U.S. BIRD EXPERT

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30895, 30 October 1965, Page 16

U.S. BIRD EXPERT

Interest In Penguins A noted American ornithologist who is at present spending five years compiling a book on the seabirds of the world, has arrived in Christchurch on his way to the Antarctic, where he will study penguins. He is Mr R. T. Peterson, the natural history editor of a Boston publishing house, who said yesterday that his visit to the Antarctic and Australia would complete his journeyings in all seven continents. Since arriving he has seen two of his many books on sale in Christchurch. These are “Birds Over America” and “The World of Birds,” of which he is a co-author. In addition to bird studies, Mr Peterson is active in conservation work and is a director of the World Wildlife Foundation. He is also the art direct of the National Wildlife Ftieration of the United Sta.as. After he has spent about four weeks in the Antarctic Mr Peterson will spend three weeks “by way of being a reconnaisance trip” in New Zealand. “I would like to see a kiwi, a tuatara, a white heron and some keas,” he said. Yesterday afternoon he visited a spotted shag colony. One of Mr Peterson’s colleagues, Dr. O. S. Pettingill, a distinguished American ornithologist and an expert on penguins, is at present in New Zealand filming New Zealand birdlife. Dr. Pettingill will remain in the Dominion for four months. Mr Peterson will leave for the Antarctic tomorrow.