Date: 1/19/26 12:47 pm From: Paul Franklin via groups.io <phfranklin36...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] 2026 Winter AOS Meeting CANCELLATION Due to Weather
I commend this very wise and conscientious decision.
On Monday, January 19, 2026 at 02:33:52 PM CST, Shirley Farrell via groups.io <shirfarr...> wrote:
Dear AOS Members and Registered Attendees,
After careful consultation with the AOS Executive Board and our advisors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Winter AOS Meeting due to anticipated weather conditions. I will email each registrant as soon as I receive the updated registration list. I wanted to start sending out the cancellation as soon as possible.
From Friday through Saturday, forecasts are calling for rain and snow across Guntersville and North Alabama, with temperatures reaching only about 33 degrees on Sunday. Given these conditions, travel on the mountain would likely be difficult—and potentially unsafe. We would much rather err on the side of caution and prioritize everyone’s safety.
Lodging Cancellation Information
According to the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, reservations must be canceled at least 72 hours prior to arrival. To cancel your reservation, you may:
Please note that you will need your confirmation number and the email address used to make the reservation. While online cancellation is available, I personally prefer speaking with a live person; however, the lodge has shared that only one staff member is working the reservation desk today, so hold times may be longer than usual.
Meeting & Food Fee Options
AOS is offering registered attendees the following options for meeting and food fees:
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Donate your payment to AOS
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Receive a full refund
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Apply your payment toward the Spring Meeting
(Please note: Spring meeting registration costs will increase, but your registration will be honored at the Winter meeting rate.)
Please click the link below to let us know how you would like us to handle your meeting and (if applicable) banquet fees :
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. This was not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one to ensure the safety and well-being of our members.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of AOS. We look forward to gathering together soon under better conditions. We hope to see you at the Spring Meeting, April 17-19, 2026, with Dr. Jason Hoeksema, shorebird expert, as the speaker.
Warm regards,
Shirley Farrell
President, Alabama Ornithological Society
