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Waterbird Society & Pacific Seabird Group 2025 Joint Meeting

By Jennifer Wheeler, WbS/PSG 2025 Local Committee (jawheeler411@gmail.com)

Mark your calendars—because you won’t want to miss this one! The Pacific Seabird Group’s 52nd Annual Meeting is teaming up with the Waterbird Society for a Joint Conference in San José, Costa Rica, from January 6-9, 2025. It’s a historic event, only the fifth time these two societies have joined forces, and it’s happening in Costa Rica! For the first time, the Pacific Seabird Group is hosting an Annual Meeting south of Mexico—what a milestone!

Now, we know it’s not all about the location, but let’s be real: Costa Rica is special. It’s one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet! Despite being only the size of Virginia, Costa Rica is packed with wildlife, boasting over 900 bird species—including rare and endemic varieties. Whether you’re wandering through lush rainforests, exploring coastal regions, or taking in the misty highland cloud forests, you’ll be immersed in avian paradise. Plus, Costa Rica’s stellar national parks and protected areas make it a haven for birds and bird lovers alike. Add in warm hospitality, modern amenities, and an inviting atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable conference.

Oh, and the venue? We’ll be at the stunning Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, nestled in the heart of a 12-acre coffee plantation. Picture this: a venue modeled after a 16th-century colonial hacienda, with all the modern perks you need for a productive meeting, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation (or adventure) in between sessions. Did we mention the pre- and post-conference field trips? Because there will be plenty!

Of course, the real reason we gather is for professional development and conservation. The Waterbird Society and Pacific Seabird Group were both founded in the 1970s to foster collaboration among researchers, government managers, and conservationists dedicated to protecting aquatic bird species and habitats. Over the years, both organizations have grown to emphasize the importance of cross-border conservation and the human side of protecting these incredible species. This conference celebrates all that progress—and keeps us moving forward.

Our presence in Costa Rica also gives us a chance to support local waterbird conservation efforts. With about 19% of the country’s bird species relying on wetland and marine habitats, many of which are migratory, Costa Rica plays a vital role in their life cycles. Yet, there’s currently no national campaign focused on protecting endangered waterbirds, and the resources for monitoring and research are limited. By coming together in San José, we’ll help foster skill-building, international collaboration, and promote waterbird study and conservation right where it’s needed. 

So, are you in? Here are a few deadlines you don’t want to miss:

Everything you need to know about the WbS/PSG 2025 Joint Meeting is available here.

Time is flying (just ask the organizers!), so get ready and we’ll see you in San José!

Questions? Contact us!

WbS/PSG 2025 Joint Meeting Local Committee
Jennifer Wheeler, Ghisselle Alvarado, and Kyra Mills
locochair@pacificseabirdgroup.org

WbS/PSG 2025 Joint Meeting Scientific Program Chairs
Dan Barton (PSG)
programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org

Nellie Tsipoura (WbS)
nellie@waterbirds.org

WbS/PSG 2025 Joint Meeting Communications
Wieteke Holthuijzen & Anna Vallery (PSG)
communications@pacificseabirdgroup.org