Gus Ben David

Vineyard Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Gus Ben David

The Island community turned out Monday for a memorial gathering in memory of Island naturalist Gus Ben David, the original director of Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, who died July 4 at 81.

Gus Ben David, Beloved and Respected Island Naturalist, Dies at 81

Augustus (Gus) D. Ben David 2nd, the Vineyard’s famed wildlife specialist and former director of Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, died on July 4 at his home in Edgartown after an extended illness.

An Educational Partnership That Soars

To raise a golden eagle, according to Gus Ben David, you need a way of life and time. But even he didn’t know how much time he would give to Chameli, his 40-year-old longtime educational partner.

Are You My Momma? Barn Owlets Get a Second Chance

Each spring, Gus Ben David makes sure he has a large group of hens in various stage of motherhood. He’s not doing this because he loves chicken eggs and baby chicks, though. He’s maintaining a roster of foster moms.

Cold-Stunned Kemp's Ridley Finds New Life

A juvenile, cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is on the road to recovery Friday after washing up on the Chappaquiddick side of Norton Point Beach Thursday morning.

Let No Man Mess with Noman’s Land

Once again there is pressure to spend millions of dollars to clean up Noman’s Land. And once again I say, leave it alone.

New Species of Brown Snake Discovered on Island

Wildlife specialist Gus Ben David has been looking for Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) on the Vineyard since he was a boy.

Is There a Mouse in the House? Not on Island

An unusual story of extinction on Martha’s Vineyard revolves around a humble mouse. To be exact, the house mouse.

Great Horned Owl Joins Gus Ben David's Flock

Island naturalist Gus Ben David stopped by the Gazette Wednesday morning with a strigine guest in tow: a five-and-a-half-week-old great horned owl.

New Children's Book Takes Flight With Help of Local Osprey

Rob Bierregaard's first children's book inhabits a world he is both familiar with and passionate about. Belle's Journey: An Osprey Takes Flight tells the story of a real-life young osprey finding her wings and traveling the world.

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