About James Baillie

from Bird Studies International

For nearly 50 years Jim Baillie worked as Assistant Curator in the Ornithology Department of the Royal Ontario Museum. Although not formally educated in ornithology, his knowledge of birds was unsurpassed. Jim Baillie had the ability to share his knowledge with thousands of people, amateurs and professionals alike, through newspaper columns, scientific publications and informal conversations with countless visitors to his museum office.

Baillie's enthusiasm and knowledge have inspired hundreds of naturalists to pursue bird study and conservation. Both the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund and the Baillie Birdathon have been named to honour this great Canadian naturalist, conservationist and educator.

BAILLIE BIRDATHON

FOR WORLDWIDE BIRD CONSERVATION

The Baillie Birdathon is a fundraiser for Bird Studies Canada for bird research. It provides funds essential to Bird Studies Canada's efforts to conserve Canada's wild birds and their habitats. Canadian Migration Monitoring Network is one of the many recipients.

It is held in May of each year. The club picks a 24 hour time period and then the involved members strike out to cover a variety of habitats to see how many different species can be recorded. Each registered participant receives the official Baillie Birdathon T-shirt and 25% of the funds raised will be given to the KFN.

In 2005, the Kawartha Field Naturalists raised $550; that amount increased to $585 in 2006 with 92 species identified. This year we managed to raise around $600 with 82 species identified.

All sponsors will receive an income tax receipt for donations of $10 or more. So if you cannot attend the event, please be involved by being a sponsor.

Please see the programme guide for more information.