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Mavis Folemsbee, (my mom), who was one of few female birdbanders in the 1960s and 1970s in Ontario.
Along with my dad, Franklin, they raptor banded at Point Pelee, waterfowl banded at Long Point and operated the Niagara District banding station. (Including rehabilitation of an assortment of injured birds)
Please consider Kay McKeever who established “The Owl Founation”, Vineland, On. A formidable woman who had the foresight, intelligence and stamina to rehabilitate and breed injured owls in captivity, something she was told by “experts” could not be done. Her legacy lives on.
So many worthy of mention, but let me add Dr. Margaret Bain. Co-Editor of Birder’s Journal. and keen birder.
Professor Bridget Stutchbury. Immaculate research in plain language inspires those who count birds and participate in other crucial citizen science projects. reference: “Bringing Back the Birds”
October 23, 2018, 6-7:00 pm at the Lillian H. Smith public library. This event organized by Ontario Nature, York University, Toronto Public Libraries. Dr. Stutchbury also made a presentation at a gala organized by the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory. BPBO is based on a reserve at Cabot Head on the Georgian Bay shore.
I think about Audrey Wilson, who as my Grade 4 teacher had us birding, tagging butterflies and many other outdoor activities. Audrey and I are still friends, she worked with Dr. Urquhart to find out where the Monarch’s overwintered in North America. By time I was a student of hers in 1964, she had been banding Monarchs for years. She is an ‘all rounder’ in the outdoor experience, she is a top notch birder and knows their behaviours as well, Butterflies and Moths well she has been studying them for years. She also introduced to me to Leslie Abraham, a woman who is a Photographer and her blog on the outdoors is filled with her fabulous photo’s. There have been many women, like Hazel Bird who died probably ten years ago, she had a Blue Bird Line going through Northumberland County that was I do believe 25 miles long, I met her through Audrey as well. That I guess is the most wonderful thing is that the outdoor women I have met all bond together when it comes to birds and wildlife.
I’d like to add two more women who were instrumental in educating the public about birds and offering much helpful information. Their love and enthusiasm of birds was so contagious.
Kathy Nehei, who through hard work and dedication established ‘The Wild Bird Centre’ on Moodie Drive in Ottawa. Many orphaned and injured birds were rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Unfortunately Kathy passed away a few years ago, however the centre is still operating, is doing great work and has much public support.
Elizabeth LeGeyt wrote a weekly bird column in the Ottawa Citizen for many years and answered questions, gave advice, helped identify birds and what to feed them. She was always available to speak with the public.
Both are greatly missed and will always be remembered.
Thank-you for this opportunity, and thank-you for this wonderful blog,
Lynn Duffy
I would like to recognize Margaret Carney who writes a weekly column in the Pickering-Ajax News Advertiser about her and others bird sightings. Sometimes she writes about sightings on her travels. Very interesting.
I would like to recognize Lorraine Brown who I met through the Owen Sound Field naturalists. She was skilled in many nature and conservation related areas, including birding. She died far too young a few years ago.