The Avicultural Society

Malcolm Ellis, editor of the Avicultural Magazine for many years, sadly died on February 8^th.  He died suddenly at his sister’s house, just hours after returning from a trip to Australia, where he had apparently had a wonderful time birding and visiting old friends.  His death was caused by a heart condition of which he was unaware.

The Avicultural Society has long been renowned for the quality of its magazine.  For the last twenty years this has been due to the energy and care that Malcolm brought to the editorship.  He more than maintained the high standards set by his predecessors, and has ensured that the Avicultural Magazine continues to find a place not only on the shelves of amateur breeders, but in the libraries of zoos and universities around the world.  As well as making a huge contribution to the society Malcolm, who started his career as a keeper at London Zoo, was well known as a gifted bird artist and book illustrator.

He achieved all this with a personal touch.  He acquired, and actively kept in touch with, a wide network of friends because he was as interested in people as in their birds.  He would remember their interests, and take the trouble to send on information or contacts that he encountered on his travels, so that a postcard or email from Malcolm would always contain something of interest.

Malcolm’s personality and dedication will be greatly missed by the avicultural community and all who knew him.

Nigel Hewston
Chairman, Avicultural Society

Read More …
A Few Memories of Malcolm Ellis
A Tribute by David Woolcock
Malcolm Ellis by Reuben B Girling

Read some of Malcolm’s contributions to the magazine …
LOOKING BACK AT RAYMOND’S FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AT COBHAM
RAYMOND SAWYER – THE END OF AN ERA
W. J. C. (WILFRED) FROST: AN INCOMPLETE BIOGRAPHY