We’re seeking storytellers to share interesting and personal stories about their experiences in ornithology with the AOS-SCO-SOC community. Some story ideas could include your connections with birds during covid-19, a field work adventure (or misadventure), the tale of your most exciting scientific breakthrough, an experience sharing your research with the public, how you first got interested in birds, or your experiences in ornithology. With your storytelling, we hope to amplify the diversity of voices present in ornithology and highlight the variety of experiences in the lab and field.

If you’d be interested in joining us on the virtual stage to share a personal story of your experiences in ornithology, please fill out this google form with a short pitch of your story (200 word max) by July 9th. We strongly encourage pitches from ornithologists that self-identify as members of historically underrepresented groups. We also welcome story pitches from ornithologists who speak English as a second language (stories can be multilingual and translation will be available).

For more information about the virtual AOS-SCO-SOC, please visit: https://meeting.americanornithology.org/. Free registration is available for invited storytellers that request it at the time of registering, and for meeting volunteers. In the weeks prior to the event, storytellers will receive coaching to help tell their stories in a compelling way; see The Moth storytelling tips and tricks (https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks) for more information about what makes a good story and what to expect.

We’re excited to hear from you! e’re excited to hear from you! We’ll be selecting five stories that reflect the breadth and depth of our ornithological community, so unfortunately not everyone who expresses interest will be selected. The storytelling event has become a regular part of AOS meetings, with more opportunities to contribute your stories in the future.


Feel free to contact Dr. Scott Taylor (scott.a.taylor@colorado.edu) with any questions.