Those of you who visit Ballachurry Reserve and use the Bird Hide will have seen a small brass plaque on the outside saying that it was funded by Mrs. Anne Kaye in memory of family members. Very sadly Anne herself passed away yesterday, January 9th, in Nobles Hospital. She had not been in perfect health in recent months but this final illness was swift and unexpected. ( It was not Covid related)
Anne was a familiar and well-respected figure in all wildlife circles. In her professional life as a teacher she had inspired many youngsters during her extra curricular Bird Club, taking them across to the Calf and on other excursions. Some of those children grew up to be respected naturalists in their own right and they are still fulfilling wildlife roles on the Island today. What a wonderful legacy!
In retirement she took on voluntary roles for both the Manx Ornithological Society and the Manx Wildlife Trust which continued right up to the present day and were only curbed recently by the Island's current lockdown policy. The location of her bird hide on a Manx Wildlife Trust Reserve is symbolic of both these strands of her life and will continue to bring much pleasure to many people.
Many will remember Anne as "crew" on trips to the Calf, leaping ashore with great agility even in her late 70s to tie up the boat before leading groups round the island, pointing out the wildlife and recounting its history. She knew the Calf like the back of her hand and could name every rock, bay and plant that grows there. Her anecdotes during the short voyage really brought the place to life.
Anne had great knowledge, many interests and consequently many friends. She will be greatly missed by us all.
The birding and wildlife community has indeed lost a treasure.
