Whe Wo pestdentis Message 
Frequently I receive phone calls, regarding the identity of a strange 
bird, from persons trying to contact the “Audubon Society.” They 
seem to feel the Davenport Museum is a logical place to begin their 
search for locating the “Audubon Society” or someone to answer 
their questions. 
While engaged in these conversations I try to explain that I am 
president of Jllinois Audubon Society and this area has no local 
‘Audubon Society” but does have a bird club. It’s apparent that the 
average person has been indoctrinated with the idea the “Audubon 
Societies” are connected with birds and some such a group exists 
in every locality. Even the average bird-watcher probably does not 
know that some local “Audubon Societies” are connected in some 
way with the National Audubon Society; others are not. Likewise 
in Illinois some local “Audubon Societies” are chapters or affiliates 
of Illinois Audubon Society, while others are not. 
All of this admittedly presents a picture of general confusion 
to birders, conservationists, and the public. To further complicate 
matters, representatives of National Audubon have been actively 
organizing NAS chapters in areas where Illinois Audubon Society 
has established chapters. It would certainly be more constructive for 
all of us (JAS and NAS) to spend our time promoting the conserva- 
tion movement in new territory. A look at the locations of both JAS 
and NAS chapters shows many large black spots. We, in the J//nots 
Audubon Society, are concentrating our efforts in these areas. 
To promote a more unified conservation front in Illinois, your 
Board of Directors, in February, decided to look into the possibility 
of some sort of coalition with National Audubon. A committee con- 
sisting of Mary Glenn Kirkland (chairperson), Alvalene Barron, and 
Darlene Fiske was appointed by your president to strive toward 
some mutually acceptable coalition. Mrs. Kirkland wrote to Charles 
Callison, Executive Vice-President of NAS and a meeting was ar- 
ranged involving Mr. Callison and NAS Regional Representative 
Myron Swensson at our Mt. Vernon convention. 
As a result of this meeting we will determine fom a list of Illinois 
members of VAS the percentage that are //linois Audubon members. 
Mr. Callison also agreed that National Audubon will not begin any 
new chapter organizational work in JAS chapter territories during 
the period of our discussions. A meeting is being planned for June 
or July to put forth plans which may result in some formal afhliation 
between the societies. 
As president I am most interested in what you as members 
think about this particular subject. It seems to me that a unified 
effort would be logical as long as it does not weaken either society. 
I urge you to write or call me with your viewpoint. This could be a 
very important milestone in the history of [llinois Audubon Society, 
and, as a member, your voice should be heard. 
—Peter C’. Petersen, 
235 McClellan Blvd. 
Davenport, Iowa 52803 
319-355-7051 
