Jim Baillie, Birder Extraordinaire

Published by Toronto Ornithological Club
and Long Point Bird Observatory
Written by Lise Anglin

For those of you who are birding veterans in Southern Ontario, you may have met Jim Baillie while out in the fields and meadows of our region's birding hotspots.  Younger birders might recognize his name through the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund established by Bird Studies Canada, or have perhaps participated in one of the many Baillie Birdathon fundraising events that take place across North America each year.

Growing up, we frequently heard fond references to our "Uncle Jim", an uncle through marriage, on our Grandfather's side. We knew Uncle Jim worked at the ROM doing something exciting with birds (we never really knew what), that he was the one that gave our Grandparents the two bird statues that were always displayed in their living room, and that our parents always spoke of him with great affection.

Fast forward to many years later and I now know that James L. Baillie was a fascinating man who shared my passion for birds (but far surpassed me in the skills department).  One of the only things I have in my possession that belonged to my Grandfather (on loan from Mom, and I'm hoping she forgets I have this!) is a book written about Jim Baillie, called "Birder Extraordinaire, The Life and Legacy of James L. Baillie", by Lise Anglin and published by the Toronto Ornithological Club and Long Point Bird Observatory.

It is fascinating to see how much, and how little, has changed in the birding community in the last 50 years.

Many of the birding spots frequented by myself or birding friends today are referenced, including High Park, Mount Forest Cemetery, Ashbridges Bay and Cranberry Marsh (referred to then as LeVay`s Marsh).  A Northern Shrike is nicknamed a Butcher Bird (I hadn't heard that reference before); and while bird photography wasn't big back then, there is reference to a debate between "Collectors vs Non Collectors" which reminds me of the ongoing battle between Baiters and those who oppose this practice (myself included).  The competitive nature of some birders today existed back then as well.

Perhaps what has changed most is the prevelance, and acceptance, of birding today.  I loved this excerpt from the author on Page 23:

"Although birdwatching has gained acceptability as a hobby over the past decade or two, there has long been a certain stereotype of the birdwatcher as a hair-netted spinster in woolens and sensible shoes who probably talks to her plants at night and subsists on Ovaltine.  One individual who became keen on birds in the 1940s reported a reaction to the news that he spent his spare time watching birds, as follows, "And he a grown man! Imagine!".  Others who have since come out of the closet tell tales of hiding their binoculars much as an alcoholic might hide his desk-drawer bottle, or covering their field guides with the tiel of some best seller".

And I especially loved this journal entry by Jim, from Field Journal 3, April 23, 1922, concerning a walk by the Humber River:

"At this point I laid [sic] down on the grass for a rest and as I watched the glistening blue of the tree swallows as they skimmed over the water and as I listened to the harsh rattle of the kingfisher as it shot passed [sic] me, I was well pleased with life, and did not like to get up and continue my walk".

I'm sure most birders can relate to moments like that.

It's been great flipping through the pages of this book, and I often wish I could go birding with "Uncle Jim" now - I can only imagine what I would learn.   

James L. Baillie Memorial Fund

Baillie Birdathons

Toronto Ornithological Club
http://www.torontobirding.ca/site/page/view/club.publications

  

Cattle Egret in Durham

Rumours were rampant that a Cattle Egret was in south Durham Region recently.  I struck out the few times I was in the area, and figured it had moved on.

This morning while on the way to take photos I was thrilled to unexpectedly stumble upon it, not too far from where it had been reported.

Unlike Great Egrets, who can be found at many local marshes in late summer, Cattle Egrets spend their time in pastures, often with cattle and sometimes even on top of cattle.

I don't think this one read the memo, choosing instead to hang out under the Golf Simulator sign at our local golf course.

Rare Sighting of a Cattle Egret in South Ajax

New Golf Course Mascot?

Spending Time With Wild Friends

A few recent photos of wild friends found in Durham Region.

Resident Red-Tailed Hawk

Charming Mallard (Male)

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Snoozing Wild Turkey

Black-Capped Chickadee

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

Black-Capped Chickadee

Back in the Wild -The "Scarborough Coyote" gets a Second Chance

Toronto Wildlife Centre had received many calls over several weeks about a coyote, sick with severe mange in Scarborough - bare, scabbed, and very thin.  Despite wearing an MNR radio-collar, this coyote outsmarted the smartest of rescuers and eluded capture for weeks until finally he was caught by the MNR in conjunction with TWC.  He was known as the "Scarborough Coyote" in the media, and his progress was followed by many that were concerned about his plight.

After receiving great care for several weeks at TWC's main facility, I was excited to learn that this coyote was being moved to his pre-release location, where I help to care for the animals.  This is where animals who are now much healthier become reacclimatized to life in the wild, learning to once again deal with weather change in a more wild setting.

When he first arrived he was frightened and did not emerge from his shelter, but soon he became confident and showed us the formidable animal he is when he's at his best.  Beautiful, piercing yellow eyes, and a bold confidence, mixed in with exactly the right amount of skittishness.  It was evident that he was ready to go back home.

I was thrilled to be part of the release team.

Excitement mounted as the afternoon wore on.  First, he had to be caught up and the tracking collar refastened (he is part of an MNR study, and the collar is set to fall off after a certain number of weeks).   This was no easy task as this is a large, strong and smart coyote.

Moving swiftly to get him into his kennel cab

Then, a drive to his release site, which we accessed through the generosity of a nice couple who live within his territory.  Finally, that bittersweet moment when the door of the kennel cab opens.  After a few seconds of indecision, the coyote determines that life is way better on home turf than with us.

A momentary contemplation...

And then...

I'm outta here!

It was a great release, with an awesome group of people.  A big thanks to the couple who allowed us access to their property, and for taking the time to call for help when they saw he needed it.

Here's a great slow-mo video captured by Dan, a member of the release team:

...And a few media links to the Coyote's story.  You'd never know by looking at these "before" photos that this is the same animal.

Sicklooking Coyote on the Prowl in Scarborough (Toronto Star)
Toronto Wildlife Centre Captures Sick Coyote In Scarborough

A Visit to the Rouge

A quick visit to Rouge Park Beach today did not disappoint.  Lighting was poor but critters were great!

Gadwall

 

Gadwall

Killdeer

Messy Mallard

Northern Shoveler

More from the Red-Tailed Hawk

I have more than enough photos of this hawk, but it isn't every day that I get to spend this much time with one, and have the opportunity to observe and learn from him, so I have to take advantage of it.

I entered the forest with a focus on finding an owl, and when I looked up into what I thought would be a good owl tree, I found myself face to face with this hawk.  What you can't see is that he was standing on his latest meal, an Eastern Grey Squirrel, definitely his food of choice.

We were both equally surprised at this close encounter.  

Here he is, simply astounded at all the good eats in the area.  (not really, this was caught mid-yawn).

A fierce hunter and a beautiful specimen!  I hope he sticks around a while longer.

Sandhill Cranes in Flight

Today's Bald Eagle sighting was highlighted by an end-of-day glimpse of three Sandhill Cranes heading to their night-time roost.  This is only the second time I've caught a glimpse of Cranes in Durham.

Early Morning Eagle

On my way to my volunteer shift this morning I took a quick detour hoping to see a coyote or deer.  I struck out and was going to turn back when I saw a large, dark bird in a tree.  Could it be?  Yes!  An immature bald eagle!

Early morning shadows didn't allow for a great photo but I was happy to get at least this shot.

What a great way to start the day!

Living with Coyotes

There is no better day than one where I have had an unexpected coyote sighting.  I saw this beauty while running errands this morning.

As much as I love seeing coyotes, I know there are many that don't, in part due to misunderstanding and misinformation.

Please take a moment to visit Coyote Watch Canada's website at www.coyotewatchcanada.com.  If you are concerned about a coyote in your area, give this a read:  http://coyotewatchcanada.com/co-existing-with-coyotes/living-with-coyotes.

Coyotes should be enjoyed and respected, but not feared.  It is possible to peacefully coexist.

Red-Tailed Hawk Hunting in Whitby

This is surely the most photographed hawk in Durham, because its not every day that you find one who doesn't care that he's hunting with a human audience.  He definitely has a preference for Eastern Grey Squirrels.

Profile of a Killer (said the poor squirrel, minutes before his unfortunate demise)

Thinking about his next move

Not the face that a squirrel wants to see in a tree

Waiting for the pounce

Majestic beauty

Another poor squirrel down

It's not visible in this photo, but he has another squirrel in his talons

Kawarthas - Great Blue Heron

I've been wanting to photography a Great Blue Heron in a nice marsh setting and finally got my wish. Janice and I discovered this cooperative heron down the road from her cottage.

Town of Ajax Wildlife Meadow

On most summer weekends the west end of the Ajax waterfront hosts hundreds of people, who enjoy family BBQs, fishing, sports and all that the park has to offer.  With enhancements to the park in recent years and the frequent community events, there is always something to do and it gets pretty busy.

For me though, it is the (quiet) east side of the waterfront where I prefer to spend time on busy

weekends.  The town has done a great job in letting the waterfront go back to nature and the Wildlife Meadow is absolutely beautiful.   It has inspired me to learn more about Ontario wildflowers.

Here are a few photos taken this past weekend (and hopefully one day I will be able to identify all of them!).

Mating Monarchs - hopefully this will start a rebound in their numbers.

Wild for Wild Turkeys

The wild turkey population is thriving in Durham Region!

It is hard to believe that in the early 1900s, numbers had dwindled to the point where in the 40s a turkey reintroduction program was created.  It was definitely successful.  In my travels I see almost as many turkeys as I do geese these days it seems.  There are hundreds in south Durham Region alone.

So much so that I was getting into my car at my local grocery store five minutes from my house, and a small flock of five walked past me on the sidewalk!  Quite out of their range, which is normally close to farmers fields.  It was Thanksgiving weekend so I suggested they move along quickly!

Here are a few of my wild turkey encounters over the last few months.

Durham Backroads - Coyote Pup!

I found him in a relaxed but observant pose, near the high grass by a Durham backroad.  From a distance I thought he was a large cat, but as I approached I realize he was a coyote pup.

Likely Mom and Dad were in the background somewhere, but I never saw them.  It was nice to see him looking so healthy.

The Adventures of Uncle Buck

It's been a while since I've been inspired to post, but I had to share this.

A few times I've witnessed deer and wild turkeys hanging out together.  Not just eating in the same field, but actually there together, in a very casual, comfortable way.  It reminds me of friends hanging out in a coffee shop.   I've never been able to capture it...until now!

The first time I saw this was in an area in Durham where a wild sighting is always guaranteed, and as I was driving down the road I saw what I can describe as a large huddle of critters -- a combination of deer and wild turkey and they appeared to be doing nothing but hanging out.  Not deer with deer, and turkey with turkey, but intermingled.  They didn't appear to be eating.  I couldn't figure out what the attraction was.  I figured they might be plotting the demise of the area's coyotes (I can just see the Acme anvil teetering at the top of a large pine now.).

There were ten deer and close to thirty turkeys that time.  I tried to get a photo but my lens was too big and they were too close, and I couldn't capture the moment.

I figured that had to be a one-time thing.

But then I saw it again.  Not quite the same numbers, but the same sort of comfortable camaraderie that I'd witnessed the first time.  And this time, no camera at all.

But finally, I have been able to document this friendship between the two species!

I was on the same road today, hoping to see a fawn that has been photographed in the area.  As I was heading toward the area, I saw a deer on the side of the road, not crossing but clearly peaking out at me.  I figured the fawn was by the deer's side in the high grass so I waited in my car at a distance.

Slowly something smaller emerged right next to the deer.  At last, the elusive fawn!   I aimed my camera; focused; but when I had a closer look through the lens, I thought "it's dark brown and pointy!"

This is what I saw.

First appeared one buck with a turkey mom.  There was a second buck with the other mom behind these two.  And then...the munchkin procession started!

You can see how comfortable they all were, as if this was an everyday occurrence.  My experience with turkey moms is that they are excellent caregivers, and I was amazed that they had no issue whatsoever with these massive deer and their little ones underfoot.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any stranger...

...Uncle Buck stood in the middle of the road while the little ones crossed!  You can't tell from this photo but there were at least 15 babies, possibly more, with these two female turkeys.

Still waiting......there's one more!

Only when the turkey moms got the last of the babies to the other side did the deer cross behind them.

A truly amazing sight to see, and I'm glad that I was finally able to capture what I've witnessed in the past.

I don't know much about the typical relationship between deer and turkey, and maybe this is the result of the terrible loss of land for wildlife in Durham Region, or a common enemy, but whatever the reason, this was very sweet to witness and it makes me wonder what goes on between species in Durham when nobody is there to witness!

An amazing morning I won't soon forget!

(Excuse the photo quality...shot in the drizzle through a dog-nose-printed windshield!)