Birders with an interest in pure research and the academic approach to ornithology will appreciate the study-based focus of the Wilson Ornithological Society. But how did this organization begin and is it the right birding organization for you to support?

Organization History

The Wilson Ornithological Society was founded in 1888 as the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association. While its name has changed over the years – not becoming the Wilson Ornithological Society until 1955 – its focus on academic research and study to promote the understanding of birds has not wavered, and is a fine tribute to the man for whom the organization is named.

Alexander Wilson (1766-1813) is often called the Father of American Ornithology. Born in Scotland, he first apprenticed as a weaver and explored poetry before emigrating to the United States in 1794. There, he became fascinated with birds and their habits, studying them extensively and eventually publishing the nine-volume American Ornithology series documenting more than 250 native species. While less well known than later influential birders and ornithologists, Alexander Wilson influenced John James Audubon and helped set the course for ornithology and birding in North America.

What the Wilson Society Does Today

The Wilson Ornithological Society continues Alexander Wilson’s commitment to the detailed study of birds. While this organization does not have as strong a proactive approach toward conservation or other results-based projects than other organizations, it still supports better understanding of avifauna and preserving and protecting birds, and its work is a valuable resource for all ornithologists.

To do this, the Wilson Society is involved with different projects, such as:

• Publications: The organization’s major publication is the quarterly journal The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. Formerly called The Wilson Bulletin, this is a comprehensive collection of research papers and research-based articles focused on scientific aspects of birds. It includes a wide range of topics, from bird physiology and migration to diet and reproduction, and while the primary focus is on neotropical migrants from North America, worldwide species are included.
• Education: To encourage further advanced academic study of birds, the Wilson Ornithological Society keeps a listing of graduate studies in ornithology and bird biology in North America. Program overviews, faculty updates and contact information are all included to help students select the best programs to continue their study of birds.
• Meetings: One purpose of academic study and research is to share results with other researchers, and the Wilson Society does this through annual meetings. Locations are varied each year, but each annual meeting includes various lectures and presentations to share recent research findings, which can help inspire and guide additional projects.
• Awards: The society regularly acknowledges contributions to the ornithological field with a series of award recognitions. Awards are given for significant contributions to ornithology, as well as for exceptional service to the society and outstanding journal papers. Student recognitions are also awarded for both papers and posters.
• Research: The Wilson Ornithological Society distributes up to $14,000 per year in research grants that focus on avifauna. Award levels vary from $1,000 to $2,500, but the number of grants per year can vary. Society membership is not required to apply for grants, and applicants may be from anywhere in the world.
• Library Collections: The society maintains one of the world’s largest collections of ornithological and bird-related publications in the Josselyn Van Tyne Memorial Library at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The library was officially established in 1930, and today includes more than 3,000 books, 4,800 bound journal volumes and 210 current ornithological journal subscriptions from worldwide publishers and similar ornithology organizations. Duplicate journal volumes and books are sold to support the ongoing operation of the library as well as the acquisition of new material.

Joining the Wilson Ornithological Society

Membership in the Wilson Ornithological Society is open to everyone with an interest in academic ornithology, and there are approximately 2,500 members worldwide today. Members are able to attend the organization’s annual meetings and receive The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. Members are also able to borrow directly from the Josselyn Van Tyne Memorial Library without fees except postage, but non-members must use inter-library loans from their own institutions and are responsible for whatever associated fees are charged.

The annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 for family memberships and $20 for students. Lifetime memberships are also available, as are memberships for libraries or other institutions. Discounts are available for early dues payments, and all dues are quoted in United States dollars.

For more information or to join the Wilson Ornithological Society, visit WilsonSociety.org.

Photo – Wilson's Warbler © Joan Gellatly