Dr. Robert “Bob” Kennedy, a renowned ornithologist, a dear Philippine eagle champion and fellow wildlife conservationist, left behind a legacy that transcends mere achievements for his contributions to biodiversity.  His life devoted to his love for birds was a testament to his unwavering passion, tireless dedication, and boundless compassion.  Bob’s love for the Philippine eagle started after he caught sight of a dusty old specimen situated at the far corner of a room at the Natural Museum of History in Chicago.  He saw a strange looking bird that was quite enormous and catching his fancy, turned out to be an obscure specimen of the Philippine eagle.  Feeling an instant attraction to the specimen brought Bob to the shores of the Philippines as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1972 to help study and develop a conservation program for the Philippine eagle (then named monkey-eating eagle).  Loving a national symbol, such as the Philippine eagle he understood that the battle to save our national bird from the brink of extinction was ongoing and that victories, however small, were worth fighting for.

His researches on birds have spanned more than six decades and as co-author of the book, “A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines” that is still being utilized by birders and researchers worldwide, has provided its readers an incredible source of knowledge. Leafing through the pages of the book provided clarity of the explanations and the depth of insights that have made complex concepts understandable and fascinating even for beginners.  The dedication to advancing ornithology as a fun and learning subject shines through every page, and his contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of this field. As a professor in various universities, Bob has authored more than hundreds of scientific papers and books.  Having learned so much from his work has sparked new ideas and perspectives for our own researches.  His infectious enthusiasm, his gentle spirit, and unwavering optimism touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Whether guiding young researchers in the field or captivating audiences with tales of wildlife encounters, Bob had a unique ability to ignite a passion for conservation in others.  In the face of insurmountable and seemingly formidable challenges and adversaries, Bob stood resolute, his unwavering commitment reminds us that each of us has a role to play in safeguarding the natural world—not just for ourselves, but for all living beings. 

His sudden passing is a profound loss to the scientific community that he loved.  Bob’s brilliance shone and his life-long dedication to birds has left an indelible mark on countless lives.  The legacy he left to us will continue to inspire future generations of scientists.   In a world where the plight of our environment often seems overwhelming, Dr. Bob Kennedy’s optimism and dedication have been a beacon of hope.  Let us honor his memory by continuing the work he began—by advocating for policies that protect the Philippine eagle, and by nurturing a love for nature for future generations.