By John Marks, Curator
For 94 years the Eaton Birding Society has welcomed veteran and first-time birdwatchers to explore the Finger Lakes region. Organized in 1932 as the Geneva Bird Club, it was renamed in honor of Elon. H. “Bug” Eaton (1868-1934), a biology professor at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. Who was Eaton, and what does the Birding Society do?
Eaton was born in Springville, New York near Buffalo, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Rochester. After teaching in secondary schools for 15 years, he came to Geneva in 1908. This was the first year of William Smith College joining the campus of Hobart College. As head of the biology department, he taught multiple courses but his love was ornithology.
From 1908 to 1914, Eaton was the New York State ornithologist. His two volumes of Birds of New York (1910, 1914) are still considered the standard authority on the topic. His research focused on migration, genetics, nesting, and preserving natural resources. On campus he was remembered with the naming of Eaton Hall (1961-2026), establishment of the Elon Howard Eaton Scholarship Fund (1981), and the Distinguished Faculty Award (1992).
The Hobart & William Smith Colleges Archives holds a collection of Eaton’s papers and photographs. It can be found online.
Like their namesake, the Eaton Birding Society does more than just watch birds. Their mission is to “promote the appreciation of birds and nature through educational programs at monthly meetings, field trips, and financial support of projects relating to ecological enhancement.” They focus on Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates Counties. The several Finger Lakes and the Montezuma Wetlands Complex attract a wide variety of birds.
As part of their work, the society offers a bi-annual Elon Howard Eaton Award. It recognizes undergraduate or graduate students who are conducting research in this region on habitat preservation, population surveys, migration, diseases, and other topics.
Historic Geneva keeps the archives of the Eaton Birding Society, and a finding aid for the papers can be found here. The society meets on the first Monday of the month, October through April. For location, field trips, and more, go to https://www.eatonbirdingsociety.org/.
This article was brought to you in part by our supporters. Be our partner in telling Geneva’s stories by becoming a Historic Geneva supporter.