Ohio Ornithological Society

Welcoming backyard birdwatchers and researchers in the field alike, the Ohio Ornithological Society is the only statewide organization specifically devoted to fostering a deeper appreciation of wild birds, fellowship and collaboration in advancing our collective knowledge about them, and our ability to speak with one voice to preserve Ohio’s bird habitats.

There is a rich tradition of ornithological societies around the world. Ohio itself has a venerable history of local organizations devoted at least in part to to birds: the Cincinnati Bird Club, the Kirtland Bird Club, Columbus’ Wheaton Club, the Toledo Naturalists’ Association, and others, including many active local Audubon chapters.

But what Ohio lacked, until 2004, was a wider-reaching, statewide organization—one that would bring local groups together, muster many important resources, provide a larger perspective, seek wide appeal among many constituencies, and represent the cause of bird protection and enjoyment for all. It was this general set of goals that was the genesis of The Ohio Ornithological Society, which was founded by a dedicated group of Ohio birders in the winter of 2004. The OOS is a 501 c.3 organization chartered in Ohio.