The Osprey
Did you know that the Ocean State Bird Club publishes a quarterly newsletter?
And that it contains original, bird related content submitted by members like you?
The club has been doing so since 2015, when the very first issue of The Osprey was released, not long after the club was formed. In that issue, founding member and 3-year club board president, Jana Hesser, wrote the following about the newsletter:
We hope that it will become a resource for members, with articles about birds and birding, club activities and opportunities, and member comments. We invite your contributions and suggestions for content.
Almost 10 years later, this still holds true, and we hope you’ll consider contributing (or re-contributing, if you’ve done so previously!) to The Osprey.
I know that each of you have your own unique perspectives on birds and birding, and that you very likely have some wonderful stories and helpful information to share with fellow members. Personally, I would love to read about your birding experiences, no matter what they might be.
This is your club, and your newsletter, so please don’t be shy. Know that all are welcome to submit, regardless of your writing and/or birding expertise.
Here are some ideas and guidelines for submitting works of writing, photography, or artwork:
Writing
We welcome original, bird-related writing. Writings do not have to be specific to Rhode Island. Past content has included:
- Book reviews
- Focus on specific species or locations
- ID tips
- Trip reports, from close to afar
- Personal essays
- Field Notes
When preparing your piece, make sure to consider the publication date. If writing for the May 1st issue, for instance, a piece about finding spring warblers and summer shorebirds makes sense, since those will be relevant topics until the next issue is published in mid-August. But one about about winter duck IDs might be better for the fall or winter issue.
In other words, readers will want content that is timely and that helps them know what to look forward to.
You may also include original photos along with your writing. They must be submitted as a separate file, rather than in the body of your written document.
Photography & Artwork
The Osprey occasionally has a “Photographer’s Corner” and a “Spotlight on Artists” feature. If you’d like to showcase your work in one of these sections, we suggest you submit a short written piece about yourself, along with a few photos You might include details such as your favorite photography equipment or art supplies, species, locations, etc.
Submission Schedule
|
Issue |
Submission Deadline |
Publication Date |
|
Winter |
January 15th |
February 15th |
|
Spring |
April 1st |
May 1st |
|
Summer |
July 15th |
August 15th |
|
Fall |
October 15th |
November 15th |
For more ideas for submissions, you can check out past issues of The Osprey here:
https://www.oceanstatebirdclub.org/osbc-newsletters.html
For more specific details about submissions, or if you have any questions please feel free to email:
OspreyNewsOSBC@gmail.com and/or Louisamaerugg@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
-Louise Ruggeri, Board Member