The enclosed message was in response to Jim Wilson's message regarding his son being selected for the ABA Youth Birding Team.  For some reason it bounced to me, so here it is:


I appreciate all of the adults out there who help and encourage young 
birders and who bring young birders together.  When I was growing up, I 
didn't know anyone else my age who shared my passion for birds and 
nature.  There were two or three adults who encouraged me, but I would've 
loved to have met others my age who were as into nature as was I.  It 
would've been nice to know that I wasn't the only "birdman" and "nature 
boy" out there, as my classmates called me.  I can't imagine how cool it 
must be to have a group of friends to bird and explore nature with.  So 
thanks to all of you who take the time to share with younger birders.  
Please, bring those kids out here to Garrett County sometime so I can hang 
out with them!  Cranesville Swamp is calling!

Kevin Dodge
Garrett County