David Boynton
David Boynton | |
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University of California-Santa Barbara | |
Occupations |
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Known for | Recording the last known living specimen of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō |
David Boynton (August 30, 1945 – February 10, 2007) was a leading expert on the natural history of the Hawaiian island of
Naturalist and teacher
Early life and education
David Spalding Boynton, born and raised in
Career
He was appointed the environmental resource teacher for Kaua`i School District after 18 years as a teacher at Waimea High School.
Photography
Boynton was a much-published author or co-author of photographic essays of Hawaii. Among his books are:
- Na Pali: Images of Kauai's Northwest Shore (2007)
- Kauai (2006)
- Flowers-Images from Hawaii's Gardens (with his wife, Sue Boynton) (2006)
- Kilauea Point and Kauai's National Wildlife Refuges (2004)
- Kauai, the Garden Island: A Pictorial History of the Commerce and Work of the People (with Chris Cook) (1999)
- The Kaua'i Movie Book (with Chris Cook) (1996)
- Kaua'i Days (2005)
- Discover Hawaii's Forests (2000)
- Capturing Hawaii: Kauai (1998)
- Hawaii Humpback Vol. 1 (1980)
- Kaua`i: Ancient Place Names and Their Stories (1998) (with Frederick Wichman)
- By Wind, By Waves (with David L. Eyre) (2000)
In addition, his photographs have been reproduced in countless magazines, newspapers, and posters. Boynton assisted in the production of the Emmy award-winning 1991 National Geographic Special documentary film, “Hawaii: Strangers in Paradise.”[4]
Death
Boynton's body was found in February 2007 at the foot of a 300-foot cliff on the north face of the remote Miloli'i Valley of the Na Pali coast, by all evidence the victim of an accident on the difficult trail. It is believed while travelling forward the trail, he had accidentally slipped and fallen. It was reported that Boynton had been alone en route to photograph sea turtles on Miloli'i Beach.[1] He was familiar with this rugged trail and terrain. He told a journalist in 2006, "There is a fern that grows in thick mats along these ridges, and I know from personal experience that you can try to push your way through this green layer and wind up stepping off into air."[8]
References
- ^ a b c d e TenBruggencate, Jan (February 12, 2007). "David Boynton was nature buff". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ a b c d Thenabadu, Shiyana. "Alumni Profile: David Boynton '63 Guardian of the Koke'e Forest". Punahou High School. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ "Kauai Oo Moho braccatus". Birdlife International. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ a b Coleman, Loren (February 12, 2007). "Extinct Bird Naturalist Dies in Menehune Valley". Cryptozoology News. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ "Ulukau Hawaiian Electronic Library". University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ a b c d Gregg, Amanda C. (February 12, 2007). "David Boynton's legacy to live on". THE GARDEN ISLAND. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ "Stepath receives Boynton grant". The Garden Island. September 11, 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
- ^ Sohn, Tim (November 2006). "A fateful trek into the Hawaiian jungle". Outside Magazine. Retrieved 22 January 2010.