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This is about being “political”. The word can connote “the distortion of truth; personal attack”. Being “political” can also mean, “taking responsibility; standing up for what we cherish”. This is about the latter definition.

An American Goldfinch, yellow as the sun, flies toward the house. Who among us has not heard the sickening thud of a bird colliding with a window? Advocating for thoughtful building construction and landscaping standards and asking our representatives to fund research into glass manufacturing that will lead to a clear view for us, and reduced reflections of sky and forest for birds, are actions not likely to be controversial among Audubon members. Nor do Audubon members regret past political efforts to stop the trade in egret plumes or the shooting of migratory hawks from migration sites.

Hazards to birds where the effect is further removed from its cause makes for less certain solidarity. It is O.K. to be “political” in the case of windows, but for some it becomes too “political” when we talk about energy policy. As I write this an unknown amount of oil gushes into the Gulf of Mexico. Cause and effect are brought closer together. Visions of oil soaked birds, their feathers tarry black, their throats clogged with gunk should help us unite and advocate for better energy policies.

This summer pay special attention to the climate and energy news. Let your representatives know, no matter what party they belong to, your wishes related to the development and deployment of alternative energy. This issue should be no more controversial for Audubon members than is protecting birds from crashing into windows.

There is power in numbers so this last item is related to the first. At the annual business meeting in Hope last month the membership present passed the proposed AAS budget for 2010/2011. At the board meeting on Friday the Treasurers Report received attention. A quick glance at the figures shows income slightly greater than expenditures.

“That’s good. Can we go birding now?”

Wait a second, please. A closer look at the balance sheet reveals that membership receipts do not cover expenses. The books balance because of gifts and donations, not an ideal situation (I’m referring here to the AAS general fund not the camp or trust finances). The solution is new members.

So, now let’s go birding, but while we are out there we need to recruit new members. If each one of us gets one new member by the end of this September we will be twice as rich and twice as strong!

Jack Stewart

AAS President