Stunned and sadden, matching the national mood and weather, I read Rich Stallcup is an Oakland native son, who like Jack London, is owned by the world, of birding at least, and much more. Whenever we met, I called him King Richard, my way of honoring his immense contributions to bird conservation and identification. His humanity and humility put it right back on whomever complemented him. He just would not accept he was so gifted. But to my mind, the penultimate manifestation of his shaman-like abilities was the discovery of a Light-mantled Sooty Albatross on a Cordell Bank pelagic trip, July 17, 1994. It's one thing to be keen, but quite another to draw a sub-Antarctic albatross into his sphere. He was kind enough to send me a picture and encourage me to get out there and find another. I guess that is his legacy- look deeper. Thanks for being so Rich.






Mark Rauzon