Ian Newton
b.1940. Ornithologist and applied scientist, author of Finches (1972). Leading expert on bird ecology and biogeography, specialising in finches, waterfowl and birds of prey, especially the sparrowhawk. Graduated Bristol University, gained doctorate in finch behaviour at Oxford, followed by research on bullfinch damage in orchards. Joined NERC 1967, initially studying population ecology of geese and finches, later the impact of pesticides on birds of prey.
Director of Monks Wood field station, Head of Avian Ecology, NERC 1989-99. Past president British Ecological Society, British Ornithological Union. OBE (1999), FRS (1993), FRSE (1994), RSPB's gold medal, and other awards.