"Ornis" - Verein für Vogelkunde und Vogelschutz Annaberg e.V.

    News and History:

    1. The association was founded in Annaberg/Saxony on March 17, 1882.
    2. In 1990, when many East German associations became independent, the historic "Ornis"-Verein was re-established. It was registered as No 06 on May 08, 1990.
    3. Its heraldic animal is Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus alpestris). This bird species was identified as a breeding bird in the Annaberg district by some members of our association.
    4. At present there are 32 members in our association.
    5. Since the re-establishment, "Ornis"-Verein has published a minimum of 4 newsletters per year for its members and friends. There has also been an INTERNET-presentation since the end of January, 1997.
    6. The purpose of the association is to provide regionally oriented bird research. The members work on a voluntary basis and are involved in many regional and supraregional scientific programs.
    7. Besides a monthly meeting, we also organize project days, excursions, and bird call identification field trips.
    8. The members of "Ornis"-Verein support and participate in regional and supraregional nature conservation work.
    9. "Ornis"-Verein cultivates close and friendly relations with many other ornithological associations at home and abroad.
    10. Some members of "Ornis" are voluntary collaborators of the Banding Station in Hiddensee and work at scientific birdbanding.
    11. "Ornis"-Verein is a non-profit association.

    Honorary members (since 1990):

    1. On Feb. 28, 2002, Dr. Siegfried Eck, Museum of Zoology Dresden, Germany, was awarded the honorary doctorate degree by the dean and the department of Biology of the Johannes Gutenberg - Universität Mainz.
      Dr. h.c. siegfried Eck died on 11th September 2005. It was a bereavement to our society.
    2. Due to his merits for preservation of the local birds and foundation and developement of the "Ornis"-Verein the president Johannes Schlegel is awarded the honorary membership on the occassion of his 65th birthday.