Exploring Nature: He Lived With Birds

Hance Roy Ivor was born in 1880 and lived on the family farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. He gained a modest amount of fame at age 10 when he discovered the first nest and eggs ever found of the Richardson’s merlin.

This was back in the days when collecting bird eggs was a common hobby. Ivor never collected eggs, but he did become increasingly fascinated by birds. He eventually founded Windinglane Bird Sanctuary, located in the woods some 20 miles outside Toronto.

At this sanctuary, Ivor devoted his life to living with, caring for and studying a wide array of wild birds. He made intimate observations of chickadees, bluebirds, wood thrushes, hawks and many other species. He also obtained all the federal and provincial permits necessary for keeping native birds and built several large wire cages to house the birds. Some birds had injuries that made it impossible to release them in the wild, and they became his personal pets. A majestic golden eagle was kept only until its injuries were healed and then released.

Ivor was instrumental in correcting many false ideas about birds. For example, the head of Cornell’s department of ornithology issued the claim that his research proved a songbird could not hear the human voice because it was pitched in too low a key. He claimed only very high notes, such as the shrill callings of baby birds, could be heard by their parents.

When Ivor was informed of this claim, he conducted a quick demonstration. Taking a mealworm in hand, he called to his pet bird some 75 to 100 feet away, “Joey, come and see what I have for you.”

Like a flash, Joey came streaking to Ivor and was rewarded with the worm. Then Ivor, in his normal tone of voice, called various other birds by name and they all responded in the same fashion.

Roy Ivor added to the knowledge of birds and even wrote a book, “I Live With Birds,” in 1968. I have a copy.

One statement in the book sums up Ivor’s life: “Perhaps you will realize what enjoyment there has been for me as I studied the habits and emotions of so many of our trustful native birds; I hope that while I spent long hours with them as my companions down through the years, I added to the knowledge of the ages.”

Indeed you did, Hance Roy Ivor. Well done.