Frederick Clinton Bird

Frederick Clinton Bird –public servant, journalist, ornithologist, and devoted husband and father – passed away on October 26, 2025.

Fred had a kind heart, a generous spirit, a curious mind, and a wry (some would say slightly warped) sense of humor. He approached life with courage, a desire for adventure, an obsession with birds, a love of cats, and a steadfast commitment to doing things wholeheartedly—whether birding, political campaigning, photography, biking, or being a loyal friend.

Fred was born May 1, 1946, in New York City to Howard and Shirley Bird. He spent his early years in Colombia and Mexico, returning to Connecticut in 1956. He graduated from the Millbrook School in 1965 and later attended college in Boston “periodically,” as he would say. In 2006, he proudly earned a B.A. in history from the University of Washington, attending night classes while working full time.

Fred moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1969, where he built a distinguished career as a journalist and public servant. He rose to Managing Editor and General Manager of the Snohomish County Tribune and Arlington Times, and later served as a writer and spokesperson for the Washington State House of Representatives, the Snohomish County Council, and Executive Offices in Everett, retiring in 2009.

Fred and Nancy Ashley were married in 1988 and enjoyed 17 years engaged in satisfying careers, tackling remodeling projects, spoiling their cats, and traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally. They came to know and love April and Jesse Berning through a children’s mentoring organization, eventually fostering and later adopting them as adults.

Fred’s fascination with birds began in childhood—spreading seed on his bedroom windowsill and exploring local wetlands—and was elevated by his award-winning junior high science project on pileated woodpeckers. At Millbrook, he served 4 years on the Bird Committee of the school’s unique nationally recognized high school birding program. An avid birder throughout his life, Fred was founding president of the Washington Ornithological Society, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024. He sparked enthusiasm for birding across the region, always ready to chase reports of rare birds.

Fred is survived by his children, Jesse and April Berning; his former wife, Nancy Ashley; brother Norman Bird and sister-in-law Diane Bird, and their sons Hayden and Alden Bird (and Alden’s wife, Kelly Swindlehurst); brother Michael Bird and sister-in-law Colleen Bird; sister Susan Massey and brother-in-law Gary Massey; and his great-nephews, James and Jack Bird. His ashes will be interred this spring at Washington Green Cemetery in Washington, Connecticut, his family’s hometown.

Fred was deeply grateful to Nancy, his sister Susan, and son Jesse for invaluable support during his health challenges, and for the warm and expert systems navigation by Joan Kelly, his care manager for five years. He was thankful for the excellent care he received for the last year at the Sand Point Senior Care home from Theresa Canda, RN and her staff.

Please visit Fred’s online memorial on Legacy.com to share tributes and memories. Donations may be made to the Washington Ornithological Society at WOS.org/donate/.