[Maine-birds] Passing of Pat Moynahan

Hi all,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Pat Moynahan late last night.

Pat passed away peacefully and comfortably at home with some of those closest to her at her side following a dreadfully short but hard-fought battle with cancer. Pat was an icon in the Maine birding community and her legacy will live on. She was a dear friend of mine, and a true inspiration to me and many others. I was honored to be accepted into her presence in her final days, and will cherish our last conversation...about the Gray Kingbird, of course.

Her tireless support of birds and birding - especially supporting women birders around the world - only partially defines her. 390 species in Maine, 818 in the "ABA area," and many thousands from all around the world barely scratches the surface of her adventures. She never stopped traveling, and her last new world bird was a Marbled Teal in Morocco before making a mad, 14-hour dash from the Sahara to Marrakesh to catch a plane out before the border closed due to COVID-19. Back home, her last twitch was the aforementioned Gray Kingbird on her way home from the hospital, thanks to her dear friend Nancy who helped her to see it.

But whether it was a morning walk looking at shorebirds on Hill's Beach - always hoping to see a Piping Plover that she tirelessly advocated for, to a drive to Mile Stretch to gawk at Snowy Owls, or three weeks in the Tropics, few birders had the passion, intensity, and dedication of Pat. Whatever bird was in front of her was the most important bird to study and enjoy, and the lists that became less important over time were there for the excuse, for the lessons, and for the record. 

I have countless birding memories that I will never forget. From the whale watch that that was by far the most amazing day in the Gulf of Maine that we have ever experienced to a two-day chase to Miramichi, New Brunswick with Jeannette for the Mistle Thrush that netted an ABA bird for us all...and all of 13 total other species! 

In the days that follow I'll let folks know about her illustrious career of service, final arrangements, and all those things. But for now, I just wanted to get the word out so we can take a moment to reflect on our own special memories. And if you knew her well, you would know that by the time you are reading this, her Heaven List is well underway. 

Sincerely and with love,

Derek

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 Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

 Freeport Wild Bird Supply

 541 Route One, Suite 10

 Freeport, ME 04032

 207-865-6000

 www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com  

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