Blue Jay, vol.74, issue 4

2016·7.5 MB·English

by  Saskatchewan Natural History Society

University of Alberta Library
#RH IF
QH
1
B65
v.74:
no.4
2016
SCI/TECH
Ex
Libris
1 UNIVERSITY OF T T
1 ALBERTA UNIVERSITATIS
Albertensis
Harold Fisher shares what is believed to be the first On August 13, 2015, Dale and Paule Hjertaas The Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project is
documented occurrence of a Northern Hawk Owl travelled to Buena Vista on Last Mountain Lake a multi-year effort to assess the distribution and
using an artificial nest box erected for that purpose to view the first reported Purple Martin roost in abundance of breeding bird populations and will
in North America. Saskatchewan. involve a large number of volunteers.
Mary Houston holds the North American record for Rob Warnock describes an observation of three Spencer Sealy remembers a majestic Ferruginous
Bohemian Waxwing bandings (5,387), including 80 Short-eared Owls on the deck roof of his home in Hawk nest he discovered back in his junior high
in the spring 2011 and 40 in 2014 — her 63rd year Regina on July 2, 2016. school days in Kindersley, SK in this issue's edition of
of banding birds. Human Nature.
WHAT'S INSIDE
5 How Did 'Owl' Summer Go? 18 The 2016 International Piping 30 The 10th International
Kaytlyn Burrows Plover Breeding Census Rangeland Congress
Alan R. Smith Rebecca Magnus
7 A Celebration of Whooping
Cranes at the 2016 Fall Meet 20 Book Review: 32 Monarchs in the Limelight
Ellen Bouvier Being a Bird in North America, Ashley Vass
North of Mexico
8 Poetry 33 Short-eared Owls Visit
Annie McLeod
Victor C. Friesen Suburbia in Regina
22 Work Underway on Rob Warnock
9 In Memoriam
Monumental Saskatchewan
34 Plovers on Shore in Search
11 Poetry
Bird Atlas Project
of Piping Plovers!
George Grassick
Ed Rodger
Ashley Vass
12 Nature Saskatchewan
24 Southern Dogface Butterfly
35 Shrubs for Shrikes
2016 Awards Recipients
Near Weyburn, SK
in the Queen City
14 Northern Hawk Owls Martin Bailey
Ashley Vass
Use Next Box
25 North America's Pre-eminent
36 Turtle Lake Nature Sanctuary
Harold Fisher Bohemian Waxwing bander
Darlene Roth
16 Saskatchewan's First Large C. Stuart Houston
38 Human Nature
Purple Martin Roost
28 Thirteen Years of Participating
Spencer G. Sealy
Dale G. Hjertaas in the Feederwatch Project
39 Mystery Photo
Diether P. Peschken
2 BLUE JAY WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dr. Branimir Gjetvaj and grasslands are important in
President, Nature Saskatchewan reducing the effects of our carbon
footprint — areas we work hard to
If we are to believe the user data conserve.
analysis from all-mighty Google web Nature Saskatchewan runs several
searches for terms "global warming" programs related to habitat protection
and "climate change," there is a and citizen science monitoring of the
steady but noticeable decrease in the effects of climate change. The goal
public interest in learning more about of our Stewards of Saskatchewan
the phenomena (http://goo.gl/TzckjE). programs (Operation Burrowing
The interest peaked between 2006 Owl, Rare Plant Rescue, Shrubs for
Dr. Branimir Gjetvaj
and 2010, only to drop and stabilize to Shrikes and Plovers on Shore) is to
pre-2005 levels over the last few years. conserve and enhance habitat for
The public isn't extensively searching species at risk, raise public awareness
about the topic, suggesting that and provide support to agricultural
either they are not interested anymore producers. The SOS programs,
or that they feel to know enough together with the SOS Banner
about climate change conditions. Program launched in 2010, currently
On the other hand, the media have 795 participants conserving
coverage certainly has not declined. 127,212 hectares (314,346 acres)
This is especially true with the of grasslands and 118 kilometres
recent announcement by the federal (74 miles) of shoreline habitat for
government's controversial plan to put wildlife and plants across southern
pricing on carbon emissions. Saskatchewan. Our PlantWatch
Reducing energy consumption and program, part of the suite of Canada¬
emissions is a common theme in North wide NatureWatch programs, is a
America (while South American media network of citizen science volunteers
Photo credit: May Haga
coverage puts emphasis on topics who record the blooming times for
ON THE FRONT COVER such as impacts of deforestation on common plant species. Information
A Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in winter. This photo, and climate, and coverage in Africa focuses collected by PlantWatch volunteers is
the photo on the back cover, were taken by May on water shortages, deforestation a valuable tool to track how and at
Haga, who passed away on September 1 5, 2016.
and extreme weather events). At what rate climate change is taking
To read May's memorial, written by J. Frank Roy, see
page 9. the 2016 Fall Meet in Saskatoon, place across the province and nation.
members inquired whether Nature Given the public, media and
Saskatchewan has a position on political interest in climate change, it
climate change. Our society does not is important for our society to show
run programs that are directly related that the effects of climate change,
to issues that one would normally combined with fragmented and
associate with "climate change." degraded habitats and threats to
We do, however, work toward the biodiversity, have a serious impact
protection of Saskatchewan's natural on our society. To explain the critical
environment. Similar to climate role that species play in providing
change — itself an extremely serious ecosystem services, productive
and far-reaching environmental cropland, natural beauty and pleasure
problem — the degradation of natural that we all benefit from, will require
habitats through environmental and our constant attention and improved
agricultural intensification has a huge ways of communication. We will
impact on economic development, have to work harder to reach diverse
Photo credit: May Haga
human health and well-being. In audiences, to engage people and
ON THE BACK COVER terms of solutions that address global inspire deeper connection with nature.
JL
Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa). warming, biodiversity-rich wetlands
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4 BLUE JAY 3
BLUE JAY
SASKATCHEWAN
Blue Jay, founded in 1942 by
Main Office
Isabel M. Priestly, is a journal of Board of Directors
Nature Saskatchewan
natural history and conservation for President
206 - 1860 Lome Street
Branimir Gjetvaj
Saskatchewan and adjacent regions.
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2L7
It is published quarterly by Vice President [phone]
Hamilton Greenwood
Nature Saskatchewan. [email protected]
Secretary www.naturesask.ca
Nicole Dunn
Editor: Annie McLeod
Treasurer
3017 Hill Avenue
Ed Rodger
Regina, SK S4S 0W2 Publications
Past President
E-mail: [email protected] Donna Bruce Blue Jay Editor
Annie McLeod
Honourary President
Editorial Information Gary Seib Special Publications Editor
Anna Leighton
Blue Jay welcomes all submissions, Conservation Director
Lome Scott
preferably by e-mail (although hand¬
written or typed manuscripts will be Directors
Contacts for
Amy Wheeler
considered to accommodate those Local Societies & Affiliates
Ken Ludwig
who do not have access to computer
Martin Boucher Fort Qu'Appelle Nature Society
equipment), polished or in need of Robert Wilson Keith Stephens
some editorial assistance. All items Vladimir Kricfalusy Indian Head Natural History Society
for publication should be sent to the Irv Escott
Office & Program Contacts
editor electronically (in a Microsoft Kelsey Ecological Society
Executive Director Kathleen Pitt
Word document) by e-mail or on CD.
Jordan Ignatiuk
Nature Moose Jaw
Hard copies and CDs can be mailed
Species at Risk Manager Lorna Arnold
to the editor at the address above.
Rebecca Magnus
Nature Prince Albert
Conservation & Education Manager Jim Bahr
Submission deadlines
Marla Anderson
Nature Regina
January 1 for the Spring issue,
Communications Manager Gary Seib
April 1 for the Summer issue, Ellen Bouvier
Neudorf Trails &
July 1 for the Fall issue, and Office Coordinator Wild Bird Sanctuary Society
Becky Quist Keith Gerstner
October 1 for the Winter issue.
For detailed information, please Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Saskatoon Nature Society
Kaytlyn Burrows Marten Stoffel
see the "Guidelines for Authors"
Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Southwest Naturalists
under the Publications section of the
Ashley Vass Janet Payne
Nature Saskatchewan website.
Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Weyburn Nature Society
Emily Putz Val Thomas
International Piping Plover Wolseley Nature Society
Census Coordinator Richard Solberg
Alan Smith
Yorkton Natural History Society
Turkey Vulture Tracking Program Geoff Rushowick
Dr. Stuart Houston
Yellowhead Flyway
Birding Trail Association
Martin Phillips
Meadow Lake 'Woodlanders'
Junior Forest Wardens
Neil Marsh
Friends of Wascana Marsh
Ramona Clarke
4 BLUE JAY WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4
HOW DID 'OWL' SUMMER GO?
Kaytlyn Burrows
OBO is very pleased to have
Habitat Stewardship Coordinator
partnered with one of our
Nature Saskatchewan
participants in completing a
45-acre native seeding project
Another beautiful Saskatchewan through our Habitat Enhancement
summer has come and gone and program. The project is currently
now we all prepare for certainty that in its second year and will be
is just around the corner - winter! monitored annually for Burrowing
But before we do that, I would Owl use. Nature Saskatchewan's
like to celebrate this summer's Habitat Enhancement program
achievements. With the help of works with rural landowners to
our Habitat Stewardship Assistants, increase and improve species at risk
Kris Mutafov and Shayna Hamilton, and other wildlife habitat. Nature
we visited 21 current Operation Saskatchewan provides funding
Burrowing Owl (OBO) participants to landowners on a 50:50 cost
this summer to discuss the program, share basis. Projects include native
their operation, and how OBO seeding, wildlife-friendly fencing, and
can continue to provide support in alternative water development for
conserving Burrowing Owl habitat. Burrowing Owls, Sprague's Pipit, and
We also plan to visit a few more Piping Plovers. If you are interested
current participants this fall! in participating, please contact me
Adult Burrowing Owl. Photo credit: Kaytlyn Burrows
Stewards of Saskatchewan (SOS) at [phone], toll free on our
staff also visited with 14 potential HOOT line at 1-800-667-4668, or 2016 International Piping Plover
OBO participants and I'm thrilled email me at [email protected]. Census. Jamie Holdstock and
to welcome six new participants Funding is available! Cierra Wallington from Old Wives
to the program this year! New Along with a busy field season Watershed Association also discussed
participants are signed up through of landowner visits and species their programs, and finally, Tera
public and landowner sightings at risk searches, SOS staff also Edkins and Allie Gallon discussed
and new landowners purchasing delivered several presentations and their snake research with a live bull
land previously owned by OBO participated in many events such snake!
participants. Even though the as the Wakamow Valley Education From all of us at Nature
majority of participants no longer Day, the Estevan Wildlife Camp, the Saskatchewan, I would like to thank
have nesting owls, their role in Native Prairie Appreciation Week Kris and Shayna. The field season
conserving habitat is essential if we tour in Maple Creek and Cypress was a success because of their hard
are to see a population increase. Hills, and the Nature Saskatchewan work, passion, and dedication. I
Currently, OBO has 365 participants Spring and Fall Meets. We also would also like to send a huge thank
conserving almost 1 50,000 acres hosted a Conservation Awareness you to Marika Cameron, former
of Burrowing Owl habitat. OBO Day in Willow Bunch on July 21 Habitat Stewardship Assistant, for
participants are also helping us with more than 30 participants and volunteering many hours to complete
monitor the owl population. The members of the public in attendance. the OBO census follow-up.
annual OBO census is in full swing We enjoyed a delicious pizza and As always, if you have any
and we are currently collecting lasagna meal locally catered by Nick's questions or comments about
the data. While the census is only Homestead Restaurant followed by Operation Burrowing Owl or the
40 per cent complete, so far, several informative presentations. Habitat Enhancement program,
participants have reported nine pairs Along with SOS program updates please do not hesitate to contact me
of Burrowing Owls. Hopefully, many by Kris and Shayna, Al Smith at [phone], toll free on our
more pairs will be reported by the (Piping Plover Census Coordinator) HOOT line at 1-800-667-4668, or
participants that have not yet been discussed the preliminary results of email me at [email protected].
the Saskatchewan portion of the I would love to hear from you!
reached.
WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4 BLUE JAY 5
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
2016-17 Dear Ms. McLeod,
The new format of the Blue Jay is excellent. Mrs. Priestly would have been
ANNUAL
delighted!
WINTER She used to write each edition in longhand in the 1940s. Then I typed
it and ran it off on a Gestetner. The pages were then stapled together and
BIRDING
mailed to the subscribers. Even then, we had subscribers from many areas,
including, if I remember rightly, the British Museum. Certainly no one dreamed
CONTEST
the little paper would become such a fine magazine.
I wish you every success in the future.
Boyd Metzler
Whitewood, SK
Yours sincerely,
Ruth Smith (nee Beck)
The Winter Birding Contest
for all members of Nature
Saskatchewan will be held again
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
this year. The 2016-17 contest will
be our 29th annual. It is very easy
for the Margaret Skeel Graduate Student Scholarship
to take part — all you have to do
is keep a Saskatchewan winter
A $2,000 scholarship will be educate and to stimulate research
bird list from December 1, 2016
awarded in 2017 to assist a graduate to increase knowledge of all aspects
to February 28, 2017. Share your
student attending a post-secondary of the natural world. Research that
results by sending your winter bird
institution in Saskatchewan. will contribute to resolving current
list to:
It will be awarded to a student conservation problems have a special!
in the fields of ecology, wildlife priority. Contact our office by e-mail
Boyd Metzler
management, biology, environmental at [email protected] or by phone a^
Box 126
studies including social science [phone] or 1-800-667-4668 i
Whitewood, SK
applied to marketing conservation (toll-free).
S0G 5C0
and sustainable use of natural
resources. Application Guidelines:
or e-mail your list to
This scholarship must be applied • An updated resume with a cover
boyd. metzler@sasktel. net
to tuition and associated costs at the letter
named institution. • Letter of References are optional
Last year, Ryan Dudragne set a new The Nature Saskatchewan • A full description of your present
record of 100 species recorded. We Scholarship is awarded to a and/or proposed research
appreciate all entries, big or small. student pursuing studies in a field • A transcript of the undergraduate
that complements the goals of and graduate courses completed sj
Nature Saskatchewan. Nature far and those currently enrolled in
Saskatchewan promotes appreciation • An indication of what other
I
and understanding of our natural source(s) of funding you hope to
environment, and supports research rely on to complete your studies
to protect and conserve natural
ecosystems and their biodiversity. Application Deadline:
We work for sustainable use of February 28, 2017
Saskatchewan's natural heritage, Please submit your completed
ensuring survival of all native species application to the Scholarship
and representative natural areas, Committee: [email protected] or
as well as maintenance of healthy Nature Saskatchewan
and diverse wildlife populations 206-1860 Lome Street
Snow Bunting. Photo credit: Randy McCulloch throughout the province. We aim to Regina, SK S4P 2L7
6 BLUE JAY WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4
Peregrine Falcon Tour (left to right): Rick Bryne, Gail Bryne, Lynn Oliphant, and dog Rudy. Photo credit: Rebecca Magnus
A CELEBRATION OF WHOOPING
CRANES AT THE 2016 FALL MEET
Ellen Bouvier slideshows they presented. Thank you the cranes did not disappoint.
Communications Manager to everyone who shared images with Roughly 15 Whooping Cranes were
Nature Saskatchewan us! spotted and for some on the tour it
Friday evening was beautiful was the first time they had ever seen
Northern Saw-whet Owls, Great
and clear and was the perfect a Whooping Crane in the wild. A true
Blue Herons and Whooping Cranes
time for some Northern Saw-whet highlight for many!
all made an appearance at the Nature
Owl banding. For many of the A second group set out to
Saskatchewan Fall Meet in Saskatoon
participants, this was their first Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
from September 30 to October 1,
encounter with these fantastic little Wanuskewin is a place that is rich
2016. Members came from near
birds. The night saw 15 owls banded with history and truly feels alive with
and far to enjoy a weekend of
and recorded and even included the stories and mysteries it holds. The
friendship, learning and exploring.
one recapture from Harold Fisher's group was led by an interpreter and
The Saskatoon Nature Society did an
banding station. I was not able to join after a brief movie, the group set out
excellent job hosting and organizing
the group but from what I hear it was to explore the trails that Wanuskewin
this event as it seemed not a single a wonderful night with more than a offers. While walking, we spotted
detail was missed. few laughs. two groupings of mule deer and a
Members and friends gathered at Saturday morning came early for Great Blue Heron. A bit of excitement
the Nutana Legion on Friday evening many — members had the choice was added when the group spotted
to learn about the field trips for to attend one of three tours being a Cooper's Hawk chasing down some
the weekend and also to enjoy the offered that day. A large group set guick flying robins.
Larry Morgotch Images of Nature out early in the morning in search The last group joined Dr. Lynn
event. Once again the talent of our of Whooping Cranes, and while Oliphant to watch the world's
membership was evident in the sightings can never be guaranteed, fastest animal —the Peregrine
WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4 BLUE JAY 7
Falcon — catch its prey. Although spent many hours working toward during the past year, was awarded
the weather wasn't ideal, the falcon shorebird education and conservation to Chris Hay for his series on
was eventually able to fly and did not and has also spent time on the mushrooms. Congratulations to all of
disappoint! Nature Saskatchewan Board of the 2016 award winners!
The business meeting followed Directors. After the awards, it was time for
J
the tours and this year one resolution Rob Warnock was the winner of the highlight of the evening. We
was presented. The resolution was the Volunteer Recognition Award. were treated to a talk by Brian Johns
brought forward by Lome Scott and Rob spent many years serving on about the "Secret Lives of Whooping;
Rob Wilson regarding the continued the Nature Saskatchewan Board as Cranes." The Whooping Crane was
use of Strychnine. After a simple well as serving as co-editor of Nature the focus of the weekend and it was
amendment to the wording of the Views. wonderful to hear about the detailed
resolution it was carried. This year, Nature Saskatchewan lives of some very special birds.
A lovely banquet followed the awarded one Fellows Award and this The Saskatoon Nature Society did
business meeting and conversation was to Harold Fisher. The Fellows a wonderful job organizing the Fall
regarding the tours earlier in the Award recognizes an extensive and Meet and ensuring that everyone felt)
day filled the room. Joining us continuing contribution of time welcome. We hope to see everyone
for the evening were some very over many years to the society. This at the Spring Meet in Candle Lake at m
m
m
special guests, as each fall Nature is the highest honour that Nature the Hannin Creek Educational Facility
Saskatchewan presents several Saskatchewan can bestow upon from June 9 to 11, 2017. 4-
awards to deserving members. This a member and we would like to
year we had four award winners. congratulate Harold and thank him
The Conservation award was for his continued work.
awarded to Lori Wilson, whose The Cliff Shaw Award, which
contribution to conservation over is chosen by the editor of Blue Jay
POETRY
the years is outstanding. She has for the best article/series of articles
Snov
Slowly, slowl
the snow descend
singly in flake
|
or swirling in duster
out of gray skie
to whiten the eart
capping tree stump^
and filling spruce branche
of trees that were one
1
evergreer
Victor C. Friese
Box 65, Rosthern, SK SOK 3R
[email protected] ■
Tour to Waneskewin Heritage Park. Photo credit: Ellen Bouvier
BLUE JAY
8 WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4
IN MEMORIAM
JAMES RALPH JOWSEY
1925-2015
C. Stuart Houston
MAY HAGA assistant in the rheumatology
863 University Drive
May 13, 1936 - Sept. 15, 2016 department. She obtained a B.A. with
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0J8
honours at the age of 53. Ken died in
[email protected]
November 1992.
J. Frank Roy
912 - 606 Victoria Avenue May married Bill Duffus in Walter Farquharson
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0Z1 September 2000. It was Bill who
P.O. Box 126
[email protected] bought May her first camera as Saltcoats, SK S0A 3R0
a Christmas gift in 2001. Within
a decade, she had mastered the
required photographic techniques to
become a bird photographer. As her
son Todd said, "In everything Mother
did, from gardening and sewing to
cooking, from ballroom dancing to
photography, she moved from hitting
the ball to hitting the ball out of the
park." Bill died in 2009.
Those who knew May well
remember her as modest, punctual,
reliable, patient, and generous. In
sunshine or rain, in freezing cold or
summer heat, carrying a camera with
Photo credit: J. Frank Roy
a huge telephoto lens — and often a
tripod as well — May could wait for
May passed away suddenly at her hours until a bird "co-operated" and James R. Jowsey was born on
home in Saskatoon on September she could make a good shot. If she October 24, 1925 on his parents'
15, 2016. One of the most loved and happened to do better than most, farm north of Saltcoats. Eden school
most respected of our naturalists, she accepted that fact with pride but was close by the farm but high school
May was a grandmother and a great with humility. In her last years she meant 13 km each way on horseback
grandmother, an athlete — still was widely published and travelled or bicycle to Saltcoats. Jim received
playing tennis every week — and extensively, photographing in Canada B.A. and M.A. at the University of
one of the most accomplished bird and USA, Bali, Ecuador, the Galapagos Saskatchewan, and his Ph.D. at McGill
photographers in Canada. Daughter Islands, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. University. One year, he literally "lived
of Otto and Marjorie Geek, the She hosted many meetings in her in the chicken coop" on campus
youngest of eight children, May was home, including day-long stretches to work off some of his tuition by
raised on two farms — the first at selecting photos for the upcoming living adjacent to, and monitoring,
Wadena, the second near Kelvington, Birds of Saskatchewan. To be fair, the poultry department's flocks. He
where she completed high school. we did not know the photographer's added a B. Ed. later. Jim's Master's
She moved to Saskatoon in 1955. identity for any of the more than four thesis used the brand-new technique
Married in 1959, she and her hundred species we were working on. of radioisotopes. Radiophosphorus
husband Ken Haga raised three If one of hers was rejected for another P32 was used to trace the fate of
children: Dean (June), Todd (Dana) judged slightly more appropriate, phosphorus in the laying hen, and three
and Kenda (Ray). There are four we'd often see a shy smile as she papers were co-authored with Dr. J.W.T.
said "that photo was mine." And no Spinks, the first of them in SCIENCE,
grandchildren and two great¬
matter what she really might have one of two leading science journals in
grandchildren. May worked for
thought, her remark was simply the world. Because of that publication,
many years at the University of
another example of her humility and Jim was offered a lifetime cut-rate
Saskatchewan, first as an X-ray
annual subscription to SCIENCE, which
her sense of humour.
technologist, then as a research
WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4 BLUE JAY 9
he continued until his death. Spinks a Bluffs Villa in Yorkton, where he died even-younger Taylor in photography
decade later became President of the on November 17, 2015. and bird studies.
University. Jim much later became a We remember a man of passion Taylor majored in science
member of the Senate of the University and integrity, a lifelong learner, photography at Ryerson Polytechnical
and of St. Andrew's College. scientist and scholar, a committed Institute, graduating in 1963. His
Jim and his wife Shirley were long¬ naturalist and environmentalist, a man first job was at the relatively new
term supporters of the Saskatchewan of strong ethical principles, a friend, Saskatchewan Museum of Natural
Natural History Society, now known neighbour and good citizen. History. For three years he became a
as Nature Saskatchewan. His first task major contributor of photographs to
was to advise bookshop manager Blue Jay and undertook an unpaid
Frank Brazier as to which books to assignment of chairing the Prairie
carry in stock, then he replaced Brazier Nest Records Scheme (PNRS). Taylor,
as treasurer. He was the first chair of ROBERT ROSS TAYLOR as Chair, initiated publishing annual
the Endangered Species committee, reports in Blue Jay for 1963 through
1940 - 2013
then President of the Society in 1982- 1965. The top sighting in 1963 was a
83. With George Ledingham, he was C. Stuart Houston Sage Grouse nest with six eggs near
one of two Saskatchewan delegates 863 University Drive Consul by David Chandler. By 1965,
to the founding of the Canadian Saskatoon, SK S7N 0J8 Bohdan Pylypec, a high school studen
Nature Federation in Winnipeg. stuart. [email protected] at Yellow Creek led all others from
His reputation within the society is the three prairie provinces and the
evident from the fact that he and Northwest Territories with 91 cards in
Shirley were two of only the second his second year; Bohdan's repeated
group of five named as Fellow; the visits had followed 16 Cedar Waxwing
others were Fred Bard, Bob Nero and nests in 1964 and 25 nests in 1965.
Jim Slimmon. Taylor's final report in this capacity
His superbly successful book, was to report 7,221 record cards of
Wild Flowers across the Prairies, 236 species collected during the first
with co-authors Fenton Vance and eight years. As a bird bander in Regin.
James MacLean, went through with permit 855, he banded four
several printings; the three authors species each of grebes (including 14
donated a copy of this book to every Red-necked), four of warblers and 13
Grade 5 classroom in the province. Swainson's Thrushes.
Each revision was a best seller. Frank After his next six years with the
Switzer wrote about grasses for the Manitoba Museum of Man and
final edition. Nature, Taylor broke loose to become
Jim was interested in nature in an independent photographer. One of
general, far outside his main interest Photo credit: Jennifer LaBella his first successes was in the Thelon
of botany. He undertook 11 Breeding Game Sanctuary for the National Film
Bird Censuses, mainly at Churchbridge Board in the North West Territories.
and Ceylon with one at Axford. In Robert Taylor arrived at the As a writer and publisher, he began
1972 at Ceylon, he encountered an Saskatchewan Museum of Natural Windermere House Publishing,
influx of Lark Buntings, noting 266 History seven years after Robert appropriately named because it
birds during his 50 stops. In 1985, Nero. Nero persuaded director Fred was financed by the mortgage on
Jim and Shirley retired to their farm Bard that Taylor's photographic skills his house on Windermere Avenue.
and later moved into Saltcoats. The would be of benefit to the museum. Successful books included The Edge
Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Taylor was born in Toronto on June of the Arctic: Churchill and the
Association honoured the Jowseys 16, 1940. He spent a high school Hudson Bay Lowlands; The Great Gray
with the Jim and Shirley Jowsey summer at the Royal Ontario Museum Owl: On Silent Wings, The Manitoba
Wildflower Heritage and Conservation where he was a member of the young Landscape: A Virtual Symphony, and
Area in Saltcoats Regional Park. After naturalists; a teen-aged instructor Manitoba: Seasons of Beauty. After
Shirley died, Jim moved into Aspen named Robert Bateman coached the Taylor visited Manitoba's second-
10 BLUE JAY WINTER 2016 VOLUME 74.4