Journal of Field Ornithology | Editor’s Pick (Volume 96, Issue 3)
We are glad to present this new section, where for each new issue of the JFO, one of the journal’s co-Editors-in-Chief will highlight their favorite paper. This edition is courtesy of Dr. Mark E. Hauber. The selected paper was: “Variation of iris color in Spotted Towhees (Pipilo maculatus) in urban areas in the lower-mainland region […] Read More
AFO news | New membership management system
We are glad to announce that, with the intention of facilitating membership management and reducing overhead costs, AFO has switched its membership management system to Zeffy, a platform for non-profits. Renewal season is no more! This new platform allows members to renew their membership at any time of the year and enable automatic renewals for future years. We trialed Zeffy for conference registration and merch sales during our Ogden conference this year, with great results. Read More
AFO grants & awards | Presenting the 2025 recipients of our largest grant, the Skutch Keystone Grant
The Association of Field Ornithologists has a fellowship program aimed at supporting field researchers at all stages of their careers, including non-professional ornithologists. The Skutch Keystone Grant is the largest grant within this program. Every year we award one or two grants of up to $15,000 USD to research projects that study the life histories […] Read More
AFO grants and awards | Meet the 2025 Skutch Research Grants awardees
We are proud to present the winners of the 2025 Skutch Research Grants! The Association of Field Ornithologists has a fellowship program aimed at supporting field researchers at all stages of their careers, including non-professional ornithologists. Formerly the Bergstrom Grants for Latin America (a mid-year round of the Bergstrom Grants), the Skutch Research Grants are an opportunity for Latin Americans... Read More
AFO grants & awards | Student Presentation Awards 2025
Each year, at our annual conference, we announce the Best Student Presentation Awards. These awards seek to recognize outstanding oral and poster presentations. Students at every level are eligible for these awards. The level of research presented at our past AFO 2025 conference was so high, we had a hard time choosing the winners. Hence, […] Read More
Ornithological Council bimonthly news brief: July-August 2025
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: Attended a meeting of a new scientific society coalition. The Scientific Societies Working Group is a coalition... Read More
AFO events | A recap of our latest conference AFO 2025 in Ogden, Utah
AFO held its annual meeting in Ogden, Utah between July 29 and August 1, 2025. It was the first time in 15 years that the AFO returned to the western US after holding meetings in the eastern US and in South America. Rebecka Brasso, Associate Professor at Weber State University and AFO’s current Vice President, was the local host. We planned a diverse and exciting scientific program, paired with interesting special events (including an opening reception at Ogden’s historic Union Station!). Read More
Journal of Field Ornithology | Editor’s Pick (Volume 96, Issue 2)
We are glad to present this new section, where for each new issue of the JFO, one of the journal’s co-Editors-in-Chief will highlight their favorite paper. This edition is courtesy of Dr. Rafael Rueda Hernandez. The selected paper was: “The influence of migratory routes, breeding, and wintering grounds on cultural shifts in song of White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)” by Joel A. Khoo, Amelia J. MacDonald, Ingebjorg Jean K. Hansen, Cody M. Cox, Scott M. Ramsay and Ken A. Otter (2025, Issue 2, JFO). Read More