1863-1948

American ornithologist who promoted wildlife conservation. At Smith College, Bailey established an early Audubon Society chapter. Shocked by the slaughter of birds to obtain feathers for hats, she promoted public education about the preservation of threatened species and habitats. Unlike her colleagues, Bailey did not kill specimens to examine. She taught amateur birdwatchers and wrote books and articles describing birds she observed during field trips with her scientist husband, Vernon Bailey. Florence Bailey inspired other women to pursue ornithology professionally.