The AOS 2025 Annual Meeting, Avian Gateways: Connecting Ornithology and Conservation (11–15 August) is your chance to present research, connect with fellow ornithologists, and explore the rich birdlife and attractions of St. Louis!
Register early to secure early-bird discounted rates.
Learn more about how to register for AOS 2025.
A special note to current and recent former U.S. federal employees
We value our U.S. federal employee members and meeting participants and recognize that many of you are facing unique challenges and uncertainty around employment, travel and conference participation, and budgets. We will honor the early-bird registration rates through 4 August 2025, for current or recent former U.S. federal employees (anyone who has been employed by the U.S. federal government at any point during the 2025 calendar year). We will also accept a limited number of late abstract submissions from current or recent former U.S. federal employees through 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, 3 August 2025.
If you are in this category and would like to request late abstract accommodation, please fill out this online form and someone from the planning committee will follow up with instructions. If it is after 30 June, you may also use the same form to request a coupon code for the early registration discount. We hope you will be able to join us in St. Louis this coming August.
Birding Highlights
Mid-August marks the peak of shorebird migration along the Mississippi Flyway, with more than 20 species stopping at vital habitats like mudflats, riparian forests, and marshes. Keep an eye out for Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus), and Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis) at hotspots like Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Mo.), Two Rivers National Wildlife Reserve (Ill.), and Carlyle Lake (Ill.). Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) linger at Riverlands, while Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), and Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) gather in late summer at Horseshoe Lake State Park (Ill.) and Little Creve Coeur (Mo.).
In forests and shrublands at Busch and Weldon Spring CAs (Mo.) and Pere Marquette State Park (Ill.), you’ll find Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii), Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa), and Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea), while urban parks like Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and Gateway Arch National Park attract Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) alongside Neotropical migrants starting to make their way southward. Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis), soaring over Forest Park, Cahokia Mounds (Ill.), and Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (Mo.), are another regional highlight. Plus, don’t miss the chance to spot the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), first introduced to St. Louis in the 1870s—best seen at Horseshoe Lake (Ill.) and Riverlands (Mo.). Read more about our scheduled AOS 2025 Morning Bird Walks on our meeting website!
Beyond the Birds
St. Louis boasts world-class science attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo (free), Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Science Center, and World Bird Sanctuary (Valley Park, Mo.). Lovers of history and culture can explore the Gateway Arch National Park, Forest Park (Mo.), Tower Grove Park (Mo.), Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Ill.), St. Louis Art Museum (free), and St. Louis City Museum (so fun!).
For food and drink, indulge in the city’s famous barbecue at Pappy’s, Sugarfire, or Bogart’s, or visit the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery and many other craft breweries. Don’t forget to try the world-famous frozen custard at Ted Drewes—perfect on a hot summer evening! Looking for entertainment? Catch a St. Louis Cardinals game on the evening of Tuesday, 12 August, take in a show at the Fox Theatre, or get an adrenaline rush at Six Flags.
Before or after the conference, make the trip a perfect summer getaway by exploring the region’s beautiful, clear Ozark streams. Take a float trip on the Meramec, Current, Courtois, or Huzzah Rivers, just a short drive from St. Louis, for a relaxing day of canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. Or, stay closer to the city and rent a kayak to paddle through Creve Coeur Lake or along the Missouri River. Whether you’re bringing family or friends, these water adventures are the perfect way to unwind and experience Missouri’s scenic beauty.
Make the most of AOS 2025!
Join field trips to top birding spots, participate in the Arch March 5K Fun Run along the Riverfront Park trail, and experience all that St. Louis has to offer.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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