The Ornithological Council is pleased to provide this bimonthly report covering activities in May and June 2024. Over the last two months, Ornithological Council staff:
1. Began work on a template field study policy for IACUCs to adopt. In response to many inquiries about field work and compliance with the Annual Welfare Act, 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.
2. Continued work on the 4th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research in Spanish. Last year, we published the 4th edition of the Guidelines in English, which consisted of text from the 3rd edition along with new reference lists for each chapter. In addition, old links throughout the document were updated. We are now making those updates to the Spanish version of the 3rd edition and will release the new version in the coming months.
3. Launched a sponsorship program for the Ornithology Exchange, which will offer tiered benefits to sponsors in return for annual support of the site. The OC took over management of the Ornithology Exchange last year, and it requires about $1000 a year, as well as an investment of staff time, to manage the site. Learn more about the sponsorship program here.
4. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding animal welfare issues and how to obtain the permits necessary to complete their research. During May and June, we assisted three individuals with permit issues and one individual with animal welfare issues, related to the new regulation of birds under the Animal Welfare Act and its impact on their research.
5. Posted articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange regarding:
- Supreme Court curtails deference to federal agencies
- ESA petition submitted for Mount Pinos Sooty Grouse
- New Jersey proposes delisting Bald Eagles, amid other changes
- Special report on “Planning for Specimen Management in Funding Proposals”
- North American Bird Conservation Initiative launches new grants for scientific research translation
- Farm Bill advances through House Committee
- OC releases updated strategic plan
All these updates, and more, are always available on the ‘News From the OC’ forum on Ornithological Exchange.