I rolled up into my driveway at 10:30PM tonight after a very long day. Thanks to the magic of my DVR, I recorded the Huell Howser California Green show in my absence. I shrugged off my fatigue, sat down, and tuned in. What a show!

Huell Howser is a legend in California. His down-home manner and outright awe of nature is addictive. There is no doubt our club leaders gave Huell quite a show. What struck me most was Huell's observation of the simplicity of our mission. A small wooden box, a Purvis lifter, and a log book are the only tools needed to protect cavity nesters.

The cast of the show deserve special recognition. Bob Franz, Dick Purvis, and Susan Bulger have been protecting bluebirds for many years, donating thousands of hours to our mission.  Linda Violett and Sully Reallon were not in the show but they round out the 'gang of five' that have fledged more bluebirds than anyone else in the Western US. In fact, the two-hole nestboxes you saw in the show was perfected by Linda Violett to protect bluebirds from House Sparrows.

As I watched my friends on TV tonight, it was easy to see why they are so special. First, they are committed to a
conservation effort that is important. Together with thousands of fellow bluebirders across this great country, they  have kept the bluebird off the endangered species list.

Second, they are incredibly selfless in their giving. When Huell asked Dick Purvis who pays for the nestboxes, Dick hesitated in his response. Why? Because none of us think like that. If someone needs a nestbox, it appears. This is a pure volunteer organization and stuff just happens. It is almost magical.

Third, and perhaps most important, these people are so humble. They love our mission to save bluebirds and they have fun doing it. You can feel their joy. That is all they need.

I cannot tell you how proud I am to be among these very special people.

MGS