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 . . . "
. . . Steph Foraker
It's a cold, still, dark April morning for my first ever bird count. I see so many birds my brain is full. Such nice people, my heart is full. Then it's a glorious, unforgettable field trip for spring migration at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory. So many birds...such nice people... Over the next years, I pepper my calendar with meetings, talks, field trips, counts, cleaning Purple Martin houses! The birds...the people...
BOS shares with me the richness of birding in WNY, its long and valuable history, the textured knowledge of its members. What BOS means to me is that open-heartedness and generosity are always to be found. I've made a few friends, I've gained a community -- here and abroad. BOS feeds and nurtures and grows my birding habit in the best ways. I hope I can be even just some of this for others, too.
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 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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