Author: W. J. Beecher
Born: 23 March 1914
Died: 27 July 2002
Bio: Dr. W. J. (William John) Beecher, born in Chicago, Illinois, was an author, zoologist, museum director, ecologist, conservationist, wildlife photographer, and inventor. He attended the University of Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Science in 1947; a Master of Science in 1949; and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1954.

Beecher was Zoology Assistant, Chicago Natural History Museum (1937-1954); Senior Naturalist, Conservation Department, Cook County Forest Preserve District (1955-1957); Director, Chicago Academy Sciences (1958-1982); and Director Emeritus, Chicago Academy Sciences (1982-). Beginning in 1965, he was Chairman, Chicago Conservation Council. Beginning in 1983, he was President of Beecher Research Company, manufacturer of the Beecher Mirage spectacle binocular for bird study, which he invented.

Among others organizations, Beecher was a member of the American Ornithological Union, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, the Illinois Endangered Species Commission, the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, the Ecological Society of America, the Illinois Audubon Society, and the Chicago Audubon Society. Beecher is the author of *Attracting birds to your backyard*, *Nesting birds and the vegetation substrate*, and *A bird collection from the Solomon Islands*, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army during WWII.

Source: [Prabook](https://prabook.com/web/william_john.beecher/1667934)