Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, <b>Gavin McKinnon</b> 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.