Audubon New York is deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of Richard J. Merritt. 

Rich had a lifelong connection to Saranac Lake and the Adirondacks, and an immense appreciation for the outdoors.

He poured his passion for nature into his career, spending more than 26 years with Audubon, where he served as Director of Operations for the Connecticut and New York regional program and self-described “bean counter,” tirelessly working to protect birds and their habitats.

Rich embraced every part of life with dedication and enthusiasm. Whether birdwatching, hiking, curling, or traveling, he always did things with full commitment and joy. His ability to find beauty and joy in everything around him was truly remarkable.

Rich was the social glue of our Audubon program. He was the driver behind staff retreats, “SWAT” days (“staff working all together” on projects at our centers and sanctuaries), holiday parties, and Birdathons. He developed meaningful and lasting relationships with advisory board members and assisted them in any way he could.

Rich's warmth, generosity, and love for the world and its people made him a genuine person, a good man who treated the world as his home and everyone in it as part of his family. This extended to birds as well. Rich was particularly passionate about Chimney Swift conservation and worked overtime to support the Sharon Audubon Center’s growing swift rehabilitation program.

Rich’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew him. And the bird conservation field has lost an intensely dedicated professional. He will be deeply missed.