In 1834 two men set out in a coach for the West. John Townsend and Thomas Nuttall, both naturalists, were in pursuit of new finds. Townsend, a skilled taxidermist, had assembled collections of birds but never ventured west of the Appalachians; Nuttall was seeking to identify new plant life. A medical doctor and a Harvard University professor, both left their careers to join the Nathaniel Wyeth party traveling to Oregon. The group was diverse, with various levels of traveling experience. Along with Wyeth, who hoped to prosper from a burgeoning fur trade, were missionaries intent on converting the Flathead Indians. Except for the party leader, none, including the naturalists, was prepared for the hardships, conflict and near-death experiences.
"Townsend's Warbler" is not only the story of the journey of the scientists and their hope of collecting and documenting new species of birds and plants, but is a parallel of the bird that bears Townsend's name. "From September to April they wandered through the woods . . . flashing the white in their wings and tails as they flitted from tree to tree . . . their constant tsip, a call announcing their presence in a tree."Townsend did document some characteristics of the warblers -"first year male acquired the deep-black throat and brilliant yellow mask of his father" - but he was unable to learn of their habits outside of the migratory patterns, except for their preference for tops of trees. In 1835 he wrote "I procured but one specimen of this beautiful bird . . . It does not breed here, and I know nothing of its habits."
In 1844 John James Audubon's "Birds of America," listed the warbler painted from one of the specimens Townsend had collected on his trek and bearing his name. Only recently has there been added knowledge of this beautiful bird first documented by John Townsend almost 160 years ago.
"Townsend's Warbler" is a fascinating primary source representative of the patient dedication to detail and exploration of those who have studied the science of plants and animals. Dozens of black-and-white photos and sketches add to the interest while the outline maps on the endpapers of the migratory routes and Townsend's journey are vital to the story. It is a slim chapter of man's venture in discovery, stated objectively and carefully by a man who also has the patience and dedication to pause, observe and record.
How refreshing to read of scientists whose lives were dedicated to documenting undiscovered species in the environment instead of applauding the entrepreneurial industrial gains that often cause the extinction of strains of plant and animal life.