It seems that 15 years ago more of Birding was devoted to North American bird finding and identification.  But I think birding in general has changed greatly in the last 20 years.  Indentification articles are more obsolete now that we have Sibley, countless specialized guides for Gulls, Raptors, Sparrows, Warblers (you name the family) and bird identification forums.  For planning bird trip there are now site guides available to pratically everywhere you want to go in North America not mention countless online resources.  

I think Birding and the ABA is still struggling to find their role in the ever changing North American birding community. 

Brendan Klick
Baltimore, MD




-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding on behalf of Norm Saunders
Sent: Thu 3/16/2006 10:18 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] The State of ABA
 
From my perspective, the continuing emphasis on articles relating to birding in foreign countries is something that would make me consider dropping my membership.  (the most current issue of Birding focusses on Sri Lanka, Spain, and some other country I have no interest in.)  I want information and anecdotes on North American birding hotspots, with a good mix of articles on the more difficult identification issues.  Sky-high dues and no discount on books or equipment for members anymore, either.  The ABA certainly has changed, hasn't it?

I don't want to start a fight here, but the ABA just isn't as relevant to me anymore and it is a shame.  If you disagree, fine, let's hear your point of view.

Norm
Colesville & West Ocean City, MD


-------------- Original message from "Bell, Tyler" <>: -------------- 


> The problem with ABA these days is that there are very few birders on 
> staff. In fact, I can think of only three: Rick Wright (editor of 
> Winging It), Darlene Smyth (conference/convention coordinator) and Ted 
> Floyd (editor of Birding). It's certainly not like the old days when ABA 
> was a bunch of hard core listers. It's a business now. It may ultimately 
> be the demise of ABA or it could bring in lots of new people who aren't 
> as driven. 
> 
> Tyler Bell 
>  
> California, MD 
> 
> > -----Original Message----- 
> > From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
> On 
> > Behalf Of Rick Sussman 
> > Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 7:26 AM 
> > To:  
> > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Bird Photo 
> > 
> > If it's the same one I got, it was a mislabelled Anhinga, not a corm. 
> You 
> > would think at least someone associated with ABA would strive to do 
> > better. 
> > 
> > Rick Sussman 
> > Ashton, MD 
> >