The patronage from birders across the region who support the publication of Rick Knight's second edition of The Birds of Northeast Tennessee has been gratifying. This is a significant undertaking by Knight and has been years in the making. It promises to be one of the best books of its kind and will be accurate, comprehensive and provide utility. Rick is exercising complete editorial and production control. At his invitation the production effort has brought together a network of birders with energy and skills to make this happen. Not the least of this effort are the many patrons who have pledge financial support and placed advanced orders to make this publication possible for all of our birders and in the new birders of future generations. It is the spirit of support that comes from so many that allows this publication to happen. It will not only annotate the birds of the five-county region but it will showcase the beautiful and historical contributions from generations of photographers, including an extensive new wave of digital technology. OUR PROUD AND GENEROUS PATRONS: Andy Jones Bays Mountain Park and Association Bert Hale Beth McPherson Bill Grigsby Charlie Parker Chris O'Bryan Dave & Diana Worley Ellen Parker Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center & Park Gail Lane Jean & Brookie Potter Jeremy Stout Joy & Mark Crass Judy Roach Kevin Elam Kevin & Misty Hamed Kingsport Blue Bird Society Larry McDaniel Lisa Tyler Mary Erwin Michele Sparks Mike Poe Nora Schubert Rob Biller Roy Knispel Shirley Price Susan Hubley Todd & Lynn Eastin Victoria Hanson Wallace & Carolyn Coffey Wilma Boy Zellie Earnest