Clive Byers: Celebrating the Life of a Legendary Bird Artist and Twitcher
Clive Byers, one of Britain's most esteemed bird artists and an avid twitcher, has passed away at the age of 68. His friend, who penned this obituary, remembers him as a forensically accurate illustrator whose work graced numerous influential books, including the groundbreaking Handbook of the Birds of the World series. Byers' artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of ornithology, capturing the essence of avian species with unparalleled precision.
Early Passion and Adventurous Spirit
Born in Dublin to Irish parents and raised in Epsom, Surrey, Clive's fascination with birds began at the tender age of eight when he spotted a woodpecker in his garden. This early encounter ignited a lifelong passion that would define his career and personal pursuits. During the 1970s, he became renowned as a dedicated twitcher, with legendary tales of his determination to see rare birds. In one notable adventure, he and a schoolfriend hitchhiked from Surrey to a remote Scottish island to glimpse the rare Steller's eider, a round-trip spanning nearly 2,000 miles. His commitment sometimes led to humorous mishaps, such as when a farmer in Berkshire sprayed him with liquid manure while he was observing a black-winged pratincole. Clive was also among the last individuals to witness the now-extinct Atitlán grebe in Guatemala in 1981, a poignant reminder of his deep connection to avian conservation.
Accidental Artist and Global Guide
Clive's journey into artistry began by chance during a birdwatching trip to the Isles of Scilly. After sketching a rare bird in his field notebook, a fellow birder offered him ten pounds for the artwork, effectively launching his professional career. This serendipitous moment paved the way for his role as a bird guide, where he accompanied completist "world listers" to far-flung locations in search of elusive species. He humorously compared these enthusiasts to heroin addicts, always craving their next "fix" of a new bird sighting. When asked about his earnings, Clive replied with a sardonic wit, "Yes, but not well enough," reflecting his pragmatic yet passionate approach to his work.
Lectures, Media, and Community Contributions
Beyond his artistic and guiding endeavors, Clive served as a guest lecturer on cruises to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. His fellow speakers included notable figures such as Sir Rex Hunt, the wartime governor of the islands, and former foreign secretary Douglas Hurd, both of whom were captivated by his twitcher's tales. In the late 1980s, while visiting Kenya, he even played a transvestite role in the now-forgotten TV movie The Lion of Africa, showcasing his versatile and adventurous spirit. Clive was a familiar presence at the British Birdwatching Fair, where he and fellow artists would paint large murals to promote fundraising projects, further cementing his role in the birdwatching community.
Legacy and Personal Touches
Described as a mischievous and inventive Peter Pan-like figure, Clive possessed a quirky sense of humour that occasionally ruffled feathers but was always balanced by his kind and generous nature. His painting of slender-billed curlews at Merja Zerga, Morocco, stands as a testament to his skill, especially poignant as this species has since been declared extinct. Clive is survived by his sister Roslyn and four nephews, with another sister, Audrey, predeceasing him. His legacy lives on through his art, his stories, and the countless bird enthusiasts he inspired.
