History in Short

The Czech Society for Ornithology was founded in 1926. Below is a timeline and expanded narrative of its development:

• 1926 – Foundation
• 1928 – Official bylaws acknowledged; first constituent gathering held in Prague
• 1934 – Bird-ringing center established; launch of Sylvia magazine
• 1965 – Participation in International Waterfowl Census
• 1972 – Regional subsidiaries founded; specialized expert groups formed
• 1973 – Nesting birds distribution survey initiated
• 1989 – Milestone year: expansion of international cooperation
• 1994 – Joined BirdLife as Partner Designate
• 1998 – Became BirdLife Partner
• 2006 – First Bird Park founded – Josefov Meadows

 

The very first session of people potentially interested in the membership of the Czechoslovak Society for Ornithology was held in Prague on April 5, 1926. The enthusiasts, who had gathered that day, discussed the possible content of activities, adopted a bylaws draft and elected an interim board. The bylaws were officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Interior in 1928. The constituent gathering was then held on April 22, 1928, in Prague. Professor Jiří Janda was elected the first chairman of the society and the head of the first board. In the beginning, the first activities were aimed at the monitoring of bird species distribution and abundance.

After the first bird-ringing center had been established in 1934, bird-ringing became another basic activity of CSO members. A newsletter for members started to be published in 1928. The „Sylvia“ magazine was launched in 1934. Both of these periodicals have been issued ever since!

During the following years, other men were elected to the chair office. Let’s name Dr. Alfred Hořice, doc. dr. Otakar Štěpánek, doc. dr. Walter Černý, prof. dr. Zdeněk Veselovský and prof. dr. Karel Šťastný. There were a few more enthusiasts who helped the society to flourish. It was Josef Musílek who engaged himself in the process of the society establishment and who helped in editing the two periodicals. There were also Josef Jirsík and Ota Kadlec involved at the beginning of the bird-ringing station’s existence.

The period of new advancement started after 1945 when the work of the Czech ornithologists began to be laid on a professional basis. Another boom occurred after 1972 when new regional subsidiaries had been founded and specialized groups of experts had started to work. Since 1965 the society members have participated on the International waterfowl census which is the activity with the longest tradition. It has also been Nesting birds distribution survey since 1973 which is another long-lasting activity. The group for owls and birds of prey survey is another very hardworking group of the society members.

Of course, the year 1989 became a milestone in the history of CSO especially in terms of international work challenges and opportunities. After the BirdLife International organization had been established in Rosenheim in 1994, the Czech Society for Ornithology joined international activities and projects and found its way to the BirdLife International organization in 1998. A good deal of new projects focused on bird protection and survey has appeared. Most of them have been realized through international cooperation.

Modern Era and Current Activities

Currently, CSO has over 8 000 members and operates as a dynamic, membership-based organization recognized for its efficiency and impact. It combines science, practical habitat restoration, and community involvement to protect birds and biodiversity. Key modern initiatives include long-term monitoring programs, citizen science projects, and active participation in policy-making.

Mission and Activities

CSO strives to create harmony between people and birds by promoting respect, understanding, and sustainable use of nature. It transforms scientific knowledge into practical conservation measures and shares these insights with the public. The organization emphasizes international cooperation, recognizing that bird protection transcends political borders.

Bird Parks

Bird parks are flagship projects of CSO, serving as model areas for landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation. They demonstrate best practices in sustainable land management and wetland protection. Currently (2026), there are seven parks covering 700 hectares, including Josefovské louky, Zbudovská blata, Rzy, Mnišské louky, Malá Lipová, Kosteliska, and Střimická výsypka. These parks feature habitat restoration, public access infrastructure, and educational programs. CSO aims to establish at least one park of 50+ hectares in every region by 2042.

Education and Outreach

CSO runs programs like Bird of the Year, publishes the magazine Ptačí svět, and organizes lectures and excursions. Educational initiatives in bird parks engage schools and communities, encouraging hands-on conservation. Urban projects such as Bird Neighbors and Birds Around Us help city residents support local birdlife through workshops, podcasts, and exhibitions.

Public Engagement and Volunteering

Citizen science is central to CSO’s work: volunteers participate in bird counts, nest monitoring (e.g., stork programs), and habitat management. Small grants support local conservation projects, and regional clubs form the backbone of field ornithology.

Recognition and Partnerships

In 2025, CSO won the E.ON Energy Globe Award for its bird park initiative, receiving funding for land acquisition and infrastructure. The organization honors individuals with awards for outstanding contributions to bird conservation and ornithology.