In a previous article we discussed that advances in aviculture over the past several years have enhanced the quality of care for pet birds. We also stressed that all bird fanciers should become involved to some degree in the avicultural community and provide support for this exciting work. There are many different ways to become involved.

Bird Clubs
One of the first steps to be taken is to become a member of a local bird club. You are able to meet fellow bird fanciers and make contacts with people of similar interests. You can enhance your knowledge about your favorite type of birds, pick up tips on breeding, but also learn about other varieties of birds and the experiences that other club members have with their birds. But even more than the social aspects, most bird clubs provide knowledgeable speakers at their meetings, discussing varied aspects of aviculture such as breeding, nutrition, disease conditions, behavior and so forth, that would be of great interest to any bird owner.

Many bird clubs will also put on /sponsor bird fairs that will attract the bird owning public, breeders and vendors of bird products. These fairs can be quite a large undertaking but very rewarding. They provide exposure to many new avian products which will expand your own horizons. Quite often lectures may be part of the bird fair. They also serve as fund raisers. The proceeds from these fairs are sent to an individual engaged in some aspect of aviculture or avian research that the club deems worthy of financial support.

So involvement in a bird club can be very satisfying educationally but also emotionally knowing that the efforts of the club members lead to further support and hence advancement of aviculture. Check locally to determine which club or clubs are in your area. If you cannot find any, check in popular bird magazines that will periodically list bird clubs or their activities. If there is no club in your area and you would like to start one it is quite an endeavor. It would be a good idea to talk to someone who is currently running a club to provide you with helpful hints and potential pitfalls.

Bird Fairs
If you do not have the time to become involved in a bird club, then at least support their activities such as the bird fairs. Keep your eyes and ears open for announcements of local bird fairs. Your support insures that the clubs can continue to put on the fairs, which will strengthen the club. But even more importantly your financial support will enable the clubs to continue making donations in the name of avicultural research.

National Avicultural Organizations If you would like to become involved on a larger scale than locally you can become a member of a national association that is related to birds. There are national groups that deal with a particular variety of bird or groups that are more of a general avicultural association, such as AFA. You can also become involved in wildlife conservation organizations on a nationwide or worldwide scale. These groups have regular publications and usually a yearly convention. Involvement in such an organization would broaden your exposure and contacts, but also larger groups can have a greater impact on aviculture. However, no matter how large the organization, it is the support of the individual members that are their lifeblood.

Avian Publications/Magazines
A great source of information for bird fanciers are publications or magazines dealing with aviculture. Each publication seems to have a particular focus, such as general bird keeping, bird breeding, wild birds and current news events relating to aviculture.. Support of publications such as these, through subscription, will guarantee their continued existence. They serve as a great source of information for the avicultural community.

Avian Conventions
If you are fortunate, sometime in your area there will be a large scale avian convention. As mentioned earlier some national associations, such as the AFA, will have a national convention, but quite often they will be more on a regional basis. Sometimes an avicultural meeting may be part of another large scale meeting. For example, the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), at their yearly convention, will sponsor an avicultural seminar which is a series of lectures on topics pertaining to the aviculturist and open to the non-veterinary public, as well as to interested veterinary participants. Some of these conventions may be a yearly occurrence moving from city to city, while others may be more intermittent.

I have had the honor to be associated with a group that has captured the true spirit of aviculture, providing information that is useful for bird fanciers as well as veterinarians and whose very existence is to provide funding for avian research, MARE (Midwest Avian Research Expo). It was formed in 1990 in Cincinnati, Ohio and over the past six expos has raised almost $150,000 for avian research. MARE's format is that of a yearly meeting with 2 days of lectures from some of the world leaders in avian research, aviculture and behavior. Every year four recipients are provided with a MARE grant to further their avian research. Past award winners include: Dr. Jack Gaskin (U of Florida), Dr. David Graham(Texas A & M U.), Dr. Keven Flammer (North Carolina State U.), Dr. Branson Ritchie (U of Georgia) and Paul Butler (RARE). These conventions are for the general bird-owning public so that you are able to hear lectures on current avian research of utmost importance to us all, but also general lectures that will provide basic useful information for day-to-day bird care. In addition to the formal lectures you are able to meet informally with the speakers throughout the convention and speak with them on a one-to-one basis. There are many varied aspects and benefits to experiencing a convention such as this. It is definitely worth becoming a part of this convention (or others like it). People from all over the country participate, not just the Midwest. Watch for more information in the upcoming months.

Although I have talked specifically of MARE, what has been discussed can pertain pretty much to any large scale avian convention. The lectures, the contact with the speakers/conference participants, exposure to bird product vendors and the overall conference experience is something not worth missing. Check in your region for these type of convention/seminar experiences. Quite often a bird club (or group of bird clubs) may sponsor a nationally renowned bird expert at a seminar for the evening. The admission fee covers the expenses of the speaker, fees, club costs for the logistics of the seminar and often money to be donated to a worthwhile cause in aviculture, usually pertaining to the speaker. For example, the Northern Illinois Parrot Society recently sponsored Dr. Irene Pepperberg, famous for her behavioral work with 'Alex' the amazing African Grey Parrot. The admission fee covered expenses but also was given to support further research by Dr. Pepperberg.

It is imperative that bird fanciers everywhere participate in these types of programs. Needless to say, a great deal of work is involved, but the benefits make it worthwhile. The knowledge gleaned from such experiences is very useful for people with all levels of experience with birds. Supporting these programs insure their continued successes. As these meetings succeed, more funds will be available to be provided to aviculture research from which we will all benefit.

Direct Support of Avian Research
Having been involved in academia myself and conducting research, I understand the importance of outside funding. It is of critical importance nowadays with our uncertain economic situation and in reduction of state and federal funding for universities. The money targeted for particular avian research projects is needed and appreciated. The money reaps untold benefits for those of us involved in all aspects of aviculture, from veterinarians to breeders, as well as the owner of a single bird.

Support of research can be accomplished in many venues. As mentioned throughout our discussion many bird clubs provide fund raisers for avian research and then vote to make grants available to certain researchers. Participate in conventions such as MARE which supports avian research. If you like you can directly support research that is of special importance or interest to you. Make contact with those engaged in your area of interest and provide them with funding. Quite often researchers could use specimens of birds that have died from a particular disease that they are researching. Sometimes in a terminal disease condition where the bird is deteriorating a life specimen could be sent to someone engaged in active research so that the ill bird could be studied and the information provided could be used to benefit/save birds in the future. In particular, there is great interest in Proventricular Dilatation Syndrome (Wasting Disease). Drs. Graham, Gaskin and Ritchie are all very interested in this deadly and frustrating disease condition. You can also work with veterinary schools in your state or region. Some bird clubs or individuals donate money for avian research at certain universities engaged in such work. You could ask the veterinary school to develop an avian curriculum or an avian faculty position if one does not already exist. But be ready to provide a powerful argument as to why it should be created. Let the universities know of your interest in funding avian research - it may pique their interest. Certain clubs provide money for scholarships for veterinary students whom have demonstrated interest and aptitude in avian medicine. The funds provided for avian research are well spent because in the long run we all benefit.

Conclusion
Hopefully the preceding discussion has stimulated you to become involved in supporting aviculture in some fashion. As you can see there are many ways to channel your efforts. The key lesson is that with our support the process can continue to grow and develop with the result of better care and longevity for our avian companions. Come on, get involved!

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