Info for New Attendees 2025

This page contains information that new attendees will find useful when attending the convention.

Most attendees will stay at a Frederick hotel since our field trips start early in the morning. Field trips are led by volunteer leaders from within the MOS community and other local guides with a solid knowledge of the area.

There are many birding festivals, conventions and conferences around the US, and we are glad you are considering coming to the MOS convention. We offer field trips starting on Friday morning and afternoon, through Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday morning.

Breakfast and lunch is on your own. We have evening socials and dinners on Friday and Saturday.

MOS has a tradition of giving attendees a pin that has a representative bird for the area for that time of year.  The pins will be provided at the evening functions.

Check-in with the field trip leader before the field trip in the designated meeting location. Street addresses are provided when available, and GPS coordinates are provided for all locations. Transportation to and from field trips is on your own. MOS does not provide transportation during the convention. If you join in carpooling, please offer the driver something to offset the cost of gas and admission to parks with entrance fees. If you are a driver, please ensure you know exactly where the trip is going.

Many times we are able to offer a field trip on a boat.  If you are interested in birding from a boat, remember to dress appropriately for the weather.  It will be windy as the boat moves. Wear comfortable shoes that won’t slip on a boat deck.  Bring something to drink and use sunscreen as the water will reflect sunlight up to those on the boat.