James Andrew Leslie (‘Jim’) Bravery (1896–1975) was an outstanding field ornithologist, who farmed on the Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, for over 50 years. Bravery was the epitome of a farmer earning a livelihood from cleared land, but valuing rainforest for its beauty, vegetation and wildlife. He planted trees and practised soil conservation measures on the small family farm, and was closely connected with the local community through numerous volunteer activities. He engaged the support of high-profile naturalists and journalists in campaigns to protect bird habitat in Far North Queensland, and his diaries and letters give a unique personal insight into wildlife protection, habitat loss and community conservation concerns in northern Queensland in the mid-20th century.