Bill Oddie

William Edgar (Bill) Oddie, OBE, MA (Cantab.) (born on July 7, 1941 in Rochdale (then in Lancashire)) is a comedy writer and performer, author, composer and musician. A birdwatcher since his childhood in Birmingham, Oddie has now established a reputation for himself as an ornithologist, conservationist and television presenter on wildlife issues. Some of his books are illustrated with his own paintings and drawings.

Recognition

In 2001, Oddie became only the third person to turn down the "red book" and decline to appear on This Is Your Life. He relented some time later.

Related Topics:
2001 - This Is Your Life

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On 16 October 2003, Oddie was made an OBE for his service to Wildlife Conservation in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. He played down the event, choosing to wear a camouflage shirt and crumpled jacket to receive his medal.

Related Topics:
16 October - 2003 - OBE - Buckingham Palace

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In June 2004, Oddie and Johnny Morris were jointly profiled in the first of a three part BBC Two series, The Way We Went Wild, about television wildlife presenters.

Related Topics:
Johnny Morris - The Way We Went Wild

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In May 2005, he received the British Naturalists' Association's Peter Scott Memorial Award, from BNA president David Bellamy, "in recognition of his great contribution to our understanding of natural history and conservation".

Related Topics:
2005 - British Naturalists' Association - Peter Scott - David Bellamy

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