Alberta has abundant natural areas that support a broad range of birds and wildlife. The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) program is one way in which we help support and promote the protection and conservation of these natural areas that are essential habitat for bird populations, which have been shown to be effective indicators of wider biodiversity. The Important Bird and Biodiveristy Areas Checklist introduces you to Alberta’s IBAs, and highlights a fascinating piece of our province’s natural history that we hope you will take the time to learn about, experience and enjoy. (from Nature Alberta website)
Rare Air, the culmination of artist Sarah Kaizar's dedication to illustrating endangered fauna, features 66 endangered species of flight--33 birds, 5 bats, 12 bees, and 16 butterflies--presented in her scientifically accurate and utterly engaging pen-and-ink style. Complementing the art are informative and story-driven natural histories of each species by writer A. Scott Meiser, as well as interviews with biologists who are working to sustain some of the same species. An introduction highlights how Kaizar developed this project, while the "How to Get Involved" appendix provides helpful tips on actions readers can take to help these creatures. Kaizar's work informs readers about the world around them in a way that is beautiful and engaging, while also examining the environmental conditions that put these species at risk. Rare Air broadens the conversation about environmental study and inspires readers across the country to care for our winged creatures. -- Provided by publisher.
Contents
Introduction : conservation on the wing -- Rare air species. Field feature : bird data : counts, migrations, trends -- Field feature : indigenous resource managements -- Field feature : bat conservation international -- Field feature : nurdle patrol -- Acknowledgments -- References -- How to get involved -- Species index.
Game Wardens find out who killed the cock robin
Colonists found a “Blue Robin”
Three wives in a single season
Cousins of the Nightingale
Woodlands ring with flutelike music
The Mockingbird is a world-famous vocalist
Swallows of a feather flock together
What’s in a name?
Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi)
Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius)
Olive-backed Thrush (Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni)
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
Hermit Thrush (Hylocichla guttata)
Veery (Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens)
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis sialis)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus)
Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)
Bendire’s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei)
California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum redivivum)
Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma dorsale dorsale)
Leconte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei lecontei)
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Northern Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon albifrons albifrons)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo erhthrogaster)
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina lepida)
Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor)
Bank Swallow (Riparia Riparia Riparia)
American Pipit (Anthus spinoletta spinoletta)
Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spraguei)
Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris)
Notes
Reprinted from National Geographic, Volume LXIX, No. 4, April 1936