Welcome to AOS 2026 in Amherst, Massachusetts!
We are thrilled to invite you to the 144th annual meeting of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) in Amherst, Massachusetts, 3–7 August 2026. This year’s theme, “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers,” is inspired by beloved local poet, Emily Dickinson, and invites us to reflect on the persistence and promise embodied by the birds we study, protect, and admire.
Over the five days of our meeting, ornithologists, students, and bird enthusiasts will come together for a dynamic program of plenaries, symposia, workshops, roundtables, and social events. Our shared goal remains clear: to advance ornithological science, strengthen conservation practice, and support the next generation of researchers and advocates.
Amherst offers an ideal setting for this work. The Pioneer Valley’s forests, wetlands, and meadows host a rich array of native species, from the Black-capped Chickadee and Eastern Bluebird to the Wood Thrush, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Eastern Whip-poor-will, and the brilliant American Goldfinch. Whether you’re exploring local conservation areas or joining a morning bird walk, the region’s avifauna provides daily reminders of the resilience and beauty that motivate our community.
Throughout the week, you’ll have opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, build new collaborations, and engage with cutting‑edge research. We hope the conversations sparked here will inspire continued curiosity, innovation, and stewardship.
Thank you for joining us in Amherst. May this gathering lift your work and your spirit, much like the feathers that give our theme its enduring hope.
See you in Amherst!
Chairs of the AOS 2026 Meeting Coordination Committee
Jameson (Jim) Chace, Doctor en Filosofía
Meeting Chair;
Profesor, Universidad Salve Regina
Susannah Lerman, Ph.D.
Local Host Planning Committee Chair;
Research Ecologist, U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station
Spanish 
English 
French