A Field Guide to the Birds of Alberta

Situated at the convergence of the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and North America’s vast boreal forest, Alberta boasts a great diversity of landscapes and habitats. From turquoise glacier lakes nestled between towering peaks, to spruce- and sphagnum-dominated muskeg, to labyrinthine badland canyons, to expansive grassland dotted with sagebrush, to islands of green space amidst sprawling cities, this province has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, including birders!

More than 300 species of birds occur every year in the province, and well over 400 have been observed at least once within its borders. This guide aims to assist those who wish to find, observe, identify, and better understand the birds around us―whether it be an American Robin nesting in a city park, a White-tailed Ptarmigan foraging in the alpine tundra, or a Turkey Vulture soaring over the badland hoodoos.

With clear descriptions designed to be accessible for beginner and intermediate birders, this extensive guide is also useful for experts in the field. It comprises 305 full-page species accounts for regularly occurring species and 29 abbreviated accounts for more rarely occurring birds. Each full account includes the most up-to-date species name; one to four full-colour photographs; a colour-coded range map; a clear description of appearance, status and distribution, habitat, behaviour, and sounds; and tips on where to where to find the species. Other user-friendly features include a glossary, tips on equipment and observation techniques, information on habitat and species conservation, and recommendations for further reading. With so many birds to see and hear in every region of the province, A Field Guide to the Birds of Alberta is the definitive guide for locals and visitors alike.

Born and raised in northern Ontario, David R. Scott began venturing from home to find birds at age sixteen and has been an avid birder and naturalist ever since. After moving to southern Alberta, he came to love the birds of the prairies, badlands, foothills, and mountains as well as those of the boreal forest on the Canadian Shield. A librarian by trade, David works at the University of Lethbridge and serves as chair of the Alberta Bird Record Committee and the Christmas Bird Count editor for the province. He has also spent several years on the board of Nature Lethbridge and has authored and coauthored articles published in Nature Alberta Magazine, North American Birds, and Western Birds. David resides in Lethbridge, Alberta with his wife, Emma, and son, Lewis, who recently received his first pair of binoculars.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Gavin McKinnon began birding at the age of seven while living in Southern Ontario. Now based in Calgary, McKinnon has ventured across the province of Alberta in search of birds, particularly localized and difficult-to-find species. He has built his knowledge of bird identification and distribution in Alberta from time spent in the mountains, foothills, boreal forest, and prairies. McKinnon holds a diploma in Renewable Resource Management from Lethbridge Polytechnic and has experience in environmental consulting. Currently a professional birding guide, he owns and operates Meadowlark Birding Tours, where he specializes in offering high-quality birding and bird photography tours in Alberta, across Canada, and around the globe.