A period of uncertainty occurred in the association in the late 1950s when issues relating to the taking of birds from the wild became a matter of concern to many members.
On the other were people, including many aviculturists, who felt threatened by a proposal they saw would bring greater control over their hobby – and for those in the avicultural trade, their livelihoods.
Eventually, after three stacked meetings in which control of the association swung between one side and the other, a poll of the membership reflected the mood for enhanced protection and the avicultural lobby was defeated.
The SAOA has over 800 members and holds monthly meetings at the Hawker Centre in the Waite Institute of the University of Adelaide.
Many of Australia's leading ornithologists, including Richard Schodde, Leo Joseph, Lyn Pedler, Andrew Black and David Paton, started their careers with the SAOA and continue as important contributors to its work and interests.