The Ornithological Council is pleased to provide this bimonthly report covering activities in July and August 2026. Over the last two months, Ornithological Council staff:
1. Welcomed the American Ornithological Society back to the OC! The AOS became a society member again effective July 1.
2. Attended the joint annual meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists and the Wilson Ornithological Society in Newport, Rhode Island in early July. Bies reported to the councils of both societies to provide information about recent OC activities and to answer questions.
3. Attended the annual meeting of the American Ornithological Society in Amherst, Massachusetts in late July. Bies met with the AOS Collections Committee to discuss issues around permits.
4. Met with the Chief of the USGS Bird Banding Lab, in a quarterly meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest.
5. Attended a bi-monthly meeting of a Scientific Societies Working Group, 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.
6. Submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget regarding proposed changes to the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, which controls the management of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and assistance awards. The OC’s comments emphasized the potential impact of the changes on professional societies and on ornithologists.
7. Continued our work on the 5th edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Most draft chapters have been submitted and volunteers are peer reviewing these chapters. We hope to release a finalized draft in early 2027.
8. 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. Staff is currently incorporating feedback from external reviewers and will have a final version ready soon.
9. Provided direct individual assistance to ornithologists who belong to OC societies regarding the permits necessary to complete their research. During July and August, we assisted nine individuals with permit issues.
10. Posted these articles and updates on the Ornithology Exchange:
- AOS rejoins the OC
- OC submits comments on proposed changes to federal grant making
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescinds definition of ‘harm’ under ESA
- Aeʻo, or Hawaiian Stilt, downlisted to threatened
- U.S. administration proposes waiving environmental laws for commercial space operations
- COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: USFWS proposed changes to MBTA permit forms
- Interior Department shuffles senior staffers
All these updates, and more, are always available on the ‘News From the OC’ forum on Ornithological Exchange.