David A. Mullen, Ph. D.

David Mullen was an avid naturalist from the age of 12. He knew even then that he had a talent for observing nature and he developed a great respect, knowledge and admiration for the intricate worlds of natural beauty, ecological balance and survival of the species over his lifetime.

David Mullen received his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Mullen was elected a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences in 1974 and served on the board of the academy. Also in 1974 he was elected a member of the Explorers Club (New York Chapter) and maintained an active membership in the club throughout the rest of his life. Dr. Mullen carried the club flag (#157) to Costa Rica while on a project to inventory the biota of Costa Rica’s La Amistad biosphere, (which was a California Academy of Sciences project). His sole companion for this scientific endeavor was the renowned ornithologist, Dr. Luis Batista.

Dr. Mullen taught courses on the natural history of Baja California Sur through the University of San Francisco. Mexico and its people, flora and fauna were always near and dear to Dr. Mullen. It had been his hope that such endeavors as Pronatura Noroeste & Sendero Mexico would develop during his lifetime and upon retirement he had hoped to spend considerable time devoted to Mexico and its natural beauty and scientific opportunities.

Along with membership in numerous professional, scientific and honorary organizations, Dr. Mullen was certified to conduct Habitat Evaluation and Wetlands Delineation Procedures for federal agencies, had California State Scientific Collecting and Federal Bird banding and Collecting permits, and was recognized by the California Department of Fish and Game as an expert on endangered species about which he had made significant contributions to scientific literature and to the California Fish and Game Regulative Codes.

David Mullen made over 30 trips to the Mazatlan area starting in 1977, making many friends and recording many birds on his list. He edited the first bird list in English for educational / recreational purposes in the area.  He distributed this list at some of Mazatlan's hotels hoping to persuade tourists to venture out of the hotel district pools and beaches for chance to see some of the very fascinating birds in Mazatlan and Sinaloa.