KBO is a non-profit research organization promoting conservation in the Klamath Bioregion and throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Whats in the Name? Klamath Bird Observatory
KLAMATH: for our regionally focused bird monitoring, research, and education programs

BIRD: for studying birds as ecological indicators

OBSERVATORY: an observatory is an institution for observation-based scientific research

Our projects focus on:

• using science to study the ecology and habitats of birds
• integrating bird monitoring and inventory with conservation and land management programs in Oregon, California and Central America and the Caribbean
• producing study results for scientific outlets, land managers, and the public
• providing training, education and outreach about birds and their environments to biologists and the public of all ages

KBO works with the US Forest Service Redwood Sciences Laboratory to coordinate the Klamath Demographic Monitoring Network, a North American Migration Monitoring Network, and an International Training and Monitoring Program.

We are headquartered in Ashland, Oregon and have additional field stations in the Klamath Basin and in Arcata, California.

 

KBO Headquarters and Field Stations

Willow Wind Community Learning Center Through our partnership with the Ashland Public School District, KBO is headquartered at the Willow Wind Community Learning Center. We work with students and the community to monitor birds throughout the year as riparian restoration efforts are ongoing on the property's 44 acres of meadow, riparian and oak woodland habitat along Bear Creek. KBO offers environmental education opportunites to schools, community organizations, and individuals throughout our region.

KBO Upper Klamath Basin Field Station
KBO maintains a comprehensive bird monitoring program in the Klamath Basin from our field station on the Upper Klamath Lake. Field staff and interns are based out of two historic Forest Guard Stations provided by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Constant-effort bird monitoring stations have been operated in the Upper Klamath since 1996.

Humbolt Bay Bird Observatory

The Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory was established in 1982 by Dr. C. John Ralph and Dr. Carol Pearson Ralph. The station is located adjacent to the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge west of Arcata, California. It is bordered to the east by the Mad River Slough and to the west by coastal dune forest. The dune forest supports a high diversity of tree and shrub species, including beach pine, Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, grand fir, wax-myrtle, and Pacific madrone. The forest understory includes huckleberry, bear-berry, and a wide variety of lichens and mosses. Adjacent habitats include open pasture, and riparian and other wetland habitats.

This diversity of habitats supports a high diversity of bird species. Common species include Allen's and Rufous Hummingbirds, Common Flicker, Western Flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Winter Wren, Wrentit, Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, Wrentit, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Song Sparrow, Red Crossbill, and Purple Finch. Rare vagrants over the years include Black-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Gray Catbird, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler.

Bird populations and demographics have been monitored at the station continuously since 1982, making the Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory one of the longest running stations in the nation. Educational tours and volunteer programs provide the opportunity to observe and learn about birds, and to train in bird monitoring and research techniques. At the station, students from other bird-monitoring stations, Humboldt State University, and elsewhere have been extensively trained in various techniques. The station is operated throughout the year, ranging from weekly in the winter to almost daily (at two sub-stations) during the fall migration, providing ample opportunities for people to experience and learn from the capture of birds. We are dedicated to the promotion of high standards in bird monitoring and research.

For more information on HBBO, or to visit, please contact Kim Hollinger at birdgirl@reninet.com or by phone at (707) 616-4787.

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Klamath Bird Observatory
PO Box 758
Ashland, OR
97520
(541) 201-0866
kbo@KlamathBird.org