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.)
Sep 12, 2026 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Woodlawn Beach SP with Seaghan Coleman
3580 Lake Shore Rd, Blasdell, NY 14219
PLEASE TAKE NOTE -OUR ROUTE
WILL INCLUDE A CREEK CROSSING SO EITHER WEAR SANDALS OR BE PREPARED TO REMOVE SHOES/SOCKS TO CROSS THE CREEK!
Leader - Seaghan Coleman ([email protected]) 716-435-7753
Meet at 730am in the main parking lot.
Join Seaghan this morning as our group seeks out migrants during the busy month of September. Even without a good cold front, migrants are moving through the region nightly and you never know what the day might bring.
With its range of diverse habitats, Woodlawn offers respite to weary winged travelers in the form of sand beach, riparian woods, open lake, grassy dunes and a creek! Neotropical migrants may entertain us in the woods while various sandpipers use the beach to pick through the high water mark for food. Gull flocks that loaf on the beach may offer up more unusual species such as Lesser Black-backed or Little.
Woodlawn regularly supplies the BOS statisticians with review species. Among them are gems such as Piping Plover, American Avocet, Blue Grosbeak, White-eyed Vireo and Cave Swallow.
This will be a half day trip wrapping up around 11:30. Wear footwear appropriate for walking through grassy trails and loose sand.
American Avocets photographed by Charlie Kaars at Woodlawn Beach SP on September 22, 2024.
See Our Full List of Events