Frank Farley and the Birds of Alberta

Frank Farley (1870–1949) was a passionate naturalist and enthusiastic booster for rural development in western Canada. He supported and managed newly designated migratory bird sanctuaries, networked with expert ornithologists across the continent, mentored young people (including famous Canadian writer and grand-nephew Farley Mowat), and published widely to scientific and popular audiences. His most significant publication was Birds of the Battle River Region. His data and research served as the basis for the first account of the birds of Alberta, published in 1958. Farley's career shows how a single individual can make significant contributions to the fields of ornithology and environmental conservation, both locally and internationally. Frank Farley and the Birds of Alberta adds a new layer to a complex western Canadian past and will be an invaluable resource for those interested in Canadian environmental history, climate change, and ecological activism. Amateur naturalist Frank Farley (1870-1949) made significant contributions to the fields of ornithology and environmental conservation in western Canada. Amateur naturalist Frank Farley (1870-1949) made significant contributions to the fields of ornithology and environmental conservation in western Canada. 32 B&W images, index "This book is an in-depth study of amateur ornithologist Frank Farley and his social environment, set against the changing backdrop of environmental activism and ecological knowledge during the first half of the 20th century." Eric Mills, Dalhousie University
"Frank Farley and the Birds of Alberta sheds light on a leading naturalist and his network of ornithologists and birders during a transformative moment in Alberta history." Joanna Dean, Carleton University "This well-researched book is successful in establishing Farley as a significant figure in early Canadian ornithology and as a significant naturalist of his time." James Murton, Nipissing University "In this remarkable biography Hvenegaard, Mouat, and Marshall team up brilliantly to give Frank Farley the recognition his legacy deserves, all the while unpacking a fascinating tale of conservation, settler, Indigenous, academic, and environmental history. This is a compassionate but balanced account of a complex individual living in complicated times. Anyone interested in our province or our environment will find this a fascinating read." John Acorn, Canadian naturalist and author

• Figures

• Introduction

• 1. Farley's Early Years, 1870-1907: "Them was the days!"

• 2. Camrose: "The Most Hustling Town of the West"

• 3. Game Officer at Miquelon Lake: "A Second Jack Miner Pond"

• 4. Raising the Question: "Are Our Wild Ducks Doomed?"

• 5. Networking with Other Ornithologists: "All the Celebrities, Eh?"

• 6. Frank Farley as Mentor: "He Lit the Spark"

• 7. Farley's Publications: "A Valuable Addition to the Bird Literature of the West"

• Conclusion

• Appendix: Frank Farley's publications

• Bibliography

• Index