Kentucky Ornithological Society

KOS Meetings

Upcoming KOS Meetings
Past KOS Meetings

The bi-annual KOS meetings reflect a long tradition of the Society. The first Spring meeting was held in 1924, and they have been held regularly with the exception of three years during World War II.

The meetings provide a chance for member presentations, updates from Fund recipients, a featured speaker providing updates and conservation success stories, and of course, bird watching! Even the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 did not completely stop the meetings – they were just held virtually instead of in person.

Great Horned Owl - David Knapp
Great Horned Owl - David Knapp

KOS holds these meetings in areas with great birding opportunities – state parks and national parks within Kentucky where we can gather to meet and compare birding stories. These meetings are open to members and non-members alike.

The first 30 years of KOS Spring Meetings were held in Louisville at the same time as the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) held its annual meeting. KEA provided grants to KOS to provide speakers or other educational material for science teachers in particular to take advantage of these presentations.

After KEA funding ceased, KOS moved the Spring meetings to Bowling Green to assist Dr. Wilson with his study of the transient lakes near Woodburn. This continued until 1963.

KOS now meets at different state parks around the state allowing attendees to enjoy birding experiences in different habitats.

The meetings combine the opportunity to hone our birding skills along with updates from experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation and habitat protection.