Syama and son Nicolas. He then very rapidly became an authority on the birds of Ecuador, and soon gained an unsurpassed knowledge of bird vocalizations there. He spread his wings further, travelling extensively in much of the Neotropics, and soon became a respected authority in much of the region. Paul’s almost superhuman ability to hear and recognize bird vocalizations was not only envied amongst his fellow birders, but also led to the discovery of at least two new species to science. Paul put his enormous talents to good use. He was a major contributor to the groundbreaking Birds of Ecuador fieldguide, co-published many CDs of Ecuadorian bird sounds, and led more than 70 tours for Birdquest to many parts of the Neotropics, where he was able to share his knowledge and humour with countless other birders. Paul will be sorely missed by all of us that ever knew him. Our thoughts at this time are with his family.
Pete Morris
(Deputy Manger, Birdquest)
Editors note: We were saddened to hear this news at Surfbirds. In addition to meeting Paul, he was also a regular contributor to Surfbirds.
Posted by Surfbirds at January 6, 2007 5:56 AM
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