Pledge to Fledge a host of new birders

Dave Magpiong, the New Jersey birder and ABA member whose dedication to spreading the birding gospel has resulted in such fantastic initiatives as the Fledgling Birder Institute and the remarkably productive Changing the Face of American Birding conference in 2011 (to be repeated in Minnesota in October), is at it again.

This time Dave has joined forces with field guide author Richard Crossley, among others, to create the Global Birding Initiative, whose goal is to increase the number of birders in the world though its Peldge to Fledge campaign. 

Interested birders can go sign on to this grassroots movement during the last part of August,  to try to encourage and shepherd at least one non-birder into the ranks of the binocular toting.

Dave puts it thusly:

As a birder, I have savored the sights of nature’s most spectacular works of art. I have felt the pride of discovering a rare bird in my area. At times, my spirit has been soothed by the songs of our winged wonders. I wish EVERYONE could experience these joys.

By building public appreciation for local birds, communities can realize the intrinsic, aesthetic, and ecological value of birdlife and nature in general. This life-fulfilling appreciation also serves as the requisite foundation for bird conservation action. 

With this in mind, I make the following  ‘Pledge to Fledge’ . . .

I pledge to actively share my enthusiasm for birds with non-birders by taking them into the field to show them birds and foster their own appreciation for birds whenever possible. I will strive to be friendly, patient, helpful, and welcoming when approached by ‘non-birders’ or asked about birds by acquaintances.  I believe that individual birders, as part of an international grassroots movement, can effect positive and profound change for our shared birds and their future.

So go help out!  Let's build the ranks of birders together! 

Pledge to Fledge's website is here.  You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.