• Sokoke Scops-Owl
Otus ireneae RIPLEY 1966 (OD
here, even if cut short, only the first page), a k a Morden's Scops Owl or Morden's Owlet (alt.
Petit-duc d'Irène, in French)
However, it ought to be named after "Mrs. William
M. Morden, who with her late husband, has been most generous in the various causes of the Peabody Museum of Natural History, ..."
Which (in spite of the
typo the OD!) ought to be aimed at the wife of William
James [!?] Morden (1886–1958,
here, a k a "Bill" Morden), which leads us to (his second wife)
Irene Hambright Morden, "... an active participant on these expeditions and the two completed a book on some of their experiences entitles
Our African Adventure, published in 1954" (the book itself
here, or
here).
In the
Obituary of her husband (
here, from 1958, like Martin pointed out) we also find the additional piece: "He leaves his wife, Mrs. Irene Hambright Morden, former personnel director for General Foods, who accompanied him as co-leader on several expeditions. ..."
They were married in 1940. See the
Bronxville Review-Press (
here, from 25 April 1940): "The marriage of two prominent villagers, Mrs. Irene Hambright of Alden Place and William J. Morden of Pondfield Road, noted explorer, will take place here Saturday".
Possibly clues on finding her years?
Also see the "William J. Morden papers" (
here), Creator "Morden, Irene", or
here, from the same Museum (AMNH).
Good luck pin-pointing her!
/B
PS. She seems to have been still going strong, still generous, still donating, in 1975 (
here) and 1977 (
here, p. 886).
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