Libraries

Birds, Birds, Birds!

Photo of a bald eagle and the text Birds, Birds, Birds!

February is traditionally a time when western Illinois celebrates the observation of bald eagles as they make their way south along the Mississippi River in search of food. University Libraries is no exception to this celebration. On Friday, February 3, 2012 University Libraries will host, "Birds, Birds, Birds!" reception celebrating multiple ornithological influences in the Leslie F. Malpass Library. The reception celebrates the donation of the sculpture, Echo, to the library; Dr. Thomas Dunstan, professor emeritus of biology at Western Illinois University, induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2011; and the expansion of the Petersen Ornithological Collection.

If you have visited the Access Services desk in the Malpass Library in the last six months, you have surely noticed Echo, a sculpture created by WIU 2011 graduate, Mark Padlo. Echo was created in Don Crouch's sculpture course here at WIU, and was purchased for University Libraries by Dr. Patricia Hutinger, in memory of her son, Scott Hutinger.

Dr. Dunstan was recognized for his, "commitment to natural resources protection, conservation and enhancement of outdoor recreation opportunities in the state" according to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Specifically, for his work to protect and expand the wildlife habitat of bald eagles. Although he retired in 2007, Dr. Dunstan continues his wildlife work.

The Mary Lou and Peter Petersen, Jr. Ornithological Collection recently received additional books. The collection contains over a 1,000 unique titles of rare and high quality books, periodicals, banding cards and records dating back to 1886.

The reception will be held in the Garden Lounge of the Leslie F. Malpass Library from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Please join us in celebrating Birds, Birds, Birds!