Fellows are “distinguished scientists who have made notable contributions to one or more of the natural sciences,” according to the academy web site, www.calacademy.org.
Black was elected by current fellows for recognition of his life’s work, which includes over 100 scientific publications on over 25 species of wildlife, including ducks, geese, swans, Steller’s Jays, and River Otters. His most notable contributions have been about migratory waterfowl that travel to the Arctic in summer.
Black’s work with waterfowl is far from done. “Right now I’m trying to write a kid’s book about it,” he said. The book, focusing on migratory waterfowl, will target a junior high school audience.
For more information on Black and his work, you can visit his web site at http://www.humboldt.edu/%7Ewildlife/faculty/black.