Today we mourn the loss of an innovator and pioneer in aviculture, Mike Lubbock. Mike’s contributions to waterfowl aviculture are extraordinary and he was always willing to share his experiences and wealth of knowledge with anyone, especially those passionate about waterfowl. To speak personally about what Mike meant to me, he was an icon that I always looked up to and wanted to emulate as I was growing up in aviculture. As I got to know Mike through the years, he became a mentor, colleague, and a friend. I first met Mike in 2008, when I traveled to Sylvan Heights to buy birds. I was so excited to tell him that I had just recently imported a pair of Hartlaub’s ducks, and he was quick to tell me that they are quite difficult to breed. In fact, it took another 5 years for me to have any success with them. He was right! 15 years ago, Mike was responsible for making the initial recommendation and introduction, which ultimately led me to my role at Pinola Conservancy, which changed my life. I will forever be grateful for that. Mike was always just a phone call away and loved swapping stories of the year within our collections, whether successes, follies, or setbacks. There was always something of value to absorb whenever we spoke, and he was invariably willing and ready to teach. In fact, our very last phone conversation was him sharing invaluable incubation advice with us. I was honored to be invited to attend his ceremony this past April where he received the prestigious Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award for his years of service to global wildlife conservation. Mike’s accomplishments and teachings will live on through those of us fortunate to have known and studied underneath him. Thank you for everything, Mike. Our deepest sympathies to the Sylvan Heights family during this difficult time.
Jacob Kraemer
Pinola Conservancy Aviary Director
