Myrna Pearman, author, nature photographer and biologist for Ellis Bird Farm of Lacombe, signed copies of her newest book ‘Backyard Bird Feeding: An Alberta Guide’ at Stettler Peavey Mart on Dec. 6. Peavey Mart Industries, which carries the guide in its stores, contributed to printing costs for the book. Pearman is currently touring to promote the book. ECA Review/D.Johnston
Birds and bird watching have been a lifelong passion for author Myrna Pearman, biologist and site manager for Ellis Bird Farm located near Lacombe.
At the age of 14, Pearman received a bluebird box from a neighbour, sparking her interest in bluebirds and she hasn’t looked back since.
The award winning author, nature photographer and biologist is currently on a book tour to promote the release of her seventh book ‘Backyard Bird Feeding: An Alberta Guide’.
The highly informative, full colour guide is an expansion of her very first book, ‘Winter Bird Feeding: An Alberta Guide’ published first in 1989 and again in 1991 with additional information. While both have since gone out of print, the demand for a birding book still existed.
“The Wild Bird Store had contacted me saying Alberta needed a book about birdfeeding. So I decided to expand it to all season,” explained Pearman about her decision to publish a new, updated guide.
With the expansion of the guide, it became apparent to Pearman that she needed more photos.
After posting a request for photo submissions on Alberta Birds Facebook page, the Western Producer picked up the story, running a full page article. Eight hundred photos flooded in from across Western Canada. Sixty photographers are represented in the pages of the guide.
The guide is truly a collaborative effort, explains Pearman. Numerous people, businesses and organizations contributed their time, expertise and finances to get the guide published.
When asked if she has seen a difference in the types or number of birds represented in the guide compared to the first version, Pearman said there is definitely a change.
While most varieties of feeder birds have faired well due to supplemental food sources, one feeder bird, the evening grosbeak has declined.
“Birds like the evening grosbeak have ….they’ve virtually disappeared. There’s still some. Every once in awhile I see a pair.”
Birds that feed on insects are facing more difficulties, explained Pearman, due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
Ellis Bird Farm was established in 1982 from the groundwork of conservationists Charlie and Winnie Ellis. The farm is dedicated to the conservation of birds, primarily the Mountain Bluebird and Tree Swallow, and hosts numerous tours of the facility, including 1200 school children each year.
When she isn’t looking after Ellis Bird Farm, writing books, or photographing nature, Pearman contributes regularly to the Red Deer Advocate and Gardener Magazine.
