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Whats So Great About Bluebirds/North American Bluebird Society Convention coming to San Antonio/
The North American Bluebird Society NABS, Convention, "Red, White, & Bluebirds," will be hosted by the Texas Bluebird Society during Fiesta week:
Date: 4/23/2006 10:20:01 PM ( 18 y ) ... viewed 4438 times
What's So Great About Bluebirds
The North American Bluebird Society NABS, Convention, "Red, White, & Bluebirds," will be hosted by the Texas Bluebird Society during Fiesta week:
(PRWEB) April 4, 2006 -- The North American Bluebird Society (NABS) Convention, "Red, White, & Bluebirds," will be hosted by the Texas Bluebird Society during Fiesta week: April 26 - 30, 2006, at the San Antonio Airport Hilton.
The convention will honor and promote bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting species.
NABS is leading what many conservationists believe is the most successful campaign in conservation history to reverse the decline of a species: “We have bluebirds to enjoy today because of the work of NABS over the last 29 years,” says Steve Garr, NABS President. "Red, White, & Bluebirds" will feature Texas Hill Country field trips (birds, bats, natural history, popular tourist attractions), presentations, workshops, and special events with an accent on Mexican free-tailed bats.
Speakers include David Luneau, "The King of Natural Cavities: The Ivory-billed Woodpecker”; Dr. Gary McCracken, "Bats Attack Insects Over Texas...Billions Perish!!!”; June Osborne, "Treasures of the Texas Hill Country"; and, Keith Kridler, "Bluebird Tales of Texas."
The NABS Annual Convention is a yearly event where bluebirders gather to share information, learn of new developments in bluebirding, enjoy programs, field trips, make new friends and renew old friendships.
The conventions are sponsored by various affiliate organizations and held all over North America. The cost starts at $47/$55 for 5-days or $30/$35 for a single day. Optional field trips and special events are extra. For more information visit the NABS website at http://www.nabs2006.com or call 512.268.5678.
FACT SHEET:
Who
Texas Bluebird Society, hosting organization
What
North American Bluebird Society (NABS) Convention 2006, “Red, White, and Bluebirds”
When
April 26-30, 2006
Where
San Antonio Airport Hilton, San Antonio, TX
Why
To promote the conservation and enjoyment of the bluebird and other birds/species
Benefits
Increased awareness of environmental/conservation issues. Meet new people. Learn a new hobby.
Quotes
“We have bluebirds to enjoy today because of the work of NABS over the last 29 years.” –Steve Garr, NABS President
“Bluebirds (all three species) are among the most beloved birds in North America. In many ways, the bluebird is a national treasure.” –June Osborne, Author, and “Red, White, and Bluebirds” Speaker
“Anytime we see one organism—be it bluebirds, hummingbirds, bats, or bluebonnets—in decline, there is a ripple effect through the whole ecosystem…” –Mark Klym, “Red, White, and Bluebirds” Speaker
“TBS [Texas Bluebird Society]has devoted three years to getting ready for a party ("Red, White & Bluebirds") that will honor and promote NABS and bluebirds ... a time of refreshment and encouragement and learning for the troops out in the grassroots fields… Yes, we unabashedly CELEBRATE!!! Texas Bluebird Society is proud to host a "big party" for bluebird lovers (and others) from throughout the continent who convene in TEXAS in this milestone year. “Typically, the Airport Hilton and nearby hotels, restaurants and businesses miss out on the financial benefits of Fiesta. This year, during the last five days of Fiesta!, they'll have about 250 NABS Convention registrants spending money on hotel rooms, meals, tourists activities, and purchases.” –Pauline Tom, President Texas Bluebird Society; Chair, NABS 2006 Convention
NABS Background
The NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBIRD SOCIETY (NABS) was founded by Dr. Lawrence Zeleny in 1978 to reverse the decline of the bluebird population in North America. Networks of thousands of volunteers in almost every state in the U.S. and in Canada plant specialized “nestboxes” to create a safe environment for bluebirds and their young. Through nestboxes, the sharing of ideas and information, and a genuine love for the species, the bluebird has thrived. Many conservationists believe NABS’ example is the most effective effort in history to bring back a declining species.
Special Information
The preferred term for the boxes built for bluebirds in an effort to preserve the species is “nestbox” rather than birdhouse. Nestboxes are built with the special environmental needs of cavity-dwellers (like the bluebird) in mind. These specifications separate bluebird “homes” from ordinary birdhouses.
What’s So Great about Bluebirds?
Most “bluebirders” will tell you that they enjoy what they do because they love bluebirds and want to see them win their battle for survival. Dr. Lawrence Zeleny was no exception. He was a pioneer who recognized the decline of a species and purposed to bring them back.
Dr. Zeleny led an accomplished life. He was an award-winning scientist, perhaps best known for his work in bluebird conservation. But it is not the many titles and awards Dr. Zeleny earned that made him great—these are only the effect of a greater inspiration: his persevering spirit.
Zeleny knew what it was like to struggle for life, and empathy is a powerful motivator. At fourteen-months-old, Zeleny nearly died from a diet of raw milk. His physician recommended plenty of sunshine and fresh air during his recovery, so Zeleny spent most of that summer in a stroller in the backyard. Some have suggested that this is where he fell in love with bluebirds. Their busy movement and song might have kept him company during those lonely months of recovery.
Zeleny did fully recover. He graduated from high school several years early and went on to enroll in the University of Minnesota, declaring a math major. However, Zeleny again became ill his junior year at college. Encephalitis robbed him of his mathematical talent. Many would have given up a career in science—or even graduating college at this point, but Zeleny labored to relearn what he had lost and was awarded a degree in chemistry.
Zeleny went on to get his Ph.D. in biochemistry. Not long after he received this honor, he secured a job (and a new bride). Then, the Great Depression hit. But even in the midst of a nation’s tragedy, Dr. Zeleny found a way to thrive. Although he was without work for nine months, he eventually found a job—thanks to a lead from a friend—enabling Dr. Zeleny to provide a comfortable life for his family in spite of circumstances. But the depression did not leave him untouched. He witnessed much suffering and sacrifice, but out of that suffering rose triumph, kindness, and generosity.
Dr. Zeleny began working seriously with bluebird conservation after his retirement in 1966. He developed an effective nestbox through careful research and experimentation. An ordinary birdhouse is not suitable for cavity-nesting bluebirds. A nestbox has specific dimensions, insulation, and drainage to ensure a healthy environment. Dr. Zeleny’s first major bluebird project was self-funded. He bought 144 nestboxes and placed them in state parks, only to be forced to abandon the project because of vandalism. But Dr. Zeleny did not give up.
He began writing and speaking about bluebirds to get people involved. And it worked. The North American Bluebird Society was formed and grew into networks of bluebirders in nearly every state, erecting nestboxes that provide a safe haven for thousands of bluebirds and their young every year. Dr. Zeleny was one man—whose initiative rippled out to effect the world.
What’s “so great” about bluebirds is the same thing that is so great about Dr. Zeleny. Perseverance. Not just surviving, but doing amazing things. As bluebirder Ruth Beasley puts it: “People love a winner.”
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