To our birding community: Twenty-five years ago the editorial, “New Frontiers: 1984” by Roger Tory Peterson, appeared in The Connecticut Warbler, Volume IV Number 1 (January 1984). Here's what RTP wrote: “It is with pleasure that I accepted the invitation to write this editorial because it includes the privilege of announcing the formation of a new group we have long needed, a Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA), organized and managed by and for Connecticut’s birding community, both professional and amateur. I expect, therefore, that 1984 will be a milestone in the history of ornithology in our state. “The first step in bringing Connecticut up to date in addressing the need to integrate our growing interest in birdlife, and begin publishing our findings, was taken in 1981 with the appearance of this journal, the first quarterly devoted to combining the study of birds and the fun of seeking them out in our particular countryside. Now, the Connecticut Audubon Society which subsidized this publishing venture has agreed to cede The Connecticut Warbler to the new C.O.A. “I therefore ask all birders, and all organizations interested in birds and their conservation, to join me in giving wholehearted support to C.O.A. It will be our organization, and our journal. Together these will bridge the gap between scientific ornithology at our several universities, and the legion of people who enjoy watching birds because they are such colorful, cheery members of the outdoor community. Indeed, the more we learn about them, the more we realize that birds are an index to the ecosystems we both occupy. “ . . . The publication of The Connecticut Warbler will continue, but will henceforth be the responsibility of C.O.A. Your membership support of the Connecticut Ornithological Association is what will make all this possible. It will of course include a subscription to our journal. “Join us so that no birds shall join the Great Auk in oblivion.” Roger Tory Peterson's words ring loud and true today. The Connecticut Ornithological Association continues to make numerous important contributions to the study and understanding of birds in our state. Our quarterly publications, The Connecticut Warbler and the COA Bulletin, our website, ctbirding.org, and this listserv reach far beyond our state borders. Our website is the primary source of essential information about a broad range of topics, including the Official Connecticut State Bird Checklist, the reports of the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut, Seasonal Birding in Connecticut, Recent Sightings and Rare Birds in Connecticut, abundant photographs of the state avifauna by our top photographers, Birders' Lists, News & Events, current issues in conservation, workshops, the annual meeting, and much more. For those who now are members of COA, a membership renewal notice will go out early in the new year. Please also consider making one or more gift memberships at this holiday season. For those who are not members, please consider joining this vibrant organization. Membership information is posted at ctbirding.org. For all, have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Steve Broker Secretary, Connecticut Ornithological Association