From the Rathert Family

Dear Bluebird Family,

A sad heart and fond memories combine as I share this announcement about our dear friend Jim Rathert. Jim passed away peacefully on July 2^nd.

Jim was of course known across the state and beyond as the premier wildlife photographer for the Missouri Conservationist magazine for over 20 years. He impacted so many of the various birding and conservation entities in our state. To our Bluebird family Jim was a Founding Board member of the Missouri Bluebird Society, a joy to be around at conferences and events, and valued for his wisdom about nature, conservation and people! Jim designed and donated to our Society the beautiful MOBS logo. Like everything else he did artistically, he put his heart and expertise into every aspect of creating it. Now on this 20-year anniversary of the Missouri Bluebird Society we can all look back and be grateful that Jim was willing to step forward to help bring this organization into existence. Jim remained a board member for MOBS for all 20 years!

We will have a special tribute to Jim at the upcoming Missouri Bluebird Conference on July 17^th and 18^th in Jamesport.

Jim’s family has planned a Celebration of Life for October 3^rd at Callaway Fields in Mexico, Missouri – time and details to be announced later. Jim’s family has requested that memorial donations be directed to:

·       Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice in Columbia (www.caringheartsandhands.org)

·        The Missouri Bluebird Society, P.O. Box 105830, Jefferson City, Mo 65110

Jim’s wife Debbie has also shared that they intend to set up a “Memory Chain” for sharing stories and memories about Jim in lieu of condolences. This will be a wonderful way to honor Jim and a joy to his family. We will share more details about that soon.

We will miss you our friend Jim and we are grateful for all you have left us!

Steve Garr

Missouri Bluebird Society President

SAVE the DATE!

20th Anniversary Missouri Bluebird Conference

July 17th – 19th, 2026

Spillman Event Center
308 Broadway St.
Jamesport, Missouri

The Missouri Bluebird Society’s annual conference is heading to Jamesport, Missouri with additional activities at the
home and the cabin of the Ivan Ray Miller family! All meals and special events are graciously hosted by the Millers!
This year’s events promise conservation insights, field-tested wisdom, and the kind of bird conversations you just
can’t have anywhere else.

Thank you Ivan Ray Miller, Anna May Miller, and family for generously hosting MOBS’ 20th Anniversary Conference!

Friday Evening Events:
Held at the Spillman Center in Jamesport, Ivan
Ray will present a program at the Bluebird
Banquet about his property where we are having
the Sunday morning bird walk and brunch!

Saturday Presentations:
– Marlee Malmborg of MRBO on Kestrels.
– Ron Darling on Prothonotary Warblers.
– Katharine Martin on Eurasian Tree Sparrows.
– Jack Corrigan on “Bluebird Basics.”
– Ivan Ray Miller on Purple Martins.

There will also be a brief program about entering
2026 nesting data online as well as a short
refresher program on Identifying Nest “Starts” in
nest boxes.

Lunch is included in your registration
for Saturday programs.

Attendees will also enjoy our annual Silent
Auction/Raffle (MOBS’ only fundraiser of the year)
throughout the day.

Saturday Night Outing:
Enjoy a cookout at the Miller home with dinner and
fellowship on the front porch: Open fire burgers
and other food by Anna May Miller and family.

Sunday Morning Bird Walks and Brunch
The events on Sunday morning begin at 8:30 a.m.,
with the bird walk led by MOBS’ own Terry McNeely,
and brunch at the Miller Cabin.

Local Accommodations:
Comfort Inn & Suites 250 Business 36, Chillicothe
660-646-9900

Fairfield Inn & Suites 220 W Business 36, Chillicothe
660-646-3100

Super 8 580 E Business 36, Chillicothe
660-646-7888

Country Colonial B&B 106 E. Main St, Jamesport
660-684-6711

Red Barn Getaway Countryside Home
Chillicothe (2 night min.)
Meneely Guest House 1115 Fair St, Chillicothe
660-752-5467

Countryside RV Park 106 East 2nd St, Jamesport
660-684-63291

Registration form can be found at the following link:
Registration form

It is with heavy heart that I announce long time member and regular attendee at the Missouri state Bluebird Conferences, Jeff Pautz has passed away. Jeff will be greatly missed. He was always a friendly, helpful, participant in MOBS activities and a special member indeed.

Jeff contributed a submission to the 2023 MOBS fall newsletter and he made a point to credit his dad for getting him interested in bluebirds. Thank you Dr Dudley Pautz for introducing your son to the Missouri Bluebird Society and for sharing him with us! Our most sincere condolences to his family.

Steve Garr
Missouri Bluebird Society
President

https://www.cozeanfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jeffrey-pautz

SAVE the DATE!

2026 Missouri Bluebird Conference

July 17th – 19th

Jamesport, Missouri

We’ll keep you posted!

SAVE the DATE!

2025 Missouri Bluebird Conference

July 11th – 13th

Lincoln University Carver Farms, Jefferson City, Missouri

This years event features:

• Missouri Bird Records Committee Chair Pete Monacell
Pete will update us on Missouri’s rare and uncommon bird sightings! He is also going to lead us on a bird walk at Mockingbird Hill!

• Bluebird Basics with Jack Corrigan, MOBS Nest Box Grant Program Ambassador

• Advanced Bluebirding with MOBS President Steve Garr

• A look at Missouri’s Natural Areas by MDC Natural Areas Coordinator, Michael Leahy

• A panel discussion on reclaiming abandoned nest box trails

And of course our Annual Bluebird Banquet, Silent Auction and Raffle, Saturday Picnic and time spent together at the beautiful Mockingbird Hill! This year featuring the terrific music of Alan Ames!

Registration forms available now by clicking here!

We’ll keep you posted!

To report your nestwatch data please click here.

It was my honor and privilege to present to Shirley the Missouri Bluebird Society’s 2016 “True Blue Service” Award. How well-deserved! She was one of our most supportive members. She and Jim were always ready to help MOBS and promote Bluebird Conservation. They have hosted our membership at their farm and in their home, initiated and maintained the Russellville Lions Club Bluebird Trail, have mentored young people in conservation and life, introduced folks to MOBS and purchased memberships for them to join! Always helpful at MOBS conferences, Shirley was a delight to be around–a generous and encouraging soul. Our heart goes out to Jim and to her entire family. Her Bluebird Family will miss this very special lady and we are all grateful to have known her.

Steve Garr,
Missouri Bluebird Society President

Shirley Scrivner Obituary

SAVE the DATE!

2024 Missouri Bluebird Conference

July 12th – 14th

On the Campus of the beautiful Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, Missouri

The event will feature Workshops and Educational Programs, Field Trips to surrounding Nature Trails, a Silent Auction/Raffle, Saturday evening Social, and the Annual Friday evening “Bluebird Banquet”.
Rumor has it that Hannibal’s own Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher will be making an appearance during the conference! A full conference brochure can be found by clicking here!

Registration forms available now by clicking here!

There is no specific host hotel, however wonderful lodging options abound

Check back here for updates

You will also want to visit the Hannibal website: www.visithannibal.com

We’ll keep you posted!