The purpose of the MOU is the promotion of a broad program of conservation, education, and natural history study, primarily in the field of ornithology. To achieve this objective, the Union urges and promotes interest in field studies and observation of birds by individual members and affiliated bird clubs. We publish a quarterly journal, and a newsletter; we conduct field trips, we encourage and sponsor the preservation of natural areas, provide grants to promote ornithological research, contribute to avian-related projects, and we hold seminars where research reports, unusual observations, and conservation discussions are presented.