The Ornithological Council’s mission is to:
- Ensure that the best ornithological science is incorporated into legislative, regulatory, and management decisions that affect birds;
- Enhance the ability of ornithologists to pursue professional activities; and
- Promote the influence of ornithology in public affairs.
Over the last two months, Ornithological Council staff:
1. Developed a statement of support for federal science and scientists, which is posted on our website. AFO, WOS, and Waterbirds have signed on. Other societies wishing to join the statement should contact Laura Bies (laurabiesoc@gmail.com).
2. Joined with over 70 scientific and conservation organizations to write to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, expressing strong support for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area, which the administration intends to eliminate in the FY 2026 budget.
3. Reached out to the U.S. Geological Survey leadership, the Secretary of the Interior, and key Members of Congress to support the important work of the Bird Banding Laboratory.
4. Corresponded several times with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lead on purposeful take policy and liaison to the regional migratory bird permit offices, regarding the recent changes to Migratory Bird Treaty Act permits and other issues.
5. Began work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. We’re still accepting volunteers for chapter authors and peer reviewers (contact Laura Bies at laurabiesoc@gmail.com).
6. Continued work on a template field study policy for IACUCs to adopt. In response to many inquiries about compliance with the Annual Welfare Act, especially regarding field work, in light of the new regulations regarding birds, the OC is developing a sample policy regarding field studies under the AWA that institutions can use to develop and enact their own policies.
7. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding the permits necessary to complete their research. During March and April, we assisted four individuals with permit issues.
8. Posted articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange regarding:
- OC supports the Bird Banding Laboratory
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act Incidental Take memo under review
- OC signs group letter in support of science
- State of the Birds report shows continued declines
- The OC continues outreach on Bird Banding Lab
- Ornithological societies release statement in support of federal ornithologists
- New Executive Orders call for sunsetting and removal of regulations
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act Incidental Take interpretation reversed – again
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act Incidental Take permitting proposal withdrawn
- USGS Ecosystems Mission Area targeted for elimination
- COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: FWS withdraws definition of ‘harm’ from ESA regs
- Ornithological Council joins dozens of other societies in supporting USGS
Our work focuses on animal welfare issues, permits, research funding, and other policies that affect ornithologists and ornithological societies – and we greatly appreciate your support! All these updates, and more, are always available on the ‘News From the OC’ forum on Ornithological Exchange.
Each time OC posts in the News from the OC forum, the link is sent to the OC society representatives to share with their networks. If your society would like these emails sent directly, or if you have with questions or concerns about this report or about any other matter of concern to your society or your society’s members, please contact Laura Bies.
Laura Bies
Executive Director
Ornithological Council
202.905.9141