In Memory of Judith Watland McIntyre, Ph.D.

Obituary

Judith Watland McIntyre, Ph.D.  died on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at her home.  

Dr. McIntyre was born on 19 August 1930, the adopted daughter of Dr. Clarence and Pearl Tyrholm Watland of Albert Lea, Minnesota.  She received her education in Albert Lea public schools, her B.A. in French at Carleton College in Northfield Minnesota in 1952, and her Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Minnesota in 1975.  She was a Syracuse University faculty member since 1976, initially at the Syracuse campus, but since 1979 at Utica College where she was a professor of Biology.  While at Utica College, she received both the Utica College Distinguished Teaching Award and the Harold T. Clark Award for Excellence in Research, and retired as an Emeritus Professor.

Dr. McIntyre was best known for her ornithological work with loons and was generally considered the international expert on this family of birds.  She published both in scientific journals and in the popular press including National Geographic, Natural History, National Wildlife and Wild Bird.  Her University of Minnesota Press book on Common Loons has served as the standard for this species.  She was the founder and director of the Oikos Research Foundation, and had served as Chair or Board Member for the North American Loon Fund, the Wilson Ornithological Society, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, the Nature Conservancy, the Mohawk Valley Scandinavian Club, the Kirkland Bird Club and the Pleasant Hills Garden Club, and western Group of College women.   She was also involved with several national professional societies.  She was a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union and had been their archivist, and was a member of the Cooper Ornithological Society, Wilson Ornithological Society, Association of Field Ornithologists, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Minnesota Ornighologists’ Union, Federation of New York State Bird Clubs and Animal Behavior Society.

Dr. McIntyre was preceded in death by her husband, John Patrick and her son, Richard.  She is survived by two sons and their families, Perry of Los Angeles, CA, and Anthony and his wife Ginger of Tacoma, WA.  She is also survived by several grandchildren.

Her favorite charities were Utica College, Carleton College and Sculpture Space, please consider a donation in memory of Dr. McIntyre to one of these organizations.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.