We say this first because we know the word "ornithological" sounds pretty formidable, and we don't want it to scare anyone off before they see what a fun group we really are.



True, the name does fit. Ornithology means the study of birds, and that's what we're all about. And we do count among our members some of the world's top professional ornithologists and finest birders - as well as rank beginners, school children, and everything in between. All the better, we believe, to allow the unique mix of knowledge and enthusiasm that makes our way of studying birds so rewarding.



Just birds.



Formed in 1949, we're the only statewide organization in Kansas devoted specifically to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of birds. Collectively, we know more than anyone else about the distribution, abundance, habits, and identification of the more than 440 kinds of birds in our state, and we love to share what we've learned with others.



How and where to find them . . How to see them better (and know what you're seeing) . . . Why they do what they do . . . . What remains to be discovered . . . What we can do to help them survive, and why we as humans need them as much as they need us: These are just a few of the things you can learn as a member of KOS.