ABA awards for great birding ambassadors

Every year the ABA seeks to reward five exceptional members of the birding community with one of our prestigious awards that recognizes outstanding achievements in the world of birding and bird conservation.  We all know members of our community who have gone above and beyond, often at great personal expense and time, to further birding in our communities, states or provinces, and in the greater ABA-area.  The organization is  currently looking for nominees for our five awards, and ABA members in good standing who are interested in nominating a friend or colleague who has been a great ambassador for birding should turn in nominations by December 31 of this year. 

The awards are as follows:

The ABA Roger Tory Peterson Award Promoting the Cause of Birding

Given for a lifetime of achievements in promoting the cause of birding. Since ABA is centered on the activity of birding, it is appropriate for this organization to give an award which honors individuals who have, by various means, advanced the cause of birding. Roger Tory Peterson furthered the study, appreciation and protection of birds the world over. His contributions have been recognized worldwide and he has received two nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. Because Roger Tory Peterson is probably best known as someone who has promoted the cause of birding, it is appropriate that this award be given in his name.

The ABA Chandler Robbins Award Education/Conservation

Given for making significant contributions to birder education and/or bird conservation. This award recognizes outstanding efforts in birder education, bird conservation or in the management or preservation of habitats on which birds and birding depends. It is presented to an individual in either area or to someone who has achieved in both areas. ABA considers that the quality and scope of Chan Robbin's work make him an outstanding person after whom to name the award.

The ABA Claudia Wilds Award Distinguished Service

Given for a distinguished service to ABA. It is awarded to any member who has given long and useful service to the organization, either paid or as a volunteer. This is a way for ABA to honor those individuals who have devoted many hours and considerable energy to the good of the organization. The name of this award was selected to honor Claudia Wilds because of her many contributions to ornithology and to ABA.

The ABA Robert Ridgway Award Publications in Field Ornithology

Given for excellence in publications pertaining to field ornithology. The award is given specifically for publications on the subjects of field identification and bird distribution in North America. It is given to either authors or artists. This award recognizes professional achievements in field ornithology literature.

The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology

Given to individuals who have dramatically advanced the state of ornithological knowledge for a particular region. This may be through their long-time contributions in monitoring avian status and distribution, facilitating the publication of state bird books, breeding bird atlases and significant papers on the regional natural history of birds. This may also be through the force of their personality, teaching and inspiration.

The nomination process is the same for all awards, and the nomination form can be found here.  So don't forget to get those nominations in by the end of the year!