Merlin S. Eltzroth Papers, 1971-2005

The Merlin S. Eltzroth Papers consist of field notes about birds rarely seen in Oregon and an autobiography written by Eltzroth in 2005.

The field notes document the first and second recorded sightings in Oregon of birds that are rarely seen in the state. They are based on Eltzroth's personal observations, published sources, and accounts from other birders. The notes include details on the date and location of the sighting and the observer. Information from these records was developed into a database by the Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildife, that was transferred to the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

Eltzroth's autobiography, Here, There, and Eltzwhere, presents a chronological personal history of Eltzroth's family, education, military service, and life in Corvallis, Oregon. He describes his involvement with the birding community in Corvallis; his experiences as an older student at Oregon State University (OSU) in the 1970s; friendships with OSU faculty; participation in OSU classes as a guest lecturer; highlights of OSU athletics; and bird-related research that he conducted in collaboration with OSU researchers.