The Buffalo Ornithological Society, Inc. (BOS) was established in 1929 to promote the study of the birds of the Niagara Frontier Region. Annual grants are awarded by the BOS to fund member-sponsored avian research projects. We are proud of our extensive scientific research databases, our continuing involvement in environmental and conservation activities that impact birds, and our promotion of the enjoyment of ornithology.
The BOS coverage area includes Western New York and parts of nearby Ontario, Canada. This region is rich in bird life with over 380 species and 25 recognizable subspecies of birds recorded. Explore our site to learn more about where to report and find birds, both regional specialties and rare visitors.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society has something to offer to anyone passionate about birds: from the backyard feeder- watcher, the avid lister or the environmental activist, to the dedicated citizen scientist or the professional ornithologist. Society activities include regular programs, field trips, intensive long-term bird counts, checklist and date guide development, varied research activities, and involvement in local conservation efforts. We invite you to join in the activities of the society!
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Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Joe Fell
What the BOS means to me...
It means trips along the Lake Ontario Plain led by Willie.
It means spring at Forest Lawn.
It means Bill Watson’s defense of the Double-crested Cormorant, and his impish cackle.
It means absconding from a gull trip in Queenston to see a beautiful King Eider with Pamela in St. Catherine’s.
It means counts, April, May, and October, with Jim and HM, and never having enough people help, but the Farnans always coming through.
It means pitching in at the Hamburg Hawkwatch for Jim. If I was really lucky, I might have Fran stop by.
It means wondering who will figure out where David Gordon is.
It means visiting the Adirondacks, hoping to see Canada Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Crossbills, And Alan’s “chicken-like bird”, and a frightening encounter with a Moose!
It means “This is a message from the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Hi, this is Mike Galas with a report of . . .”
It means Sue working on a website that gets better and better.
It means being sick on the floor of a hotel in Massachusetts, wondering if I will make it to Maine.
It means looking at wonderful photos and stories from friends traveling to wonderful places to see wonderful birds.
It means Marcie picking me up at 1:30 am to drive for hours (and hours and hours) to see a fantastic thrush from far away.
Finally, the BOS means community. It is.
Joe Fell
Upcoming Field Trips and Events
For a full list of our upcoming field trips, meetings, and events, visit our calendar page. You don't have to be a member to join our field trips or meetings! (Note that meetings run from September through June.)
Jun 11, 2025 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Picnic and a walk through Tifft Nature Preserve
Details: (click for more info)
Tifft Nature Preserve
The annual BOS picnic meeting will be held at Tifft Nature Preserve on Wednesday, June 12, at 6 PM.
Weather permitting, bring your meal, a folding chair if you like, and meet at the picnic tables outside the Visitor Center.
The gates will be open to drive back to the staff parking area outside the building. Also, the restrooms will be open 6:00 to 6:30.
After our meals, we will hike the preserve until sunset.
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Jun 14, 2025 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Darien Lake SP with Matt Nusstein
Details: (click for more info)
Gravel lot off Alleghany Road (Route77) across from 10271 Alleghany Road.
Meeting time is 8:00am in the gravel lot off Alleghany Road (Route 77) across from 10271 Alleghany Road.
Leader is Matthew Nusstein - (716) 446 3376; [email protected]
Matt will be leading our group in search of grassland breeding birds at Darien Lake SP in Genesee County. In the fields at this location, we will be looking for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow. Eastern Bluebird and Purple Martins also nest within this park. This trip will last approximately 3 hours.
Photo of an Eastern Towhee by Brad Imhoff 4/2021.
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See Our Full List of Events