Sempach Bird Observatory

The Swiss Ornithological Institute is a nonprofit foundation for ornithology and bird conservation.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute was founded in 1924 as a ringing center for the study of bird migration in the Alps. It is headquartered in Sempach and operates, among others, a ringing station at 1,923 m above sea level. M. high Col de Bretolet. In 1954, the Swiss Ornithological Institute was transferred to an independent foundation under Swiss law. From a volunteer-run one-man operation, it has developed into an independent, recognized at home and abroad institute with around 80 employees.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute monitors the native birds, explores the life of wild birds, and is the cause of the threat of bird life on the ground. For endangered bird species they developed protective and promotional measures and works with its partners that benefit from the insights of birds and nature. The Swiss Ornithological Institute operates a sanctuary for sick, injured and orphaned birds. As a national competence center for ornithology and bird protection, it is also to provide information and advice to the public, media and government. With school programs and offerings in environmental education she is trying to raise awareness for the protection of birds.

A unique feature is the private status of the Swiss Ornithological Institute, many other bird waiting and ornithological institutions are government entities. The Swiss Ornithological Institute is financially supported by donations and can count the nationwide monitoring of bird populations on the support of over 1500 volunteers.