Gordon in 2003. Photo courtesy Halifax Courier.
I have just been informed of the news that Gordon Denison sadly passed away yesterday in his 90th year. Gordon was one of the few original, apprentice trained birders who put his life and soul into birding around Calderdale being a great asset to Halifax Birdwatchers Club.
He was the founder of Calderdale 'species of the year award' as well as the 'annual species trophy' along with '100 birds in 100 days' plus many other ideas he had to attract interest to his passion of local birding.
I,ve spent many happy hours with Gordon on Soil Hill and Fly Flatts where he attracted many scarce birds due to the amount of seed he put down. Snow Bunting, Shorelark and Lapland Buntings were his favourite species which came for the seed at both sites.
His garage at home, at his previous address, was like a birders Aladdins Cave packed full with maps, photos, paintings, books and general literature showing just what a passion Gordon had for his love of birds. Gordon kept it touch with local birding right up to the end through receiving texts and reports of bird sightings.
I,m sure that I speak for all birders that had the pleasure of meeting, birding with, or just knowing Gordon, that he will be sadly missed, he was one of the rare 'Birding Greats'.
My sincere condolences to Gordons family.
BS