[Tweeters] Bob Sundstrom, Gone Birding

[Ellen Blackstone]

Hello, Tweeters,

Sad news here about Bob Sundstrom from his wife, Sally Alhadeff.

Take care, Everyone,
Ellen Blackstone
Seattle
=================


Bob Sundstrom passed away on May 16, 2021, after a recurrence of 
leukemia. He died comfortably and in good spirits at his home in the 
country along Scatter Creek in south Thurston County, in the company of 
his wife, Sally Alhadeff and their three cats. He was 69.


Birds were a great love for Bob, as well as his career. He earned a 
living as a full-time professional birder: leading tours to many parts 
of the world for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, conducting van trips from 
Mercer Island, teaching, and writing for radio. For thirty years Bob 
taught Birding by Ear for Seattle Audubon Society, helping many to know 
and appreciate the voices of birds.


His writer’s voice will continue to be heard through nearly 900 
BirdNote radio stories he authored as Lead Writer. He continued writing 
into his final days, including a final story on May 14. He thanks 
founder Chris Peterson and Executive Director Sallie Bodie for the 
opportunity to be part of the BirdNote team. He was overwhelmed by the 
gratitude expressed for his career work in his last months.
(https://www.birdnote.org/messages-bob-sundstrom)


Bob liked to say that birds were his day job, but not his obsession. 
When not birding or writing, Bob loved books, music, bicycling, and 
single malt Scotch. He and Sally took great pleasure in gardening and 
tending the natural habitats on their rural acres. He became a great 
admirer of classic literature and poetry. He earned his Ph.D. in 
cultural anthropology at the University of Washington.


Bob is survived by his wife, Sally Alhadeff, brother Bill Sundstrom, and 
nephews Ethan and Erin Sundstrom. His loving parents, Mary and Bill, are 
deceased. He thanks many friends and colleagues, the Olympia Unitarian 
Universalist congregation, and Sally’s family for their loving support.


Sally and Bob had 28 wonderful years together. They loved watching the 
swallows glide and the ravens soar above their camas-covered meadow 
along Scatter Creek.


If you’d like to leave a remembrance in Bob’s name, please consider a 
donation to BirdNote (birdnote.org).

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