This issue of The Canadian Field-Naturalist (CFN) received national attention over an article by a team of researchers at Simon Fraser University. The article, a deep dive into the evolutionary isolation of Canada’s vertebrates, was featured on CBC News: “Move aside, moose — a new study has found the most distinct animals in Canada.” It was also included in a segment on the popular radio show Quirks and Quarks; you can listen to the segment here). CFN subscribers have access to the study.
While acknowledging the labour dispute at Canada Post, the latest issue of CFN should soon arrive in the physical mailboxes of those with printed copy subscriptions. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is the official journal and publication of record for the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club (OFNC). The current issue is posted online at https://www.canadianfieldnaturalist.ca/index.php/cfn.
The seven articles and notes in issue 137(4) cover a wide diversity of topics including birds (boreal birds of Labrador, Prairie Warblers along Georgian Bay, and a long-term study of Harlequin Ducks in Banff National Park—available as this issue’s free feature article), plants (relict aspen parkland grasslands in northern British Columbia, newly discovered liverworts in southeastern Manitoba, and Branching Burreed near Ottawa), and the above mentioned article on vertebrates. The issue also contains six book reviews, the list of new titles (if only there was more time to read!), and an index for volume 137.
Beginning with CFN 136(3), the OFNC Publications Committee decided to make one manuscript per issue a Feature Article. The Feature Article for 137(4) is the 25-year study of a small sea duck that breeds on fast-moving mountain streams in western North America and overwinters on the coast. It combines observations from a multitude of volunteers and professional biologists and population modelling to show a concerning population decline in a protected area. Because similar declines have been documented elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains and along the coast, a multifactorial explanation is warranted.
Our book reviews are always free to access online and offer just as much breadth in subject matter. Included in the reviews from this issue is a thoughtful look at the history of evolutionary biology, inspired by a recent book by Canadian philosopher of science Michael Ruse (who recently passed away). There are several interesting field guides reviewed as well: a guide to North American turtle species; another to flycatchers; and one for wasps. One reviewer explores avian scent, while another tackles a tome of letters by the 18th century French naturalist André Michaux.
OFNC members can freely access the entire current and past issues online. Contact Bill Halliday to obtain instructions on how to create an account on the CFN website.
Enjoy!
Dwayne Lepitzki, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
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