Leonard J. Waxdeck; Teacher Led Bird-Calling Contest

Leonard J. Waxdeck, a high school biology teacher who staged an annual bird-calling contest for 31 years. The contest grew from eight competitors the first year to more than 60. Waxdeck and his students demonstrated their calling, with theatrics and comic sketches added, annually on the “Tonight Show.” This year they appeared on “Late Night With David Letterman.” Waxdeck prided himself on never missing a day of teaching school because of illness, and was eagerly anticipating the fall term. On Saturday in Berkeley after a stroke.