The ornithological world has lost a great mind and friend. David Hussell, a founder and driving spirit of Long Point Bird Observatory, passed away on April 10.

David is perhaps best known for foundational work on using counts of migrating birds as a means of tracking population change in Canada's remote boreal forest. David was one of the main instigators of Long Point Bird Observatory, which was founded in 1960 thanks to the efforts of the LPBO committee of the Ontario Bird Banding Association. He served as LPBO's first Executive Director from 1974 to 1982. In this position, he developed most of the program areas carried on today by Bird Studies Canada.

David continued to be involved in LPBO and Bird Studies Canada research activities throughout his subsequent employment as Research Scientist for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and throughout his retirement. David also served as a trainer, mentor, and colleague for countless students and aspiring biologists, many of whom went on to pursue distinguished careers in the field.

David received numerous awards recognizing his work, including lifetime achievement awards from the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, the Hawk Migration Association of North America, and the Nuttall Ornithological Society. His contributions to the field of ornithology were immeasurable, and he was a truly remarkable man. He will be greatly missed.