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. Tracked the effects of the government shutdown and pending layoffs on ornithologists. Both the continuing shutdown of the U.S. federal government due to a lapse in appropriations and the administration’s recent attempts to layoff employees have effects on science and ornithologists. OC Executive Director Bies has been tracking these effects and writing about the issues on the Ornithology Exchange (links below). Anyone with specific problems or questions about the shutdown or layoffs can contact Bies at laurabiesoc@gmail.com.
2. Attended a listening session for taxon groups related to the new edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals currently being developed by the Board on Animal Health Sciences, Conservation, and Research (BAHSCR). The new edition will link directly to the OC’s Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research, as well as other taxon guidelines.
3. Attended a bi-monthly 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.
4. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Volunteer teams of authors are conducting literature reviews and revising the existing text. If you’re interested in peer reviewing one or more chapters in 2026, 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 September and October, we assisted three individuals with permit issues.
7. Posted the articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- Interior Department reveals layoff plans
- U.S. government shutdown update
- Looming U.S. government shutdown could affect ornithologists
- California Migratory Bird Protection Act passed
- USGS Director confirmed
- FY 2026 appropriations update
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