The American Birding Association makes six awards to recognize the impactful contributions dedicated individuals can make to the cause of birds, birders and birding. The awards and the categories of achievement they recognize are as follows:
The ABA Roger Tory Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award ("The Tropicbird")
This highest award of the association is given in recognition of significant achievements in promoting the merits and benefits of birding. Recipients of this award have made birding the focus of their lives and have inspired many others to share that passion. This award honors individuals who have, by various means, advanced the practice and popularity of birding on a large scale. Inspired by the impact of birding icon Roger Tory Peterson (1908–1996), this award is given only to recipients who have taken birding to the next level. Recent recipients include JB Brumfield, J. Drew Lanham, and the late Tom Johnson. Previous recipients include Pete Dunne, Kenn Kaufman, and David Sibley.
The ABA Chandler S. Robbins Award for Education & Conservation
This award recognizes outstanding efforts in birder education and bird conservation, emphaszing the management and preservation of habitats on which birds and birding depends. It is presented for excellence in either or both in both areas. Achievements approaching the quality and scope of those of Chandler S. Robbins (1918–2017), one of the most important bird conservationists of all time, qualify recipients for this award. Previous recipients include Robert Ridgely, Kimberly Kaufman, and Mary Gustafson.
The ABA Claudia Wilds Award for Distinguished Service
This award recognizes distinguished and sustained service to the ABA. It is awarded to an ABA employee, volunteer, or member who has devoted time, energy, and creativity to advancing the goals of the association—and, by extension, the broader birding community. Claudia Wilds (1931–1997), deeply involved in the ABA and a major figure in late 20th-century birding, was the embodiment of the ideals established for the recipients of this award. Recipients of this award have included Larry Balch, Cindy Lippincott, and Ted Floyd.
The ABA Robert Ridgway Award Publications in Field Ornithology
This award—named for Robert Ridgway (1850–1929), widely regarded as one of the finest field ornithologists of all time—recognizes excellence in publications pertaining to field ornithology. The award is given specifically for publications on the subjects of field identification and bird distribution in the ABA Area, and it may be given to authors, artists, and major online influencers.
The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology
This award recognizes individuals who have dramatically advanced regional field ornithology. Recipients typically have published regional books like breeding bird atlases; they also have had impacts through the force of their personality, teaching, and inspiration. Ludlow Griscom (1890–1959) served as a role model for many who followed to become leaders in their own regions.
The ABA Betty Petersen Award for Conservation & Community
This award has honored those who, like Betty Petersen (1943–2013), have made great strides in expanding diversifying and strengthening the birding community and those who have worked to build a support network for conservation. It recognizes that major contributions are often made by those who work behind the scenes, organizing and facilitating progress. Recipients of the Petersen Award have included Jack Siler, Madge Lindsay, and Christian Cooper.
Procedures for Nominations
The nomination and selection process is the same for all awards. ABA Awards will be presented at ABA sponsored or cosponsored events or at appropriate birding venues. Which awards and how many of each will be given each time is the decision of the ABA Board of Directors. There is no requirement that each award must be given every year and more than one of each award could be given in the same year if the Board so desired. Nominations can be made by current members of ABA in good standing, including staff and board members. The general membership is strongly encouraged to make nominations. Please use this form in the right sidebar of this page to make your nomination. The nominations deadline is June 30.
