The Ornithological Council

General Information

History & purpose  | Need for the Council  | Clients  | Ornithological concerns  | Services  | You can help

History & purpose

The Ornithological Council was incorporated in 1992 in Washington, D.C., as a not-for-profit IRS 501(c)(3) organization. The Council is supported by, and serves the interests of, its member organizations. Originally, these included the American Ornithologists' Union, the Association of Field Ornithologists, the Cooper Ornithological Society, the Colonial Waterbirds Society (now the Waterbird Society), the Pacific Seabird Group, the Raptor Research Foundation, and the Wilson Ornithological Society. Four additional societies have since joined as member organizations.

The Council and its members:

• Link the scientific community with public and private decision-makers
• Provide timely information about birds to help ensure scientifically-based decisions, policies, and management actions
• Inform ornithologists of proposals and actions that affect birds or the study of birds
• Speak for scientific ornithology on public issues

Need for the Council

Public interest in birds is at an all-time high, with billions of dollars spent annually on bird-related recreation and business. Public policy issues involving such birds as - the Bald Eagle, Northern Spotted Owl, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and California Gnatcatcher - receive attention at the highest levels of government.

However, few ornithologists participate in policy decisions regarding birds. Additionally, ornithologists are concerned about levels of funding for research, employment prospects for ornithologists, the long-term viability of government regulations on avian research.

All of these concerns point out a communication gap between ornithologists and users of scientific information. The Ornithological Council was formed to improve this situation.

Council clients

A broad spectrum of clients are served, including:

• Public policy-makers
• Wildlife resource managers
• Scientists and educators
• The general public

Ornithological concerns

The Council works on issues that affect birds and their survival, as well as the needs of ornithologists. It attempts to resolve conflicts and seeks to promote sound management and sustainability in uses of natural resources. Some issues of concern include:

• Funding for ornithological research and educational programs
• Governmental regulations and permits for avian research activities
• Habitat and biodiversity management decisions
• Impacts of birds on fisheries, urban areas and agriculture
• Declining, threatened and endangered species
• Information on the role of birds in ecosystems
• Standards for use and maintenance of live birds in research

Services

Information exchange to improve the quality of decisions

The Council, headquartered in Washington, D. C.,. provides an active presence in the federal arena for those who study avian systematics, ecology, physiology, behavior, anatomy and management. The Council communicates with this entire science community on a regular basis. A full-time staff will enable the Council to call upon its members to provide imput into important decisions within government agencies and to advise environmental groups and industry in management decisions. The Council and its member groups provide testimony, issue reports and resolutions, and identify potential speakers for groups upon request.

Analyze funding trends in ornithological programs

The Council reviews trends in government funding for ornithological programs. The Breeding Bird Survey and the North American Bird Banding Program collect vital information about birds. The Banding Lab, for example, maintains records of 51 million banded birds - essential data for the study of migration patterns and population trends. There are a growing number of uses for such large and continuing data sources, and demands upon these programs increase each year. The Council encourages long-term support of these programs and works to improve their ability to meet user needs.

You can help

Your financial contribution is welcome. The Council is also soliciting funding as "seed money" from environmental foundations. Your contribution to support the Council's goals and activites is fully tax deductible; the Council is a 501(c)(3) organization for charitable, research and educational giving purposes.

Ornithologists who wish to participate in the Council's activities, or want to be listed on the database of experts, should complete the form below.

We do not currently have the ability to process donations online; however, if you wish to be included in the professional database, please send an email message to D. Blockstein at OC@CNIE.org

To help

Name ___________________________
Address ___________________________
___________________________
Phone ___________________________
Fax ___________________________
E-Mail ___________________________

 Amount of tax-deductible contribution enclosed $___________________________
(All contributions are tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code)

Should your name be included on the Council's database? ____ Yes ____ No

Please mail to: The Ornithological Council
Attn: D. Blockstein
1707 H St., N.W., Suite 200 
Washington DC 20006

Officers of the Council