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North American Bluebird Society (NABS) (Part 2)Related topics on the Bluebird_L include History, Conferences, and EducationFrom: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com] Hi Group, I was just wondering: What should a Bluebird group call themselves? Personally, The Bluebird Society seems simple. What does everyone think about paying 5 or 10 bucks to enter their photos into a 50/50 raffle to benefit the NABS? We'll find an independent judge. Would anyone be willing to pay 5 bucks a year and be required to be either an NABS or State BB Society member to be able to respond to posts here? Asking questions and viewing answers would still be free. Would anyone be willing to pay 5 or 10 bucks to NABS pass an on-line test to become "certified" as a trained Bluebird Monitor? If you could join NABS and your local BB Group in a one step process for a few dolars more, would you do it? If you had the choice of receiving web based NABS publications VS paying more for a mailed paper version, which would you choose? Would you attend an annual meeting/conference focused on Bluebirds that would entail 4 or 5 days off from work, plane fare, hotels, etc.? What other environmental/nature/ecology groups do you belong to or participate in? How old are you and do you have BB trail or nest boxes on your own property? Would you consider creating an anonymous email account with Yahoo or one of the many free ones to answer these question anonomously? Thanks, From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 7:21 PM Subject: Re: hypothetical questions about NABS A Yahoo account would be better so as not to clog up the BB List. However, I have no problem signing my name to it.
On the first one, we are the "Bayou State" (in case you didn't know) and we thought it fitting to include the word. Most people like it. I think it would be boring if they were all the same.
Evelyn
From: Tree Greenwood [mailto:doctree"at"crosslink.net] On Sat 19 Aug 2006 at 18:32, "Robert Barron" The BS? BS? BBS? Bull! NABS is OK with me. > What does everyone think about paying 5 or 10 bucks to enter their Good idea for state and national conventions. > Would anyone be willing to pay 5 bucks a year and be required to be I've paid more for less but, given a choice, my vote is to leave BB-L as is. > Would anyone be willing to pay 5 or 10 bucks to NABS pass an on-line Maybe follow the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Certification model? Nah. I liked the old days when my mailbox wasn't stuffed with envelopes from hundreds of different stores wanting to sell me 'natural' or 'environmentally friendly' stuff and dozens more from every non- profit organization trying to safe some critter or habitat. My suggestion would be an on-line course with a series of practical exercises and tests. Help newcomers become competent, then charge $25 for a nice 'suitable-for-framing' paper certificate. > If you could join NABS and your local BB Group in a one step process Yes. I was going to put in a link to the on-line form but the Virginia Bluebird Society site at http://www.virginiabluebirds.org seems to be down tonight. There are spaces for NABS member- ship, 'Sponsor a box,' and such in addition to membership in the Virginia affiliate. > If you had the choice of receiving web based NABS publications VS Web. > Would you attend an annual meeting/conference focused on Bluebirds Not until offspring finish college and find gainful employment. > What other environmental/nature/ecology groups do you belong to or NWF (http://www.nwf.org/ ) > How old are you ... 57 > ... and do you have BB trail or nest boxes on your own property? I maintain and monitor some cavities for native birds. > Would you consider creating an anonymous email account with Yahoo or Why? Take care, R J 'Tree' Greenwood From: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com] Hi Tree and group, I can always count on Tree for an honest and concise answer. I think Tree voiced the opinion of the masses, and had the courage to do it for everyone to see. I think it would be really valuable for this group of BB and otherwise conservation minded people to know the demographics of the group they are ineracting with. The big question going forward with NABS is about the security of mass emails to people. If people pay bills on-line, creating a different address for receiving BB and other publications isn't a bad idea. RJ was brave enough to answer my question on the list.If anyone else here would be interested in providing data to developn a demographic profile of us BB nuts, but doesn't know or trust me, I can set up an independent respone address so we all get AARP solicitations. Thanks, From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:52 AM Subject: Fw: hypothetical questions about NABS Well, Rob, I had answered the questions, and then on second thought, put it in my drafts folder because I could just see nearly 500 people on this List answering them and clogging the List.
As a side note: You know, when we answer other posts, we do not abide by the request that we just answer what we are replying to and delete the rest of the message so that the posts won't be so long. I am guilty as the next one. If we could all remember to do that, it would help us all, more space for everybody in their inbox and at the BBList website.
I will answer your questions as best I can.
From: Robert Barron
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 5:32 PM
Subject: hypothetical questions about NABS
Hi Group,
These questions are not from anyone from a leadership position in the North American Bluebird Society; they're from me, Rob Barron, the guy who likes to stir things up. >Yep, you got that right! (Just kidding) ;<))
I was just wondering: What should a Bluebird group call themselves? Personally, The Bluebird Society seems simple. NOPE, I like NABS better, tells you it is national. (Like the states indicate where they are)
What does everyone think about paying 5 or 10 bucks to enter their photos into a 50/50 raffle to benefit the NABS? We'll find an independent judge. GREAT FOR THOSE WITH PHOTOS.
Would anyone be willing to pay 5 bucks a year and be required to be either an NABS or State BB Society member to be able to respond to posts here? Asking questions and viewing answers would still be free. THIS IS A LITTLE CONFUSING. YOU HAVE TO PAY TO RESPOND, BUT ASKING QUESTIONS AND VIEWING ANSWERS IS FREE? LEAVE IT LIKE IT IS.
Would anyone be willing to pay 5 or 10 bucks to NABS pass an on-line test to become "certified" as a trained Bluebird Monitor? I THINK TESTS SHOULD BE TAKEN AND THEN ONE COULD BE CERTIFIED. NOT A BAD IDEA.
If you could join NABS and your local BB Group in a one step process for a few dolars more, would you do it? I LOOKED AT VIRGINIA BB SOCIETY'S WEBSITE AND SEE THAT THEY HAVE INCLUDED A PLACE TO PAY NABS MEMBERSHIP ON THEIR MEMBERSHIP FORM. I DID NOT KNOW AFFILIATES HAD BEEN AUTHORIZED TO DO THAT AND COLLECT THE MONEY. WE HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AS SUCH. IT IS STILL $20.00 ON THE VBS WEBSITE AND IT HAS GONE UP TO $30.00, SO IF THIS IS RIGHT, IT IS SOME SAVINGS.
WE WOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM DOING IT THIS WAY, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT IT.
If you had the choice of receiving web based NABS publications VS paying more for a mailed paper version, which would you choose? I LIKE IT BOTH WAYS. I LIKE TO HAVE THE PAPER EDITION AND I SAVE EVERYONE OF THEM. I USE MANY ARTICLES IN OUR NEWSLETTER.
I ALSO LOVE THE BACK ISSUES THAT ARE ON LINE THAT I CAN HAVE AT MY FINGERTIPS TO LOOK AT WHEN MY COMPUTER HAS NOT CRASHED.
ALSO, I HAVE DIAL-UP AND IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO DOWNLOAD JUST ONE EDITION ON-LINE. I DOUBT I WILL EVER HAVE DSL HERE IN THE BOONIES. IF I NEED SOME INFO IN A HURRY, THE PAPER EDITION IS THERE FOR ME.
Would you attend an annual meeting/conference focused on Bluebirds that would entail 4 or 5 days off from work, plane fare, hotels, etc.? SOME PEOPLE TRAVEL BY VEHICLE AND THAT TAKES LONGER. I THINK A 2 OR 3 DAY CONVENTION IS LONG ENOUGH.
What other environmental/nature/ecology groups do you belong to or participate in? NORTHEAST BIRDING CLUB, MONROE, LA, EAST ASCENSION SPORTMAN'S LEAGUE, GONZALES, LA. (A HUNTING, FISHING AND BIRDING ORGANIZATION)
How old are you and do you have BB trail or nest boxes on your own property? THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS :<)) AND I HAVE A BLUEBIRD TRAIL OF 26 BOXES ON OUR PROPERTY.
Would you consider creating an anonymous email account with Yahoo or one of the many free ones to answer these question anonomously? I SEE NO NEED FOR ANONYMOUS E-MAIL UNLESS THE PERSON DOES NOT WANT TO SIGN THEIR NAME (COULD BE A CHOICE). AN ACCOUNT ON ANOTHER PLACE WOULD PROBABLY BE BEST, BUT I WOULD HOPE MY SERVER WOULD CATCH ALL THE SPAM.
Evelyn
PS
"IT IS STILL $20.00 ON THE VBS WEBSITE AND IT HAS GONE UP TO $30.00, SO IF THIS IS RIGHT, IT IS SOME SAVINGS."
I wrote the above statement this morning and checked closer and found this information below.
The NABS membership form I received in the mail has been changed. It does not list the "Adult" price anymore, only the "Household" price at $30.00 in that category of prices. Right beneath this group in small letters, it states to subtract $10.00 from the price for an individual. I mistakenly thought the price for an individual had gone up. The price at the NABS website and the "Bluebird" Journal, is $20.00 for an individual.
Evelyn From: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 2:50 PM Subject: Re: Winterizing Hi Kurt,
Your photos were so good that an idea dawned on me while I was mowing the lawn. I had mentioned a photo contest to support NABS in a previous post. What do you and others think about the winning photos being used for a professionally produced NABS Calendar, the proceeds from which would support NABS and other cavity nesters? There are so many good photographers here a lot of you could probably sell your own calendars, but this would be a way to support a really worthy cause and get some recognition for your photographic talent. I could see bookstores and many other places carrying an official NABS calendar. It could include Bluebirds and other cavity nesting songbirds and have short write ups on the bird and photographer, as well as links to NABS, and membership information.
It's just an idea.
Thanks,
Rob Barron-Warrenton, Virginia
From: Sue Bulger [mailto:suebulger"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 11:48 PM Subject: Calendar Rob,
Excellent idea for a calendar. I'd like it to have large squares for the days and paper not too shiny for ease of writing. Each page could have tips for keeping nesting bluebirds safe and helping them in the winter. Great idea.
Susan Bulger
Fullerton, CA From: mrtony8 [mailto:philip.berry"at"mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 6:42 AM Subject: Re: Calendar someone on list did a calendar for 2005. It was beautiful.. Cher, was it you?
Phil Berry
From: Cher [mailto:bluelist"at"localnet.com] Yes Phil, it was me. Thank you for pointing that out. I did several calendars for 2006 also, and have another one in the works for 2007. The 2005 Calendar benefited the Hurricane Homeless Blues displaced during the 2004 hurricane season in Florida. Last year's calendar would have done the same, had there been any profit in it, but the cost of expenses exceeded the amount of sales. Been there, done that. Cher From: mrtony8 [mailto:philip.berry"at"mchsi.com] Super !!! Please keep us informed when they are ready. I would like several myself. They are the best pictures . From: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 7:04 PM Subject: Re: Calendar I can never get enough good calendars. One for work, one for home, and a lot more for Christmas gifts. I want to support NABS, but I'll buy some from Bluebirdnut.com also. I don't see the two as mutually exclusive.
I can't judge who has the best pictures; there are just too many good photographers among us taking pictures of Bluebirds and other wildlife. I think Wendell Long is so good he should be a judge. I'd buy a coffee table book of his photos, and he shares them with us for free.
Rob Barron
From: Schneid, Kurt J LRB [mailto:KURT.J.SCHNEID"at"lrb01.usace.army.mil]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 6:44 AM Subject: RE: Winterizing Thank you Bob (and the many others who replied to me) I would support the idea Bob, and if no one at the NABS had a contact for getting a large supply of calendars printed I could take care of that portion of the job. I do not have the information with me, however could get the pricing for 5000/10000 as small an order as 1000 calendars. One thing I have thought would be nice is if this list were more a bulletin board style community, have actually thought of starting one myself but was unsure if there would be enough interest. The NABS could run one, if it took off and had regular readership/posting those style boards can actually earn an income from advertising/donations. Kurt From: Cher [mailto:bluelist"at"localnet.com] Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:18 AM Subject: Re: Winterizing Kurt, the idea has been put forth in the past about why this List remains in "Mailing List" format, when so many of us (myself included) find the inundation of e-mails intrusive at times. The fact is, quite a number of the subscribers actually *prefer* the Mailing List format. As for a bulletin-board style community, I've been running the Bluebird Nut Cafe (link below) for the past three years. We have quite a few members, and while it's not always as lively as this list, it's nice for folks who prefer the message board format, and we often share information back and forth. It's a complement rather than a competition to this List. Come visit us sometime. I also run a photo contest each year, (this year's contest is still open for entries - but not for much Cher From: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 9:31 PM Subject: North American Bluebird Society Hello friends,
I'm not an elected or appointed officer of the North American Bluebird Society; I'm just a volunteer who offered to help get out the next publication of Bluebird, a quarterly publication that all subscribing members of NABS receive.
We all live in a world where we can find out almost anything we think we need to know about anything, including Bluebirds, on the Internet. Until a few months ago, I wasn't a member of the North American Bluebird Society. To be honest, I thought or felt like I was a participant by exchanging posts here, much to the dismay of some long time members.
If you aren't a member of the North American Bluebird Society, I would ask you to consider going to the NABS website and see if it is an organization you believe in: http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/ I believe a national Bluebird organization is important and a crucial link to broader environmental causes.
In many ways, NABS is a victim of its own success. All of the efforts of pioneers, from the founder Larry Zeleny to lifelong Bluebird advocates like Keith Kridler, Myrna Pearman, Tena Taylor, Anne Little, Bruce Burdette, Bill Read, Kevin Berner, R.J. "Tree" Greenwood, , Phil Berry, Ann Smith, Evelyn Cooper, Dean Sheldon, John Schuster, Linda Violett, Bernie Daniels, David Shiels, Bett Zimmerman, Don Stiles, Bob Harrison, Sherry Linn, and hundreds of others who I haven't met or whose names don't come to mind have brought us to where we are now.
Where we are now is that Bluebirds are one of the major environmental success stories of our time, but it could all fall apart without our continued involvement. We are all the foundation and/or recipient of Bluebirds' ongoing well being. What is good for Bluebirds is in almost all instances good for all environmental causes. To me, joining the North American Bluebird Society is like registering to vote. Whether you agree with some of the politics or not, you don't have a voice and can't make a difference if you don't belong. It's pretty cheap to put your money behind your mouth by joining NABS at http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/
On a related note, if you're a member, we publish selected letters to the editor that seem to be of interest to a broad spectrum of members. So, keep those letters coming to me; rebarron"at"gmail.com . Please don't send them to Bluebird-L.
Sincerely,
Rob Barron From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 1:27 PM Subject: "Bluebird" NABS Journal I am wondering if any of you that are NABS members have not received your fall issue of the “Bluebird”, Journal of NABS? Some of my friends received theirs about a month ago and I still have not received mine. I have asked a couple of people associated with it, but have not gotten a response. Thanks, Evelyn, Delhi, LA From: Pauline Tom [mailto:ptom"at"austin.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 5:22 PM Subject: Re: "Bluebird" NABS Journal Evelyn,
Texas Bluebird Society ordered a small quantity of that issue, and they finally arrived last week. I'll put one of those in the mail to you.
Your name is on a "handmail" list of renewal members and new members that inadvertently missed the "imprinted label" list. That mailing list should be processed (by a volunteer) soon.
Pauline Tom
Mountain City TX From: Keith & Sandy Kridler [mailto:txbluebirder"at"sbcglobal.net] Sandy and I went to our very first NABS meeting in Jackson Mississippi in 1984. It was hosted by Reber Layton and his friends from the surrounding area. OH MY GOSH but there were a LOT of folks there who were then the leaders in the bluebird movement from all across North America. We were the youngest bluebirders who attended that meeting. There was only the Yockeys there who were younger than 35! While I turned 30 at the meeting! SO many of the bluebirders were already in their 60's. So MANY others that had spear headed bluebird nestbox trails back in the 1940's and 50's had recently passed away.... Since then so many of the gentle, kindly bluebirders have passed on that I am actually surprised that the bluebird conservation has continued to stay so strong in so many states. Back then you nearly always wrote Larry Zeleny when you had a problem and waited for two weeks to get a return letter to fix your bluebird problem. Sandy and I were hanging around these meetings when you could sit for hours in the evenings listening to the stories these legends of the bluebird world were sharing. Most of them were hoping that some of what they had learned over a lifetime could actually be saved and passed on to help the next generation of bluebirders. Over the years we have seen entire state groups collapse when the strong leaders passed on or those in charge got to old to carry the whole state on their shoulders. Lil Files once created and maintained the Tri State bluebird group almost by her sheer will power alone! Most of the time a group will have a LOT of people but VERY few actual leaders. Out of a big group you will have a couple of nestbox builders, but of these only a few will be actually making most of the nestboxes. A few will actually be making all of the decisions for the whole group or plotting the direction to be taken in the next several years. This is ALWAYS a difficult task. I guess the biggest loss Sandy and went through was when Steve Garr and I felt we had to go remove NABS records from Georgia last Summer. I ended up with thousands of pounds of NABS historical paperwork, thousands of pages of NABS scrap books containing so many accounts and newspaper clippings of people just like you all going out and working locally putting up nestboxes or helping young or old boys and girls put up and maintain nestboxes. SO many articles and stories about the joys these bluebirds bring to so many lives. Hell they bring hope and happiness to people who have lost everything in the lives. Anyway it was really hard when Kenny Kleinpeter finally came up to our house and picked up the last trailer load of NABS history and legacy. Since the last issue of NABS Bluebird it looks like Kenny felt he had to resign and I heard he shipped all of the records to NABS new president Bernie Daniels for safe keeping. Now it seems that Bernie has resigned or changed jobs with NABS also. Each resignation is a loss of a good person. Groups need to work together to accomplish any large scale goal. It is ALWAYS easier to criticize than it is to contribute! We used to stand up at the annual NABS meetings and they would read off the list of those bluebirders we lost during the past year. Sometimes the death of a single bluebirder also ending up being the end of a whole group. It is up to each of us to go out and inspire and train those who are willing to continue to help bluebirds and bluebird groups if we expect our great grand children to ever get to find THE BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS of their dreams. From: DrDodson"at"aol.com [mailto:DrDodson"at"aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: Re: Bad year for losing bluebirders, NABS, etc This is a response primarily to Keith, but others are welcome to read or respond. As always, Keith, I appreciate your thoughts. Having a mentor, rich in personal experience, is an invaluable resource when getting into Bluebirding. Steve Garr, among others, has been kind enough to serve this role for me. I decided to start a Bluebird trail about 2 years ago. I am starting into my second season of monitoring. It is true that I was able to find a wealth of information in print and on the internet. Your book The Bluebird Monitor's Guide was a great resource. Bet Zimmerman's Sialia.com is one of my favorite websites and is a wealth of information. There is still no replacement for having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of. I discovered a new store in my community (Jefferson City, Missouri) and along with it Steve and Regina Garr (I actually think of them as one combined resource, whenever I mention Steve, equal credit should also be attributed to Regina). I was delighted, and surprised at my good luck, to learn that Steve was the current president of the North Amercan Bluebird Society. My wife, Lorraine, and I attended the NABS convention in San Antonio Texas. We had a great time. We also met wonderful people with a wealth of knowledge. I had the pleasure of meeting you there. I had several great conversations with Floyd VanErt and learned from him about house sparrow control (my wife picked up some tips on the two-step from him). We met many other great peolpe there. I left with a very positive feelings towards NABS. Those feelings were much less positive when I learned about all of the subsequent turmoil that ensued between the executive director, the board and the officers. I learned that the board had asked Steve Garr to resign. I like Steve so much that I was actually offended and angered by this. I truly can not think of a negative thing to say about Steve. We are all in his debt for his contributions to bird conservation and I had a hard time feeling supportive towards an organization that would fail to appreciate his strengths. Steve, being the great guy that he is, tried hard not to take this personally and remains dedicated to NABS and worked hard even after being dismissed by the board to make the best of a bad situation. I have not heard him utter one ill word towards NABS or even the Board. He is a better man than I in that regard. Your post implies (or at least I infer) that the turmoil continues at NABS. I am new to Bluebirding and new to NABS, and I may be wrong, but it appears to me that there is an unusual amount of turnover in the officers recently and that this threatens to detract from the mission of the organization. The president of the United States gives "State of the Union" addresses. I would be interested in hearing some discussion of the "State of NABS". Perhaps this is just stirring up trouble, but I would like to get back to feeling positive about NABS in the same way that I feel positive about Bluebirding in general and about all of the wonderful people who participate and share their experiences. Sincerely Jack Dodson Jefferson City, Missouri From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com] I just had a person to write me and state that he understood Kenny resigned over a problem with the latest issue of the "Bluebird" Journal, which is no where near the fact. Now, this is how things can get mixed up and messed up and way far from the truth. I can assure you that if you want to know why he resigned, he will tell you. Evelyn From: Robert Barron [mailto:rebarron"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 4:53 PM Subject: Re: who resigned No one resigned. Bernie Daniel was kind enough to fill in as acting president of NABS, and did a great job. He didn't resign, he helped recruit a new president who was approved by the NABS board. There is no scandal and NABS is in better shape than it has been in quite some time. Anyone who is a member of NABS will receive the new organizational announcements in the latest Bluebird and it will be posted on the web site.
Lets get back to talking about Bluebirds and other native cavity nesters.
Rob Barron
Fredericksburg, VA
From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 6:54 PM Subject: RE: who resigned Rob, Keith’s post was fact. Many resignations occurred at the time Steve Garr resigned and it was as recent as three months ago that Kenny resigned. That is when Bernie stepped down. Keith must have had a reason for opening this can of worms. As you can see, feelings are still raw. Some will never reconcile. Seeing new organizational announcements do not answer many questions people have as you can see by Jack Dodson’s lengthy post about it. Kenny talks about his resignation in our March newsletter at www.labayoubluebirdsociety.org if you care to read it. Evelyn From: Maynard Sumner [mailto:m-r-sumner"at"juno.com] Rob, You are right. Things are getting better for NABS all the time. Maynard Sumner From: Paula Ziebarth [mailto:paulaz"at"columbus.rr.com] I have served on a number of boards over the years. I know the time and work that goes into board positions and very much appreciate the people who step up to the plate to keep organizations running smoothly. I agree with Evelyn that constructive criticism can be good, but with a caveat. "Put up or shut up." If a person has a problem with the way an organization is run, and if they have constructive criticism to make it run more smoothly, they need to assume some of the responsibility to make it happen IMHO. When I served as a councilwoman in Powell and we had citizens with complaints, I often urged them to run for Council or serve on Parks or Planning and Zoning Boards, etc. Keith's discussion about losing older Bluebirders should be a call to all of us to instill the love of Bluebirding in the next generation. I know Keith does an excellent job doing just that. Educating people and recruiting new monitors are probably as important as monitoring the boxes themselves. Paula Z From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com] I did volunteer to be on the board, but so far have not been needed. I am on the Hotline Committee and answer questions for a portion of the nation, which I enjoy. I think most any member though should have the privilege of giving input to an organization for consideration. Sometimes constructive criticism is done where there is not a gripe or complaint involved. It is something pointed out that can make an organization run smoother in a lot of instances. Thank goodness, LBBS has such talented people and the ones that work have made it run smooth and what it is today! Evelyn From: DrDodson"at"aol.com [mailto:DrDodson"at"aol.com]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 12:15 PM Subject: NABS and the intent of MY post yesterday. Perhaps I should just let well enough alone, but I am human and sometimes I just cannot help myself.
If a "can of worms" was opened yesterday, I should take the blame for that, not Keith. Keith was, I think, simply paying tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the mission of preserving bluebirds and other cavity dwelling birds and mourning the loss of these great individuals. He also appeared to be observing that these losses can be devastating to bluebird societies. It was not really my intent to twist that into an anti-NABS post or to start an online battle over recent events at NABS. I really did not explain what motivated me to make the post. My thought was that it is tragic that we have lost great Bluebirders to the inevitable consequences of the passage of time. My hope is that NABS is not unnecessarily losing the services of great Bluebirders who are still with us due to petty infighting or other shortcomings at the national level. NABS has not lost Steve Garr, but I think a lessor man might have abandoned the organization given recent events. It is appropriate to mourn the losses as Keith has done and to remember and honor the lives given in service to the mission. We should not, however, forget or marginalize those still living and contributing to the mission. I do not know the details of the recent turnover in the officers or board of NABS. Perhaps it is counterproductive to the mission of conservation for me to want to know more about this. Again, I am human and can not help being curious. I would like at least some reassurance that things have settled down and that NABS will be able to do the things that add value to the mission at the national (more precisely North American) level. I can not help but think that more could be done at this level. Registry of trails, coordination and interpretation of monitoring data, citizen scientist research, all are things that seem to have fallen by the wayside for NABS. Honestly, as someone new to bluebirding, it appears to me that Cornell is doing more in these areas than NABS. As long as it is getting done, perhaps it does not matter who is doing it, but if NABS is the foremost organization for this mission why are we not doing it or at least working cooperatively with someone who is? Keith mentions a literal treasure trove of birding history that is bouncing around the country for lack of a stable home. It strikes me that an optimally functioning organization would be working to organize these documents and make them accessible, perhaps even trying to establish a bluebirding museum. Perhaps all of these concerns will be covered in upcoming information from NABS. I cannot help but be concerned and yearn for some reassurance. My suspicion, and fear, is that there is at least one board member who has a pattern of behavior that has contributed to the recent churning of the officers. Others would know about this more than I, and I would love to hear their thoughts on the matter, but if my fears have any foundation perhaps a change in the board would be more beneficial than rapid turnover of the officers of NABS. I am not anti NABS. I am pro bird, pro birder and especially pro Steve and Regina Garr. I do think NABS could improve and hope it will. On a more positive note....... Here in Missouri we did successfully form a new Bluebird Society. I am the president, but Steve and Regina Garr really deserve most of the credit and have done a huge percentage of the work. We had 70 people attend our first conference last fall and we have about 170 members currently. Individual members are getting more active locally and I think we will have participation grow. I must admit that I am struggling with how to have our state organization be more helpful to individuals at the local level. So far we have just had one conference. We do not really have any county coordinator system, no organizational data collection, trail development, nestbox construction etc. I hope for that to change over the next year. I have even struggled with something as simple as a newsletter. I just this week got our winter newsletter out. We have a long way to go, but I think we are at least moving in the right direction. We have had incredible assistance from existing bluebird societies and individuals outside the state. Keith and Sandy Kridler drove all of the way from Texas to be our keynote speaker. Steve Eno came from Nebraska. Floyd Van Ert came down from Iowa. We had a big group from Illinois. Bluebirds across Nebraska is planning on donating 100 nestboxes with poles to the Missouri Bluebird Society. I am overall very positive about the future of bluebirding. There are a lot of great people out there doing wonderful work. As an individual and also as a president of a state affiliate, I am just a bit concerned about how relevant NABS will be to that future. Reassurance would be welcome. Sincerely Jack Dodson President Missouri Bluebird Society Jefferson City, Missouri From: Kelley Family [mailto:herbsho"at"centurytel.net]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 3:43 PM Subject: Re: NABS and the intent of MY post yesterday. Jack,
I agree with and support your conclusion that information should be accessible to all NABS members.
Maybe that is why we are both from the "Show me State".
In the recent past there was some discussion on the List regarding inside NABS issues.
Some strongly challeged the posters who used the List for that purpose.
I thought at that time and still think that NABS members need a forum to openly discuss issues and clear up rumours.
A place where the officiers and possibly board could communicate, real time, with the membership.
I suggested privately then and I will openly suggest it again. We (NABS) need a "member only" password protected door on the NABS web site.
Inside we would find a forum(s) dedicated to member communication.
If that were done, we would not be forced to communicate in a public forum with the resulting sensitivity by other NABS members to somehow breaching NABS integrity. The assumption is that the membership has a right to know, we think, but perhaps that is only an assumption. If the assumption is not correct, a clear statement to that effect should end our attempts to question events.
I apologize for using the List to communicate with other NABS members.
Herb Kelley
East Central Missouri From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com] Well, Herb, I was one of those strongly opposing to discussion about NABS being on the List in the recent past. I have revamped my thinking. I am sure many would rather this not be discussed on here, but maybe just maybe, it might get the board's attention and they will actually hear us! For several years now, I have heard it from the horses' mouths that there is so much infighting on the board. I have also been heard complaints of lethargic attitudes and the inability of getting something done. It is nice for LBBS to have the words "affiliate of NABS" on its letterhead, but LBBS can survive without it. I hope that some on the board have learned a lesson and try to work together and not be so determined to have their agenda win regardless of whether it is for the best of all or not and make good hardworking people quit. I for one, am very tired of it. I read in the current "Bluebird" Journal that I received yesterday in the president's corner that the bank balance was 4 to 5 times what it was last April not including the Zeleny fund. This convention was supposed to be hosted by NABS. The very first dash out of the box, affiliates received a request for donations. I am not a tightwad, but we have to be frugal. I think hosting means paying for the affair. There is not an executive salary anymore. Affiliates have hosted the convention every year. Jack does hit on the heart of the matter in several places of his posts. Evelyn From: mrtony8 [mailto:philip.berry"at"mchsi.com] The nostalgia mentioned in one post regarding NABS is IMHO, inappropriate for this discussion board. All of us at times seem to forget what we are here for......BLUEBIRDS !!! Please, let's leave the politics out of our talks. This is the beginning of the nesting season and the busiest time of the year. We do have better things to do. If you worry so much about NABS, come join us as an enthusiastic board member and help NABS in a positive way. ... Phil Berry From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com] I am not worried about NABS. I have been upset to see people that work so hard go through what they have because of POLITICS. I thought NABS was supposed to be about Bluebirds!!!!!! Evelyn Subject: Admin: NABS politics off-list, please Greetings, Bluebird-L subscribers, Please refrain from discussing NABS politics on Bluebird-L, and instead Many thanks for your help in maintaining Bluebird-L. Cheers, Megan Whitman |
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