ABA on a Mission

T​his past summer, we watched Listers: A Glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching, a funny and well-made YouTube documentary (tinyurl.com/YouTube-Listers) about the Reiser brothers, Quentin and Owen, both novice birders, attempting a Big Year in the Lower 48 of the U.S. Talk about ambitious! Going into their Big Year, the Reiser brothers had virtually no previous birding experience, little funding, and only their curiosity to fuel their quest. To their credit, Quentin and Owen had done a bit of homework: They interviewed Big Year veterans, professional bird guides, and other experienced birders to better inform the attempt.

And off they went on a journey through the Lower 48 in their minivan, their home for the next year. What followed was a voyage of discovery not only of a long list of birds but also of their awakening to the joy of birding. What started as a mission to see as many birds as possible in one year became a mission to connect with nature through birds. Watch Listers—it’s truly a fantastic journey.

Finding a Dusky Grouse high in the Rockies is an incredible thrill, and it can help to find one if you know where and how to look and listen. The ABA is committed to providing knowledge and resources to make birding better. Image courtesy of Wayne Klockner.

M​ission. That word is loaded with intent and purpose. A mission statement is more than a simple declaration of purpose. It is the foundation upon which an organization builds its identity, goals, and ultimately, impact. We reflect on the value of a mission statement at this point in the ABA’s history because the association recently adopted a new one: The American Birding Association makes birding better by providing knowledge, sharing experiences, and building community. Going forward, this mission will serve as our guidepost for how we use the resources from all of you, our members, as well as other sources of revenue, to make birding better.

The first value of an effective mission statement lies in clarity. The ABA serves a unique role in North America as the only organization dedicated specifically to birding and birders across the entire landmass north of Mexico—plus the Hawaiian Islands archipelago. By emphasizing our commitment to improving birding through knowledge, experiences, and community, we distinguish ourselves from organizations whose primary focus is scientific research or habitat conservation—as well as from the many birding organizations that operate at state, provincial, and local levels. This clarity ensures that our precious resources are directed toward the programs and initiatives that best serve U.S. and Canadian birders while still contributing to the allied cause of conservation science.

Our new mission statement acts as a compass for decision-making and growth. Nonprofit organizations often face tough choices about how to allocate limited resources. The ABA’s mission helps ensure that new programs, partnerships, and initiatives align with the association’s core purpose of making birding better. Whether we are hosting events and tours, providing educational opportunities for young birders, or planning content for our publications and online outlets, our mission keeps us grounded in our commitment to enriching the lives of birders and supporting the birding community.

Finally, we hope the new mission statement inspires. We believe that birding is more than a hobby; it is a way of connecting people to nature, building support for conservation, and creating joyful, memorable experiences. The ABA’s mission affirms that birding is not only fun and rewarding but also meaningful in its ability to strengthen community and contribute to the stewardship of bird populations and their habitats.

Birders love birding together. Whether in alpine deserts or boreal forests or mangrove wetlands or along coastal shores with Razorbills, the ABA supports birders building community. Image courtesy of Jonathan Ley.

A​ mission statement is more than words on a page. It’s the heartbeat of an organization. For the ABA, our mission—to make birding better by providing knowledge, sharing experiences, and building community—is what connects everything we do.

Birding is joyful, but birding is also powerful. It brings people together across backgrounds, inspires curiosity, and deepens our connection to the natural world. Our mission ensures that every birder, from beginner to expert, find a welcoming home in the ABA. It reminds us that birding is not just about spotting species—it’s also about learning, growing, and sharing the wonder of birds with one another.

Most important, our mission keeps us focused on what matters most: building a vibrant community of birders who not only enjoy the beauty of birds but who also stand as advocates for their protection. With every program, publication, and event, we strive to honor this mission, making birding more inclusive, more meaningful, and more impactful.

L​ike the Reiser brothers in the minivan, off on their mission to discover the joy of birding, we’re on a mission—and we hope you’ll come along for the ride. Together, we’ll make birding better—for ourselves, for each other, and for anyone who begins the journey to a life of birding.

Featured image: A flock of Vaux’s Swift is an unforgettable spectacle. The ABA values sharing experiences, a foundational part of what makes birding so special. Image courtesy of Jonathan Ley.