The Ornithological Council is pleased to provide this bimonthly report covering activities during July and August 2020.

The Ornithological Council seeks 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.

Our work focuses on animal welfare issues, permits, research funding, and other policies that affect ornithologists and ornithological societies. We greatly appreciate your support.Please contact our Executive Director with questions or concerns about this report or about any other matter of concern to your society or your society’s members. 

In this time period, the Ornithological Council:

1. Completed a major revision to the Guide to the Permits and Procedures for Importing Bird Products into the United States for Scientific Research and Display. This extensive resource was last updated in 2010 and since that time many agency procedures have changed. The updated import guide was released today.

2. Updated the Ornithological Council’s website, BIRDNET.org, specifically the permits section. Added information regarding Endangered Species Act and CITESpermits. Completely updated the 50 pages detailing the requirements for all U.S. States.

3. Submitted comments to the Department of the Interior in response to the draft Environmental Impact Statement analyzing the administration’s new rule limiting the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exclude incidental take.

4. Posted on Ornithology Exchange regarding the Bird-Safe Building Act, our comments on the MBTA DEIS, the USFWS proposed definition of habitat, the MBTA district court case, the USFWS’s reduction of critical habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl, the OC policy change to limit individual assistance, and APHIS restrictions on Australian imports. All these updates, and more, are always available on the ‘News From the OC’ forum on Ornithological Exchange.

5. Held virtual meetings with staff from the USGS Bird Banding Lab, to introduce new ED Bies and get to know staff.  Meetings between OC and the BBL will be held quarterly moving forward, to ensure open communication.

6. Explored a new policy which would limit individual assistance from the OC staff to individuals who are members of the 10 OC societies. Learn more here.

7. Provided individual assistance to 2 individuals regarding permits and 1 individual regarding animal welfare.  Names and society affiliations available upon request.

As always, we appreciate your support of the Ornithological Council!