Education, Waterfowl, Wetlands

High-flying tale gives readers insight into the realities of waterfowl migration

With her debut book, Ducks Unlimited Canada Feather Society member Diane Bedford is shedding light on ducks’ migration journeys, while giving back to conservation.

By Linda Browne June 10, 2025

You might say that Diane Bedford is prone to flights of fancy. The writer and nature enthusiast has woven her love of words, wildlife and whimsy into a passion project that’s helping inspire a new generation of nature lovers, while aiding conservation along the way.

Living in the sunny Okanagan region of British Columbia, Bedford’s love of nature runs deep.

“My curiosity and my love of wildlife and nature has me either researching, photographing, or adding to my collection of nature’s gifts: shedded antlers, shells, feathers, acorns… Last summer, I was thrilled to find an amazing, one-piece shedded snakeskin in my backyard,” she says.

This passion for wildlife is what inspired her debut novel, The Boomerang Gang: The Feathered Adventures of Harold and Friends. The high-flying tale begins in the Northwest Territories of Canada and follows Harold, a young mallard duck, as he makes his first migration. Readers will join him on the (sometimes perilous) adventures and challenges he and his flock encounter along the way as far south as Louisiana, offering a broad perspective on the journey of ducks and the ecosystems they rely on.

Bedford hatched the idea for the story when she was in her twenties, but waited until she could commit fully to bring it to life. Now retired, she’s thrilled to see her newly published book out in the world, including on library shelves in Coquitlam, B.C.

A bird’s eye view of migration…with a fun twist

Having lived in Ontario, Alberta, and now B.C., Bedford was familiar with the marvel of duck migrations and with the work of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). While working on her book project over the years, she dove headfirst into waterfowl research and migratory patterns, connecting with DUC biologist and state partnerships manager Howie Singer to ensure she had her facts straight and her ducks in a row.

“Diane’s passion and curiosity of ducks was evident from our first conversation,” recalls Singer.

“She called to get some specifics on mallard migration through Saskatchewan and we ended up talking about ducks for an hour. Her passion for animals is truly amazing!”

The more Bedford learned, the more she wanted to get involved, eventually becoming a member of Ducks Unlimited’s Feather Society planned giving program by leaving a gift to DUC in her Will. In a further show of support, Bedford is donating partial proceeds from the sale of her book to DUC to help support the organization’s conservation efforts.

Through her middle-grade chapter book, which she wrote and illustrated, Bedford aims to entertain, educate and elevate young readers while helping grow their awareness and compassion for the wild world her characters inhabit.

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Both DUC and my book have a common purpose: to spark curiosity about wildlife and the environment. Together, we can educate while we entertain children (the future caregivers of Mother Earth, and all that she has to offer) and adults on the struggles that wildlife and the environment have.

Diane Bedford

Following the flyways: Young readers join characters on an exciting journey across North America

Peppered with Bedford’s own lively illustrations and interesting tidbits about duck behaviour and wildlife, The Boomerang Gang: The Feathered Adventures of Harold and Friends also has a healthy heaping of humour, incorporating a love story, life lessons, and the values of teamwork and friendship.

“The characters are just so sweet and funny, and the story teaches readers about ducks and migration in such an accessible way. My son is six and very interested in nature, especially ducks, so this is a perfect book for him to learn about them,” says Kathryne Cardwell, DUC’s planned giving manager – Western Canada.

Each of her book’s characters are different and endearing in their own way, Bedford says, with her late father serving as the inspiration for Sir Lloyd, a well-respected great horned owl.

“I got so attached to them. They all came from my heart,” Bedford says. And while it’s difficult to pin down a favourite, she adds, “I’m always rooting for Harold because he has a goal.”

Bedford’s pleased with the warm reception her book has received so far and its ability to reach across the generations, noting one individual who purchased 14 copies for her grandchildren, and another who recommended it as her book choice to her ladies’ book club of 40 members. She’s garnered praise from American book review magazine Kirkus Reviews, which said: “Anthropomorphic animals exhibit lots of personality in this entertaining and enlightening tale.”

When asked if there’s a sequel in the works, Bedford says “I won’t rule it out,” adding that she’s still curious about her characters’ journeys and where their lives might lead. In the meantime, she’s supplemented her book’s website with fun and informative resources including a printable map to track Harold and his flock as they travel to their winter home, plus puzzles, and so much more.

For Bedford, writing The Boomerang Gang: The Feathered Adventures of Harold and Friends was not just about storytelling—it was about fostering empathy and appreciation for wildlife.

She’s looking forward to sharing her story with those who are eager to see ducks—and perhaps the world—in a new light.

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Readers have told me that they now look at ducks in a new way.

Diane Bedford

Birds of a feather

Talk to a DUC representative about leaving a gift in your Will and how to be part of the Feather Society: a special group of donors investing in the future of Canada’s wetlands.

Plan your legacy

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High-flying tale gives readers insight into the realities of waterfowl migration

With her debut book, Ducks Unlimited Canada Feather Society member Diane Bedford is shedding light on ducks’ migration journeys, while giving back to conservation.

A bird’s eye view of migration…with a fun twist

Following the flyways: Young readers join characters on an exciting journey across North America

Birds of a feather

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