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Shiloh Schulte, PhD, a devoted conservation biologist, exceptional field scientist, and cherished colleague, died tragically in a helicopter accident in Alaska this past June while doing the work he loved most—protecting shorebirds. His passing is a tremendous loss for Manomet, for the shorebird conservation community, and for all those whose lives and careers he touched.
From the icy tundra in the Arctic to the windswept coastlines of Tierra del Fuego, Shiloh’s work spanned continents and bridged communities. As Manomet’s Senior Shorebird Scientist, Shiloh led pioneering research across the Western Hemisphere, advancing science to understand and protect some of the planet’s most vulnerable migratory birds. He led collaborative efforts to restore declining populations of the American Oystercatcher—work recently highlighted in Audubon Magazine—and brought global attention to the complex threats facing shorebirds today. Shiloh’s leadership extended far beyond data points and migration maps.
As chair of the American Oystercatcher Working Group, he was a steady and inspiring force—bringing together scientists, students, and practitioners across the hemisphere. His knowledge was vast, but his generosity was even greater. He offered his time, wisdom, and humor freely, especially to young professionals. “He gave a hand up to new players in our field,” one colleague wrote,” and was collaborative and collegial—always putting bird conservation first.”
Shiloh’s banding legacy alone tells a story of unwavering dedication and connection. Over his career, he banded 338 American Oystercatchers across seven states—work that often took him by kayak to remote islands or deep into challenging terrain. The American Oystercatcher Working Group Steering Committee – some of Shiloh’s dear colleagues – assembled some data about the breadth of his work. From Boston to Florida’s balmy Gulf Coast, and from the rugged Isle of Shoals in New Hampshire to the southernmost tip of South America (and every coastline in between) many of “Shiloh’s birds” continue to be spotted by community scientists and new generations of researchers—passing down both data and inspiration. Over 800 people have reported sightings of birds banded by Shiloh—a rare and powerful kind of scientific fingerprint.
Longtime colleague and friend Dr. Stephen Brown, Vice President of Science at Manomet, said “Shiloh was one of the most gifted field scientists I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He brought a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, unwavering dedication, and sheer joy to every facet of his work. Whether he was launching a shorebird survey in the Arctic or mentoring a young researcher in Patagonia, Shiloh led with heart. His legacy will live on in the birds he helped protect, the data he helped gather, and the countless people he inspired.”
To his many colleagues across the hemisphere, Shiloh was more than a scientist—he was a friend, a mentor, and a spark of joy in the field. Whether it was enduring salt marsh heat, launching kayak surveys, or sharing a joke at a conference, he made hard work feel like a shared adventure. “The oystercatchers and all of us were so lucky to know him,” said one friend. “He was in a class of his own.”
Shiloh leaves behind a legacy not only of science, but of spirit. Outside of his professional life, Shiloh brought the same energy, enthusiasm, and determination to everything he did. He was an avid runner and cyclist, and in 2019, recorded the fastest Boston Marathon time of any man in Maine—one of many impressive showings in a race he loved and returned to often.
“Shiloh embodied everything that makes Manomet special—he was passionate, selfless and endlessly curious in his pursuit of a better future for shorebirds,” said Manomet Conservation Sciences President Lizzie Schueler. “He was incredibly generous with his time, and valued teaching young scientists where his enthusiasm was infectious. We are all better having known Shiloh, and his spirit will be with us indefinitely.
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To share a memory of Shiloh, visit this memorial page.