Black Swamp Bird Observatory

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory is to inspire the appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of birds and their habitats through research, education and outreach.

GETTING TO KNOW BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY

Located in the remnants of the once vast Great Black Swamp region of Northwest Ohio, Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Observatory is funded by members, donors, and grants. We hope you will consider supporting our work by becoming a member and/or donating today. 

FOUNDED IN RESEARCH
BSBO was founded in 1992 by a group of biologists who were studying bird migration in the area. Having collected several years of data, they recognized the need for an organization to help disseminate their research findings. BSBO's long-term research projects have shed much light on the mysteries and complexities of the migration of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, and rails. BSBO data has been used to assist both private and governmental land owners in better managing their properties for migratory bird species. 

COMMITTED TO EDUCATION
The Observatory’s education and outreach programs have received national accolades.  Our strong focus on youth education is highlighted by our Wetland Investigation Network (WIN) program, which offers students grades K-12 a day- long exploration of the entire marsh ecosystem.  Our highly acclaimed Ohio Young Birders Club, for ages 12-18, encourages, educates, and empowers our future conservation leaders. And, is, serving as a model program for many other state-wide youth birding clubs.  BSBO’s outreach to the business community through our BSBO Business Alliance, is helping to build strong support for conservation of our natural resources, as well as support for future land acquisition. 

PROMOTING CONSERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH BIRDING
BSBO also organizes and hosts the Biggest Week In American Birding: a 10-day birding festival timed to coincide with the peak of spring songbird migration in early May. For BSBO and our partners, the effort we put forth on the festival is worth it because the event raises awareness and appreciation for birds and habitat conservation in a major way. The festival also markets the area to birders around the world.  After the festival concludes each year, BSBO collects economic impact figures from visitors.  In 2013, visiting birders spent more than 37 million dollars in the area from mid-April to mid-May. 

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE JOY OF BIRDS 
The bottom line is this: we want to help people fall in love with birds!  We believe that connecting people to the joys of birding is the first step in building support for conservation; people care more about the things they love. We provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference for the environment through our many Citizen Scientist projects, and to be involved in something regenerative; working together to safeguard our natural world for future generations.

BSBO is funded by members, donors, and grants.  We encourage you to donate and/or become a member at www.bsbo.org