Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of one of Connecticut's pioneers. Roger Tory Peterson devoted his life to the study of birds. Peterson's `A Field Guide to the Birds,' published in 1934, revolutionized the concept of field guides by intricately depicting distinguishable characteristics of thousands of birds. Often referred to as the `birder's bible,' this handbook brought the once eccentric hobby of bird watching to the mainstream.

Born 122 years after John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson was the definitive expert on birds in this century. Many people believe he began the environmental movement by bringing tens of millions of bird watchers outdoors to study birds. Any avid bird watcher looking for the illusive bird would not dare go out without one of Peterson's guides in their pocket.

A master of detail, Roger photographed, painted, and identified thousands of birds throughout his 60-year career. His descriptions, both in words and drawings, were done with such clarity and precision that the birds came to life on paper. Even today, I continue to marvel at his prints, several of which hang in my home in Connecticut.

A world renown artist, naturalist, and environmentalist, Peterson believed that any serious study of natural history would lead people to care about and protect the environment. This philosophy is the backbone of the legacy he leaves behind. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, NY, is dedicated to educating the public and teaching young and old alike about natural history. This center and the guidebooks used by millions of hikers everyday will continue to promote environmental awareness for years to come.

The people of Connecticut were proud to have Dr. Peterson reside in Old Lyme for over 40 years. My parents were honored to know him as a neighbor and friend. We will all miss his work and remember him fondly.

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