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. Continued our efforts to support the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area, which the administration intends to eliminate in the FY 2026 budget. The OC has contacted the U.S. Geological Survey leadership, the Secretary of the Interior, and key Members of Congress, including the the Houseand Senate Appropriations Committees, to support the important work of the Bird Banding Laboratory and the Breeding Bird Survey.
2. Corresponded with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff 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.
3. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Work is currently underway by volunteers teams of authors to conduct literature reviews and revise the existing text.We are still looking for (1) a chapter lead for Captive Management, (2) a chapter lead for Minor Manipulative Procedures, and (3) more co-authors for Major Manipulative Procedures. If you’re interested, please contact laurabiesoc@gmail.com.
4. Continued work on a template field study policy for IACUCs to adopt. In response to many inquiries about compliance with the Animal 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.
5. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding the permits necessary to complete their research. During May and June, we assisted three individuals with permit issues.
6. Posted the articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- Mass federal employee layoffs barred by federal court
- New Executive Order on ‘Gold Standard Science’
- OC shares info about BBL and BBS with Congress
- Outreach continues in support of USGS
- President’s Proposed Budget slashes funding for FY 2026
- Migratory Bird Protection Act reintroduced
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