Bradford Torrey (October 9, 1843-October 7, 1912) was a renowned American ornithologist whose enthusiasm for birds propelled him to become a known authority in the subject. Torrey was born on October 9, 1843, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and attended local public schools before beginning a career that included two years of teaching. He later moved to Boston and worked in the business world. Torrey's career took a crucial turn in 1886, when he was named assistant editor of the popular periodical Youth's Companion. Along with his editorial obligations, he continued to contribute to various journals, sharing his knowledge in ornithology and other themes. Torrey's passion with birds was reflected in his considerable research into their habits, idiosyncrasies, and household routines. He devoted most of his time to studying and documenting avian life, greatly contributing to our understanding of bird behavior and ecology. Tragically, Bradford Torrey died on October 7, 1912, in Santa Barbara, California, leaving a legacy of contributions to ornithology. His work continues to inspire bird enthusiasts and scholars, demonstrating his lifelong passion for the natural world.
