History of Amos W. Butler Audubon Society

The Amos W. Butler Audubon Society came into being on 18 March 1938 at a meeting of the Indiana Audubon Society, Central District, which was called to order by Dr. Earl Brooks, a practicing dentist from Noblesville, Indiana. A constitution was drawn up and formally adopted on 29 April 1938. Article 1 of that constitution read as follows: “Name.—This organization shall be known as the Indiana Audubon Society, Central District, Amos W. Butler Chapter. The following counties constitute the Central District: Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson and Shelby.” Article 2 spelled out the object of the organization: “. . . to carry out the work of the Indiana Audubon Society and to undertake district conservation activities that may be approved by the Indiana Audubon Society.” In all, there were a total of eight articles, which were signed by Samuel E. Perkins III, Sue S. Sims, and Bernice Hussey.

In the latter part of his life, Butler resided in Indianapolis, first as state ornithologist and later as secretary to the State Board of Charities, serving in the latter capacity for some twenty-five years until his death in 1937. Ever since his Birds of Indiana was published in 1898, he has been considered the father of Indiana ornithology.

Learn more about the history of the AWBAS, by downloading the
History of the Amos W. Butler Audubon Society
, by Charles E. Keller.

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Birdathon

Birdathon 2011 sets a new fundraising record!  Thank you to everyone who donated to benefit the birds of Central Indiana!  Over $500,000 raised since 1987!

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AWBAS Blog

  • Snowy Owls cast a bewitching spell over most birders.  Here in the Midwest, where the species can be considered rare, the news of a Snowy being sighted tends to draw flocks of birders to the location.  And, that is the[…]

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  • Construction Season Comes To An End

    It's quite probable that "construction season" and Amos W. Butler Audubon have never been used in the same sentence.  But, indeed, I am here to report that construction season has come to an end for Amos W. Butler Audubon.  Construction,[…]

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  • A Young Peregrine's First Migration

    Several birders observed an immature Peregrine Falcon at Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis, on October 1, 2011. By itself, the sighting was not very significant. Peregrines are regularly seen in migration cruising through the park, scattering other birds as they look[…]

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  • Are these the world's biggest bird houses?

    Chimney Swifts are small birds, approximating 5.5 inches, but they demand large digs. With funding from TogetherGreen, Amos W. Butler Audubon, and partners like Indy Parks, are providing additional habitat for the species. Our Wings Over Indy project will build[…]

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  • Gravel Delivery!

    Several people have spent the last six months planning Amos W Butler Audubon's Wings Over Indy project. Now that it is April 2011, it is time for action! A number of volunteers will be working diligently over the next six[…]

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