Verdi Burtch
Birth: 25 Dec 1868 Penn Yan, Yates, NY
Death: 27 Dec 1945 Branchport, Yates, NY
Marriage: 28 Jun 1894 Dresden, Yates, NY
Maude Townsend
“Geneva Daily Times”, Geneva, NY – Saturday, December 29, 1945
In the death of Verdi Burtch of Branchport that little Yates County village loses one of its most distinguished citizens.
Mr. Burtch, himself one of the most modest men, acquired high distinction as an ornithologist and writer on ornithological subjects, and his death means a distinct loss to the cause which he served – more knowledge of birds and bird life. He had vast acquaintances with his subject and was known all over this country as an authority on various phases of ornithological investigations.
During the last several decades he had contributed photographs and data for many ornithological volumes including life histories on North American birds published by the United States National Museum. His photographs also were used in the study series of the New York State Department of Education and Pennsylvania State College.
One of Mr. Burtch’s last crusades was made in behalf of the retention of Potter Swamp as a refuge for birds and other forms of wildlife. He knew every foot of the swamp and sincerely deplored the subject which would drain the swamp and convert it into muck gardens. He was not successful in getting the swamp area preserved despite a spirited campaign in its behalf.
He was a most valued member of the Geneva Eaton Bird Club and his association in bird study will greatly miss his kind and genial presence at future meetings and bird expeditions which were his genuine delight always.
Caring for eggs-nest 1916 article by Burtch
Biography of Burtch y1982v32n1p16-24 written by Gordon Meade NYbirds.org
There is one egg set in Williams’ collection – 1897 Great Horned Owl. No sets in Pember’s.
Verdi is listed in the 1898 Naturalist’s Directory – #726 in Penn Yan, Yates Co., NY
Interested in Ornithology, Oology, Conchology, Unionidae (freshwater mussels), European Eggs wanted, has a Collection and willing to Exchange
