American Birding Association Gathers for Annual Convention; Birders, Top Ornithologists, Field Experts to Convene in McAllen, Texas; Photo Available

4/19/2004

From: Steve Runnels of the American Birding Association, 719-651-0935, or by e-mail at pmcclintock@aba.org.

McALLEN, Texas, April 19 -- Birders from across North America will convene April 26-May 2 in South Texas for the 2004 AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION (ABA) Annual Convention. This will be the ABA's 35th anniversary and 20th Convention, and will provide attendees access to one of the most diverse birding locations in North America. Nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Recreational bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the United States and is enjoyed by as many as 70 million people who spend an estimated $20 billion annually for binoculars, bird field guides, bird food, bird houses, food, lodging and transportation, guide fees etc.

The ABA convention programs and workshops will be taught by top ornithologists and world renowned field experts while visiting many of the best birding locations around the Rio Grande Valley from the sea coast to the interior wetlands to the well known King Ranch. Also featured throughout the week will be many exhibitors and artists, an authors' book signing, and a general membership meeting. ABA Sales, North America's leading outfitter for birders, will also be attending and will have available a variety of optics, equipment, tools, clothing, and books for sale to enhance the birding experience.

Renowned birder and best-selling author Pete Dunne said, "The American Birding Association is the epitome of bird watching in North America. All of the fun, all of the challenge, and all of the pleasure of engaging with nature's ambassadors will be had at the ABA convention. Being a birder and not going to the ABA Convention is like being an 8-year-old and not being under the Big Top when the circus comes to town."

Each year the ABA awards a grant to support birds, and bird habitat preservation. In past years the ABA has supported research on various bird species including Snowy Plover and Altimira Oriole, and vital habitat preservation and conservation including Bolivar Flats in the Upper Texas Coast and the St. Louis River Estuary near Duluth, Minnesota, among others. This year, as its 2004 Convention Conservation Project, the ABA will award a grant to support the growth and health of the National Wildlife Refuge System in South Texas. The grant will enable the refuge system to re-vegetate farmland with 40 to 60 species of native trees and shrubs thereby creating habitat critical for both migratory and resident birds and other wildlife in the refuge complex.

AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION, established in 1969, offers a wide range of birding related activities for recreational birders, from identification and listing to bird education and habitat conservation. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the ABA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization representing the North American birding community through publications, conventions, conferences, workshops, tours, partnerships and networks. The ABA publishes the award-winning Birding magazine and more information about the organization can be found on the Internet at http://www.americanbirding.org.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo Editors: A high resolution, publication- ready photo supporting this release is available for free editorial use at http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos/index.php