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The Bird Study Group (BSG) is an organization
devoted to the observation, study, and enjoyment of birds. The BSG is open
to anyone with an interest in any aspect of birdwatching, study, or conservation
of birds. The BSG is a not-for-profit membership based
organization with its headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana. The group
is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Shreveport Society for Nature Study (SSNS) was incorporated on February 4th, 1954. The primary purpose of the Society was instruction and advancement of knowledge in the natural sciences. The Society was originally associated with the National Audubon Society and sponsored a series of nature-oriented films over a period of thirty-seven years in an effort to foster conservation and natural science education. With the advent of almost nightly nature programming on television, the society was on the verge of disbanding after the 1986-87 season. On September 16, 1986, an organizational meeting
was held at the Museum of Life Sciences (Louisiana State University in Shreveport)
to discuss the formation of a Shreveport Bird Study Group. After several
more meetings, the SSNS Bird Study Group was organized. This allowed the
Society to continue in its role of advancing knowledge in the natural sciences. Meetings of the Bird Study Group are held on the second Tuesday of the month (except July and August) beginning at 6:30 p.m. (refreshments start at 6:00 p.m.) at the Museum of Life Sciences located on the campus of Louisiana State University in Shreveport. See the homepage for the next scheduled meeting / topic and the "Locate Us" link on the homepage for directions to the Museum. Field Trips are held frequently to various locales and are sponsored by the BSG and in association with other organizations or individuals. MEMBERSHIP IN THE BSG IS NOT NECESSARY in order to participate in field trips. See the Field Trips & Special Events page for more information. Newsletters are published and distributed ten times annually. All members will receive a copy of the newsletter via US Mail. The newsletter is also available electronically via the BSG Web Pages. Many organizations (schools, libraries) receive copies of the newsletters at no cost. Bird Count participation - BSG members regularly participate in various bird counts which include; Caddo Lake Winter Bird Count, Claiborne Parish Winter Bird Count, Natchitoches Christmas Bird Count, Bossier-Caddo-Bienville Christmas Bird Count, the Shreveport Christmas Bird Count (the oldest consecutively run bird count in the state of Louisiana), The Big Sit, Cornell's Great Backyard Bird Count, North American Migration Count, and others. Bird Alert Service - An answering machine (318) 797-5338 which can be called to learn about recent sightings or rare birds in the area or to report sightings. Bird Alert Listserver - A manual subscription e-mail listserver for bird sightings. Posts to this listserver are mirrored on the Recent Sightings page. This page is manually updated and may not reflect the most current posts immediately. See the disclaimer at the top of the page. Bird Banding Activities - BSG members Paul Dickson and Jim Ingold are licensed bird banders. Several times a year Mr. Dickson & Dr. Ingold invite interested birders to attend some of their banding sessions. Computerized database of bird sightings in northwestern Louisiana is maintained at the LSUS Museum of Life Sciences.
Boy Scouts of America Bird Study Badge - The BSG, in the hope of fostering interest in nature, conservation and science, assists the Boys Scouts of America during their Summer Camp at the Garland Scout Ranch with the Bird Study Badge. BSG members act as "expert guides" who train camp counselors in birding basics and provide materials pertinent to the bird study badge. The highlight of the experience is the field trip where scouts practice their newfound skills. BSG Science Award - The BSG sponsors a special science award which is presented during the BSG meeting following the completion of the Region-1 Science and Engineering Fair. This award recognizes a student involved in the fair with the overall best project involving birds. This award is funded by the June D. Haynie Memorial Fund. Will Smolenski Lifetime Service Award - This award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the BSG or have had a major positive influence in the success of the BSG, has served in an official capacity (officer, board member, committee chair and/or other significant capacity) for a minimum of ten years. Candidates must be nominated in writing by a fellow member in good standing. The award is named after the first recipient of the award, Mr. Will Smolenski. President's Award - This award is presented to recognize persons, families, companies, and/or organizations that enhance or take special measures to promote birding and/or the Bird Study Group in northwestern Louisiana. Candidates must be nominated in writing by a fellow member in good standing. Annual BSG Banquet and Auction - This is the
December meeting. Come join fellow birders, guests and friends for a veritable
feast. After the feast, bid on the treasures contributed by BSG members
and others to help raise money to support the activities of the BSG. Big-Ticket
treasures are auctioned to the highest bidder. A silent auction is conducted
for small-ticket items. Birding Hot Spots of Northwestern Louisiana Bird Study Group Brochure How to Join Membership in the Bird Study Group is open to anyone interested in birds or the natural sciences. More information may be obtained by:
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