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. Submitted two OC board members as potential committee nominees for the new Standing Committee on Animal Health, Conservation, and Research. José Ramírez-Garofalo and Brian Washburn were nominated for this new National Academies committee, which will address the intersection of animal health, biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation.
2. Met with the Chief of the USGS Bird Banding Lab, in a quarterly meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest.
3. Worked with Bird Banding Lab staff to review and test the revised application for bird banding permits, and also submitted official comments on the Information Collection Request for that revision.
4. Submitted written testimony to the U.S. Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the U.S. Geological Survey, focusing on the administration’s proposal to eliminate the Ecosystem Mission Area from next year’s budget.
5. Attended a bi-monthly meeting of a 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.
6. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Most draft chapters have been submitted and volunteers are peer reviewing these chapters. We hope to release a finalized draft in early 2027.
7. 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. During May and June, we circulated that draft for external review and will have a final version ready soon.
8. 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 four individuals with permit issues.
9. Posted the articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- OMB releases drastic changes for federal financial assistance, including research grants
- COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: Drastic changes to federal grants proposed
- OC submits comments regarding banding application
- OC submits Senate testimony 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
202.905.91