- 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 new Fact Sheet on the Proper Use and Cleaning of Bird Feeders. The Fact Sheet provides evidence-backed guidance to the bird feeding community on the proper use and cleaning of bird feeders. In addition to the longer fact sheet, which includes extensive references, there is a one-pager perfect for posting on bulletin boards and sharing. Both versions can be downloaded here.
2. Met with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service staff from the Import/Export permit team, to discuss APHIS permits for import/export/transport of bird specimens.
3. Attended a bi-monthly meeting of the Scientific Societies Working Group, a coalition of non-partisan associations with a common interest in promoting scientific integrity (including the people and process of doing science, and the application of scientific results to benefit the public) and building capacity within the scientific community in the U.S. and beyond.
4. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. We are in the process of reviewing draft chapters. If you’re interested in peer reviewing one or more chapters over the next few months, please contact laurabiesoc@gmail.com.
5. 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 for field studies under the AWA that institutions can use to develop and codify their own policies.
6. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding the permits necessary to complete their research. During January and February, we assisted 6 individuals with permit issues.
7. Posted the articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- Ornithological Council releases fact sheet on proper bird feeder use and cleaning
- NSF Director nominated
- Appropriations update
- USFWS delists the Wood Stork
- COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Draft Environmental Assessment on Peregrine Falcon take released
- Government shuts down again, partially
- Congress releases funding package
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
202.905.91