The Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ), also known as Birds New Zealand, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the study of birds and their habitats in the
New Zealand
New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
region. Founded in 1940, it caters to a wide variety of people interested in the birds of the region, from professional
ornithologists
__NOTOC__
This is a list of ornithologists who have articles, in alphabetical order by surname. See also :Ornithologists.
A
* John Abbot – US
* Clinton Gilbert Abbott – US
* William Louis Abbott – US
* Joseph H. Acklen – US
*Humayun Ab ...
to casual
birdwatchers
Birdwatching, or birding, is the observing of birds, either as a recreational activity or as a form of citizen science. A birdwatcher may observe by using their naked eye, by using a visual enhancement device like binoculars or a telescope, by ...
.
The Society publishes a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal, ''Notornis'', and a quarterly news magazine, ''Birds New Zealand''
(formerly ''Southern Bird''). It also organises membership-based scientific projects, such as the Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand.
History
Following preliminary discussions in 1938 and 1939, the Society was formally established at an inaugural general meeting chaired by
Robert Falla
Sir Robert Alexander Falla (21 July 1901 – 23 February 1979) was a New Zealand museum administrator and ornithologist.
Early life
Falla was born in Palmerston North in 1901 to George Falla and his wife, Elizabeth Kirk. As his father was wor ...
at
Canterbury Museum on 24 May 1940. It became an
incorporated body in January 1953.
[Gill, B.J.; & Heather, B.D. (1990). ''A Flying Start. Commemorating 50 years of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, 1940–1990''. Random Century and OSNZ: Auckland. ]
Aims
The aims
of the OSNZ are to:
* encourage, organise and promote the study of birds and their habitat use, particularly within the New Zealand region.
* foster and support the wider knowledge and enjoyment of birds generally.
* promote the recording and wide circulation of the results of bird studies and observations.
* produce a journal and other publication containing matters of ornithological interest.
* effect co-operation and exchange of information with other organisations with similar aims and objectives.
* assist the conservation and management of birds by providing information from which sound management decisions can be derived.
* maintain a library of ornithological literature for the use of members and to promote a wider knowledge of birds.
* promote the archiving of observations, studies and records of birds, particularly in the New Zealand region.
* carry out any other activity which is capable of being conveniently carried out in connection with the above objects, or which directly or indirectly advances those objects or any of them.
Notornis
''Notornis'' is a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on bird-based research in New Zealand and the South Pacific. It has been published since 1943.
Award
The society grants the
Robert Falla Memorial Award
The Robert Falla Memorial Award (sometimes referred to as the Falla Award) is granted by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand to people "who have made a significant contribution to both the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and to New Zea ...
.
Notable members
*
Robert Falla
Sir Robert Alexander Falla (21 July 1901 – 23 February 1979) was a New Zealand museum administrator and ornithologist.
Early life
Falla was born in Palmerston North in 1901 to George Falla and his wife, Elizabeth Kirk. As his father was wor ...
, founding president
*
Brian Douglas Bell, former president
*
Kerry-Jayne Wilson, former vice-president
*
Geoffrey Armstrong Buddle, founding member
*
Graham Turbott
Evan Graham Turbott (27 May 1914 – 12 December 2014) was a New Zealand ornithologist, zoologist, and museum administrator. He served as director of the Auckland Institute and Museum from 1964 to 1979.
Early life and family
Born at Stanley ...
, founding member
References
External links
*
''Notornis'' and ''Birds New Zealand'' search''Notornis'' and ''Birds New Zealand'' browse
Ornithological organizations
Animal welfare organisations based in New Zealand
Scientific organisations based in New Zealand
Environmental organizations established in 1940
1940 establishments in New Zealand
`
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