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. Attended a meeting of a new scientific society coalition. The Scientific Societies Working Group is 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. The purpose of the coalition is internal sharing and coordination to support advocacy, policy, and outreach efforts.
2. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Work is currently underway by volunteer teams of authors to conduct literature reviews and revise the existing text. If you’re interested in peer reviewing one or more chapters during 2026, please contact laurabiesoc@gmail.com.
3. 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.
4. Welcomed a new Supporting Member, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. Learn more about supporting members and see the list of current supporting members here.
5. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding the permits necessary to complete their research. During July and August, we assisted two individuals with permit issues.
6. Posted the articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- Tariff changes impact international shipping for museums, other institutions
- New Executive Order calls for political appointee review of funding opportunities
- Wind energy projects and eagle permits see increased scrutiny
- Barred Owl control facing funding and legislative hurdles
- USDA announces reorganization
- Brian Nesvik confirmed as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director
- NSF leadership positions drastically reduced
- Funding for USGS Ecosystems Management Area restored in appropriations bills
- House Interior Appropriations bill released
- CDC ends emergency response to HPAI
- US Supreme Court rules that agencies can resume layoffs
- Administration rolls back Roadless Rule
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