• Birds of a feather, flock together. We want you!

    Early Bird Reminder: Please renew your membership in MOS and chapter for the 2023-2024 membership year! Click “Join/Renew” in menu bar. Not a member? Join MOS. Meet new friends, improve your birding skills, get involved.

    Join MOSRenew
  • Governor Signs Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act of 2023

    New legislation will protect wild birds and improve energy efficiency of new and renovated state-funded buildings.

    See our Safe Skies page for more about the good news!
  • The early bird gets the worm!

    Join YMOS, our group especially for young birders.

    Learn MoreJoin YMOS
  • Teachers and Nature Center Educators

    Looking for a fun, rewarding summer workshop? Check out our scholarships to Audubon’s Hog Island Sanctuary in Maine.

    Learn More
  • Declaration on Racism

    Recent racist incidents against Black Americans have brought home to us that racism remains systemic in our society. As an inclusive organization that welcomes all people with an interest in birds, we are committed to speaking out against racism and bigotry. Black lives matter to MOS; as such, we condemn racism in all its forms.

  • OK to again feed birds!

    In May, wildlife managers in D.C., VA, MD and WV received reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. Although no definitive cause has been identified, experts believe it is OK to again feed birds.

    MORE INFO: USGS and Partners Investigating Bird Mortality EventUPDATE FROM AUDUBON
  • New to birdwatching?

    Is your knowledge of birds limited to “brown ones, blue ones and red ones”? Or some variation thereof? Not to worry!

    Learn MoreJOIN MOS
  • Looking for birding spots in Maryland?

    We can help!

    Join MOSCheck out the Maryland Birding Guide
  • New, Updated Birder’s Guide!

    The original birding guide has been completely transformed and is now “Birder’s Guide to MD & DC”. More features and enhancements!

    Check it out!
  • Support MBCP!

    MBCP partners with other environmental groups to promote projects that enhance bird conservation. Birds need your support!

    Check it out!

The February 2024 issue of The Maryland Yellowthroat is here!  Check it out today for the latest MOS information and events.

Read/Download

The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is a nonprofit, statewide organization of people who are interested in birds and nature. It was founded in 1945 and incorporated in 1956 to promote the study and enjoyment of birds. MOS promotes knowledge about our natural resources, and fosters its appreciation and conservation. The Society also maintains a system of sanctuaries to encourage the conservation of birds and bird habitat, and to help record and publish observations of bird life.

Local chapters throughout the state offer field trips, bird counts, and conservation projects for members and guests. Lively and informative programs complement regular meetings where members and guest speakers share their knowledge and expertise. Take a look at our mission statement to find out more about MOS.

Find a Local Chapter

Click on the area where you live or work to find the nearest MOS chapter and membership information.

Young Birders

YMOS is a subgroup of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) and was established to make the world of birds accessible to school age youth. The group supports youth birding throughout the State of Maryland by:

  • Facilitating communication among youth birders throughout the State
  • Providing opportunities for young birders to get started in birding and to help develop their skills
  • Providing educators with resources and opportunities to implement programs

Go Birdwatching

Birding

Birding can be as simple as watching the pigeons fly by your window or pausing to marvel at the chirping sparrows in the trees.

Photography

For wildlife and nature photographers, birds provide fascinating but challenging subjects to capture with even a long lens.

Priority Birds of Maryland

Fourteen Maryland birds are on the state’s endangered list, with habitat loss often the most likely cause. Another 60 birds or so are either threatened, in need of conservation, extirpated from Maryland, or considered rare. To highlight these species, educate the public and formulate responses to threats across all fauna DNR formulated the State Wildlife Action Plan.

Conservation

Advocacy & Action

Drones Harass Nesting Bald Eagles

Nesting Bald Eagles have been harassed in recent weeks…

Major Current Concerns

Red Knots plummet by 25% in a year in Tierra del Fuego

For a while, it looked like they might actually be in recovery.…

One in eight bird species threatened with extinction, global study finds

News via the Guardian: Report on the state of the world’s…

Support the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership (MBCP). MOS partnered with Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to form MBCP. We’re committed to projects that enhance knowledge of birds and  conserve birds and habitat in our state. Please donate today to continue this important work! Thank you.

Donate Now

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