Wild Alberta: A Visual Celebration

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

Lynch, a well-known nature photographer, is very concerned about the
destruction of wildlife habitat in Alberta. In Wild Alberta, he
“describes with words and images the rich wildlife heritage and
natural wonders that still remain in patches of the province.”

The book divides Alberta into four geographic areas: the mountains and
foothills, the prairies, the aspen parkland, and the boreal forest.
Through pictures and text, Lynch describes these in detail. At the end
of each geographic section, he provides a monthly nature calendar,
telling of the important natural happenings. For example, October in the
prairies tells us that “many of the lakes in northern Alberta have
begun to freeze, forcing bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) to
migrate or starve.”

Lynch not only describes “the big changes that have occurred in
wildlife populations in the province over the last hundred years,” but
also entertains readers with breezy descriptions of the natural history
of the area and tales of his photographic exploits. While describing his
quest to photograph a cougar, he tells us that “cougar researchers are
different from regular folks. Their hearts beat only once an hour, they
climb steep hills with unexplained glee and they never stop to eat,
drink or catch their breath.”

Lynch’s photography is remarkable. The colour throughout is vibrant
and accurate. All of the photos are perfect in composition, some of them
stunning—the kind of pictures you wait hours and take hundreds of
shots to capture. The content ranges from sprawling landscapes to
close-up shots of flowers, birds, and insects.

A bibliography and index improve the book’s functionality, but it is
essentially a coffee-table book and a vehicle for Lynch’s wonderful
photographs. In that capacity, it is an excellent publication.