Dick was recognised as one of the foremost authorities on the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus and his extraordinary knowledge of and infectious enthusiasm for the bird brought him into contact with specialists all over the world. Born in 1920, he went almost straight from Dulwich School into military service and served with distinction with the 14th Army in Burma. Passing through London on his return, he chanced upon an exhibition of paintings of birds of prey and was immediately smitten with the Peregrine. He had always wished to be an artist and soon afterwards made the acquaintance of the painter who was to be his guide and mentor, George Lodge.