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 his grand-nephew, famous Canadian writer 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.