The Avian Society was founded in 1895 by a small group of ornithologists and naturalists who believed that understanding birds was the first step toward protecting them. What began as a monthly lecture series in a borrowed Boston classroom has grown into one of the largest bird conservation organizations in North America, with 1.2 million members, 41 sanctuaries, and active research programs across 12 countries.
Our Mission
Our mission is straightforward: to celebrate and protect birds and the ecosystems that sustain them. We do this through science, education, advocacy, and direct conservation action. Every program we run, every sanctuary we manage, and every publication we produce serves this single purpose.
We believe that bird conservation is not a niche concern — it is a bellwether for the health of the natural world. Birds are indicators: when their populations decline, they are telling us something important about the state of our forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans. By protecting birds, we protect the places all life depends upon.
What We Do
- Conservation Research — 47 active research programs studying bird populations, migration, and habitat use
- Sanctuary Network — 41 nature sanctuaries protecting 25,000 acres of critical habitat
- Guided Expeditions — Field trips led by expert ornithologists across North America
- Citizen Science — The Christmas Bird Count and other community-powered monitoring programs
- Youth Education — School programs, summer camps, and the Junior Audubon Society
- Policy Advocacy — Working with lawmakers to protect birds through legislation and regulation
Our History
The Society's early years were defined by scientific rigor. Our founders established the first systematic bird census programs, developed standardized field identification methods, and published the continent's first comprehensive bird guides. During the mid-20th century, we played a central role in banning DDT and establishing the Endangered Species Act. In recent decades, we have focused on habitat restoration, climate adaptation, and community science at an unprecedented scale.
Today, the Avian Society stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. We honor the legacy of our founders while embracing new tools — satellite tracking, genomic analysis, machine learning — to meet the conservation challenges of the 21st century. The birds need us now more than ever. And we are here for them.