Vennor was a geologist, ornithologist, and meteorologist, born in Montreal in 1841. From 1865 to 1880 he was on the staff of the Geological Survey of Canada, and his reports contained much of practical value. The birds of prey featured include: falcons (including peregrine); hawks; buzzards; ospreys; bald eagles; owls; etc. Photography by William Notman, the first Canadian photographer with an international reputation.