The Society for Bird Lovers (SBL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation, conservation, and study of birds. Founded in 1955 by a group of avid birdwatchers, the SBL has grown into one of the largest and most influential ornithological societies in the world. With over 100,000 members spanning all 50 states and dozens of countries, the SBL brings together bird lovers from all walks of life to share their passion for our feathered friends.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the SBL is to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of wild birds and their habitats. The vision of the SBL is a world where diverse bird species thrive in healthy ecosystems, where all people appreciate the wonder of birds, and where we unite to conserve birds today and for future generations.
History
The SBL was founded in 1955 by a small group of birdwatchers in New England who were concerned by declining bird populations caused by habitat loss, pollution, and unregulated hunting. Led by avid birder Harold Jackson, they formed the Society for Bird Lovers to educate the public about threats to avian life and advocate for conservation policies.
In its early years, the SBL had only a few hundred members and operated on a shoestring budget. But Jackson was a savvy networker and recruited prominent ornithologists, conservationists, and even celebrities to support the cause. The SBL began publishing a newsletter with bird identification tips, conservation news, and updates on chapter activities around the country. Membership grew steadily as more Americans took up birdwatching as a hobby in the 1960s and 70s.
Growth and Expansion
A major turning point came in 1972 when renowned Life magazine photographer Ralph Arwood left his lucrative career to become executive director of the SBL. Bringing visibility and prestige, Arwood professionalized and expanded the organization. Under his leadership, membership surpassed 25,000 by 1980.
The SBL became a major force in conservation advocacy, successfully lobbying for the banning of DDT, protections for endangered species like the bald eagle, and the creation of national wildlife refuges. The society expanded its community outreach and launched youth scholarships and internships to engage the next generation.
Today the SBL is a powerhouse organization with global reach. Still headquartered in New England, it has over 500 regional chapters and affiliates across the country. Overseas partnerships have brought the mission to six continents. With an annual budget exceeding $50 million, the SBL runs conservation, research, education, and outreach programs worldwide.
Membership
The SBL welcomes bird lovers from all backgrounds to join its vibrant community. Here is a breakdown of SBL membership:
Membership Levels
Membership Level | Annual Dues | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Student | $20 | For full-time students. Discounted membership. Digital newsletter and blog. |
Individual | $40 | Standard membership. Print newsletter and blog. Discounts on field trips, events, and merchandise. |
Family | $60 | Covers 2 adults and children under 18 in household. Additional benefits over Individual membership. |
Supporting | $100 | Elevated benefits including free admission to sanctuaries, VIP access to events and expert lectures. |
Life | $1,000 (one-time) | Lifetime membership with elite benefits and recognition. |
Member Demographics
The SBL has members spanning all ages, backgrounds, and regions:
Age | Percentage of Members |
---|---|
Under 18 | 5% |
18-30 | 15% |
31-50 | 35% |
51-65 | 30% |
Over 65 | 15% |
Region | Percentage of Members |
---|---|
Northeast | 20% |
Midwest | 25% |
South | 30% |
West | 15% |
International | 10% |
This diversity creates a welcoming community where seasoned experts mentor young birders, suburban families swap tips with rural farmers, and professionals network with each other across state lines. Despite their varied lifestyles, all members are united by a passion for ornithology.
Programs and Activities
The SBL carries out its mission through diverse programs in conservation, research, education, recreation, and advocacy.
Conservation
On the conservation front, the SBL coordinates habitat restoration projects from coastal beaches to western forests. Volunteers plant native vegetation, remove invasive species, clean up trash, maintain nest boxes, and more. The SBL also purchases and manages over 200 nature sanctuaries spanning 150,000 acres nationwide.
Lobbying campaigns pressure government agencies to protect endangered birds, implement sustainable land use policies, and mandate responsible industrial practices. Lawsuits are filed against polluters and developers who threaten avian habitats.
Research
Scientific research steers SBL conservation work. Professional ornithologists on staff study bird populations, behaviors, diseases, genetics, and other factors. Findings are used to shape management plans for endangered species.
Citizen scientists are recruited to participate in bird counts for collecting population data. Banding stations are operated to track migration patterns. New technologies are developed for studying birds, such as tiny GPS trackers.
Education
Instilling an appreciation of birds in the next generation is crucial to the SBL mission. Youth programs include summer camps, school curricula, scholarships for young birders, and an international big day bird count.
Adult learning opportunities range from beginner birding classes to intensive bird banding certification. Workshops on bird photography, feeding, organic gardening, and crafts like building nest boxes cater to hobbyists. The annual conference draws thousands for keynote speeches, field trips, and socializing.
Recreation
Members have ample opportunities to get out and enjoy avian pursuits. Weekly bird walks explore local hotspots led by expert guides. Festivals celebrate bird migration with vendor fairs and tourism events. Travel programs offer domestic and international birding tours.
A gear exchange allows members to buy and sell optics, books, feeders, and other birding equipment. Competitions reward top bird photographers and youth birders. The community forum connects birders for meetups.
Advocacy
Advocacy campaigns unite the SBL community around bird conservation causes at local to global scales. Letter-writing, petitions, protests, lobbying, and litigation all flex the society’s political muscle.
Current initiatives advocate for restricting plastic pollution, transitioning to bird-friendly “green” energy sources, keeping cats indoors, requiring bird-safe glass on buildings, and banning powerful pesticides associated with declining populations.
Membership Benefits
SBL members gain valuable benefits that enrich their birding lives:
Subscription to Birding Magazine
The bimonthly, 100-page Birding magazine features full-color photography, scientific articles by experts, bird ID tips, info on events and sanctuaries, conservation news, and more. Available in print and digital editions.
Discounted Sanctuary Admission
Free or reduced entry fees for over 200 sanctuaries nationwide allow members special access to prime birding locations. This perk often pays for itself in savings.
Member Travel Portal
Book dove hunting trips, pelagic birding tours, international excursions, and more through the members-only travel portal. Trips are priced affordably and crafted for birders.
Expert Lectures and Workshops
Lifelong learning opportunities for hobbyists and pros. Attend webinars on birding skills. Brush up on ornithology basics. Gain certification as a bird bander.
Grants and Scholarships
Members can apply for monetary awards to support research, independent study, conferences, ecotourism programs, and other bird-related projects. Scholarships help pay for camps and youth expeditions.
High-quality Gear
The SBL store offers member discounts on premier optics, field guides, birding apps, specialized cameras, feeders, and other equipment from leading brands.
Sense of Community
Forge friendships and meet mentors through chapter events, festivals, classes, competitions, forums, and sanctuary volunteering. The SBL builds connections between people who share a passion for birds.
Conservation Successes
The SBL can point to many conservation victories over its 65-year history:
Bald Eagle Resurgence
The SBL led advocacy campaigns that resulted in banning DDT and classifying bald eagles as endangered in 1978. Eagles rebounded from 417 mating pairs to over 10,000 today.
Saving Albatross Colonies
SBL litigation forced fisheries to use different bait hooks that prevented albatross deaths from accidental catching. Their numbers increased after being decimated.
Establishing Refuges
New federal wildlife refuges protecting millions of acres were created after years of SBL public pressure and legal action. Bird populations benefited.
Protecting Shorebird Habitat
Coastal wetland areas were designated as protected sites after scientific data from SBL surveys proved their importance to migrating shorebirds.
Regrowing Forests
SBL volunteers planted over 2 million trees in deforested areas to restore critical habitat for songbirds like wood thrushes and warblers.
Saving Rare Species
Focused SBL breeding and reintroduction programs pulled the Hawaiian goose and Guam rail back from the brink of extinction. Their numbers grew from dozens to the thousands.
These victories exemplify the impact that the SBL has had. But new threats constantly emerge, requiring expanded conservation efforts. The organization stays vigilant to protect avian biodiversity.
Chapters and Local Involvement
While the SBL operates national and international programs, the real action happens through local chapters in communities. Here’s how chapters create engagement:
Neighborhood Sanctuaries
Chapters maintain their own sanctuary properties with habitats tailored to regional bird species. This allows members to connect regularly with accessible birding sites.
Meetings and Field Trips
Chapters host monthly lectures, meetings, and guided field trips to birding hotspots. These regular gatherings motivate members to keep learning and exploring. Lifelong friendships form.
Community Science
Chapters coordinate localized surveys, counts, and bird banding projects that contribute data on resident and migrating birds to national databases. This hands-on science boosts conservation.
Education and Outreach
Specialized youth programs, school partnerships, bird festivals, and other community events are led by chapters to build local engagement. Displays at libraries and fairs raise awareness.
Habitat Initiatives
Chapters organize grassroots efforts like erecting nest boxes, planting bird gardens, campaigning against backyard pesticide use, and converting vacant lots into green spaces with native plants to support birds.
Citizen Advocacy
When policy issues like relaxing pollution regulations, cutting park budgets, or allowing construction in wetlands arise locally, chapters spring into action to lobby leaders and turn out voices from the birding community.
The chapters translate the big-picture mission of the SBL into on-the-ground change. They are the heart and soul of this grassroots bird conservation movement.
Join Us!
We hope this overview has shown how the SBL brings together passionate people to learn, explore, and protect birds and their global habitats. This vital work continues today through the power of dedicated members like you.
Please visit www.sbl.org to sign up and make your voice heard. Memberships start at just $20. Join now and make a difference for birds!
Conclusion
The Society for Bird Lovers welcomes people from diverse backgrounds who share a curiosity and concern for the winged wonders of our world. Since its grassroots beginnings in 1955, the SBL has professionalized into a major force that advances bird conservation globally while maintaining a local community focus through hundreds of regional chapters.
SBL members gain access to an array of programs, activities, travel opportunities, and peer support networks that enrich their birding lives. From scientific research and habitat protection to hands-on learning and recreation, the SBL offers endless ways to engage with birds. But the organization needs the passion, skills, and financial contributions of people like you to have an impact.
We invite all who feel stirred by the sight of a feathered creature or the morning song of birds perched outside to learn more and lend their voice. Our collective dedication to enjoying and advocating for birds can help ensure thriving avian biodiversity for generations to come. Please visit the SBL website to join the flock!