Registration is now available for the Fall Meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union (NOU)!!
Dates: September 26-28, 2025
Location: Ogallala NE
Venue: Quality Inn & Suites
FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST:
North American Gull expert and author of The Gull Guide-Amar Ayyash**
Website: Anything Larus
Bio: Amar Ayyash is both an expert on the gulls of North America and an evangelist for "gull recreation". He is often found speaking at birding events throughout the continent, and much of his free time is dedicated to traveling the world to photograph and study gulls. Ayyash has published a number of papers and articles on gull identification, distribution, and molt, and he is the author of the authoritative guide to North American Gulls, The Gull Guide. Amar is the recipient of the 2024 ABA Robert Ridgway Award for Outstanding Ornithological Publication.
All attendees must register. You do not need to be an NOU Member to attend!
Meeting Agenda
-Guided NOU Birding Field trips at one of Nebraska’s top birding hotspots, Lake McConaughy, and other area hotspots including Ash Hollow SHP, Clear Creek WMA!!
-Keynote presentations by Amar Ayyash-Introduction to Gulls;
Introduction to Gull ID
Often approached with apprehension, gulls have gained a love-hate relationship with many birders. Among these larids are some of the most coveted bird species in the world. Amar will highlight key identification field marks for separating our most common gull species, and he will also touch on some of the often-ignored topics in gull-study such as the aging process, plumage and molt. Learn why an increasing number of people are being drawn to this family of birds and are eagerly calling themselves “larophiles”.
-Gulling with Amar at Lake McConaughy (morning and afternoon sessions/availability may be limited)
-The Gull Guide book signing by Amar. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase or bring your copy purchased from Princeton Press or other retailers. (Amar has also generously donated two copies for the silent auction if you feel lucky!)
-Scientific Presentations- Contact the NOU President, Paul Pearson, propearson@gmail.com, to
submit abstract, limited slots
-Nebraska Birding Discord Server Introduction and Primer
***NEW*** NOU Silent Auction To donate Silent Auction items, please contact or email NOU director Boni Edwards, boniedwards@gmail.com, with a description/value. (Photos will be requested)
Schedules and sessions subject to change.
Students can apply for a Nebraska Young Birders Scholarship to attend the meeting.
-Preference given to students grades 9-12, but students of all ages will be considered for full or partial awards.
-Contact the NOU President, Paul Pearson, propearson@gmai.com,
for application information.
If you would like to donate to the Student Scholarship Fund or to NOU to help with speaker fees you can donate on the home page or at this link DONATE
***A block of rooms has been reserved.
You must call the hotel at 308-465-4007 and request the ‘Nebraska Ornithologists’ Rate’ to get the rate of $75/night.
Register and book your rooms right away and get ready for a great Nebraska birding experience!!