Dave Lambeth talks about birding, endowment launched in his honor during walk through Sertoma Park

On a beautiful spring morning during a spring in which beautiful mornings have been hard to come by, Dave Lambeth went for a walk through Sertoma Park in Grand Forks to see what he could see and hear what he could hear. More specifically, he was looking and listening for birds. A yellow warbler, perhaps.

Maybe a catbird or two. Or a green heron. Known locally as “the Dean of Grand Forks Birders,” a title bestowed upon him by retired Herald Editor and Publisher Mike Jacobs – an accomplished birder in his own right – Lambeth is widely considered the authority when it comes to avian life in the Grand Forks area.

He founded the Grand Cities Bird Club, has long overseen the annual Grand Forks Audubon Christmas Bird Count, has led birding excursions and taught community education birdwatching classes. ADVERTISEMENT A retired UND professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, Lambeth also has been an advocate for preserving the prairie lands that remain in Grand Forks County. Few people are more knowledgeable when it comes to birds.

Or more willing to share that knowledge. As for the title of “dean,” Lambeth downplays the distinction. “I think the translation is, ‘the really old guy,’ ” he quips.

Lambeth ornithology scholarship Just days shy of his 83rd birthday at the time of his recent morning walk, Lambeth recently had a scholarship endowment at UND created in his honor. The Lambeth Ornithology Scholarship will go to a deserving UND biology student who is in.