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Author: Elva Manquera

Halcyon Journey

Halcyon Journey Presentation by Marina Richie

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Trips & Events.

Join author Marina Richie for stories and excerpts from her new book, Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher—illustrated by Newport artist Ram Papish and published by Oregon State University Press. Richie’s narrative weaves natural history, myth, and memoir to illuminate the jay-sized bird of cocky crest, headfirst dive, and rattling cry. Ultimately, she reveals an inviting pathway for all seeking kinship with nature nearby. Note–this is the very first book to feature North America’s beloved Belted Kingfisher.

Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher is a story of keen observation, curiosity, and revelation in the presence of flowing waters. The kingfisher is linked to the mythic origin of halcyon days, a state of idyllic happiness that author Marina Richie hoped to find outside her back door in her then home of Missoula, Montana.

Little did Marina know her quarry would prove to be a skittish bird, infamous for vanishing around a stream bend. Delving deeper, she embraced tribal stories of the belted kingfisher as messenger and helper, pivotal qualities for a journey extending from one to multiple seasons.

Blunders, epiphanies, and a citizen science discovery punctuated days tracking a bird that outwits at every turn. The female is more colorful than the male (a mystery) and their earthen nest holes are difficult to locate. While the heart of the drama takes place on Rattlesnake Creek, adventures seeking kingfisher kin on the lower Rio Grande, South Africa, and London illuminate her relationships with the birds of her home stream.

By spending many hours observing a nesting pair of kingfishers from within a camouflaged blind, her status as a visitor turned to that of a resident. By the forested creek’s edge, she came to terms with the loss of her naturalist father. Here, too, she tapped into her own powers, inspired by the bird of the headfirst plunge and awakening rattle call. With newfound courage, Marina left Missoula to travel as a roving naturalist in her popup camper, and then returned to Oregon (her home state before Montana). The kingfisher remains her muse.

Registration

This presentation will be hosted via Zoom on June 16th, 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Click here to register. 

Books are available for purchase at the Northwest Nature Shop in Ashland, OR.

Halcyon Journey   Halcyon JourneyHalcyon Journey

Author Bio

Marina Richie is a nature writer living in Bend, Oregon, She wrote two children’s books under a prior name: Bird Feats of Montana and Bug Feats of Montana. Her writing appears in many publications including Birdwatching magazine, on National Wildlife Federation and National Audubon websites, and on award-winning panels for the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuges. Marina also serves on the board of the Greater Hells Canyon Council. Please visit her website www.marinarichie.com featuring her bi-monthly nature blogs.

Beginner Birder Talk and Walk

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Trips & Events.

Birding benefits your mood, your psychological well-being, your mental health, and your cognitive functioning. Join board member Amanda Alford to learn how to begin your birding journey or how to get back to your basics.

The Talk will include all of Amanda’s best tips for:

  • Finding birds
  • Understanding and using binoculars
  • Identifying species by size, shape, suit, scene, and sound
  • Utilizing smartphone applications and online resources
  • And more!

The Talk will conclude with an in-depth look at just some of the species we are likely to see during our Walk at North Mountain Park. Come level up your birding skills and gain the confidence you need to have even more fun watching birds!

Talk: Thursday, June 9th, 7 pm at the KBO office at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland, with the option of watching via Zoom if you prefer

Walk: Saturday, June 11th, meet at North Mountain Park at 9 am.

Click here to register for the Talk and Walk

Click here to register for the talk ONLY. 

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Are you an Ashland Food Coop member?

Klamath Bird Observatory is in the running to secure a month in the Ashland Food Coop Change for Good Program. To secure a spot we need to be in the top 10 nonprofit organizations and to do this we need you!

Check your email from the Ashland Food Co-op for an email that was delivered on 5/24/22. This email has your ballot for the Change for Good Program! The email is titled: Ashland Food Co-op 2022 Elections. You will use the link in that email to vote for the Klamath Bird Observatory to help us become a Change for Good partner. You can vote for your top 10 of 20 favorite nonprofits. We can’t do this without you!

The voting deadline is 6/6/22 at 9 pm. PLEASE VOTE and tell your friends.

Voting is Open for the Change for Good Program!

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note.

KBO NEEDS YOUR VOTE!

Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) members are able to vote for their favorite nonprofits in AFC’s Change for Good Program.  Through this program, AFC helps local nonprofits raise money and outreach to the community.  Voting takes place 5/24/2022 through  6/6/2022 (till 9 pm) for MEMBERS ONLY.

If you are already a member, follow this link and vote! You can vote for your top ten favorite organizations.

Change for Good is a roundup program offered by the Co-op and helps raise money for local nonprofits when customers donate by rounding up their sales. The eleven nonprofits with the highest number of votes will secure a month of fundraising and outreach at the Co-op. (The highest vote getters secure the Co-op’s busiest months with more opportunity for fundraising).  KBO has been accepted as a candidate for this program, but it is competitive, and we need your vote to secure a fundraising month…support KBO by voting.  Please tell your friends and share on social media that way we can reach as many KBO supporters as possible during the voting period.

Thank you for supporting KBO!

Klamath Bird Observatory Events and Updates

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated World Migratory Bird Day with us at Rogue Valley Bird Day!

Left to Right: Axel, Victoria, Claire, and Yuly

 

We are going to need your vote!

Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) members will soon be asked to vote for their favorite nonprofits in AFC’s Change for Good Program. Through this program, AFC helps local nonprofits raise money and outreach to the community. Voting takes place 5/24/2022 through 6/6/2022 for MEMBERS ONLY. If you are not a member and are thinking of becoming one, NOW would be a great time to join the Co-op so you can vote https://ashlandfood.coop/become-owner

If you are already a member, watch your email for a ballot during the above dates and vote!

Change for Good is a roundup program offered by the Co-op and helps raise money for local nonprofits when customers donate by rounding up their sales. The eleven nonprofits with the highest votes will secure a month of fundraising and outreach at the Co-op. (The highest vote getters secure the Co-op’s busiest months with more opportunity for fundraising). KBO has been accepted as a candidate for this program, but it is competitive and we need your vote to secure a fundraising month…support KBO by voting. Please also spread the word and post on social media, so that we can reach as many KBO supporters as possible during the voting period. Thank you so much for supporting KBO!

Events

Beginner Bird Walk

Join KBO board member Amanda Alford for a special Talk-and-Walk geared to beginning birders, or anyone wanting to get back to basics. The Talk will include all of Amanda’s best tips for:

  • Finding birds
  • Understanding and using binoculars
  • Identifying species by size, shape, suit, scene, and sound
  • Utilizing smartphone applications and online resources
  • And more!

The Talk will conclude with an in-depth look at just some of the species we are likely to see during our Walk at North Mountain Park. Come level up your birding skills and gain the confidence you need to have even more fun watching birds!

Talk: Thursday, June 9th, 7 pm at the KBO office at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland, with the option of watching via Zoom if you prefer

Walk: Saturday, June 11th, meet at North Mountain Park at 9 am.

Suggest donation of $25. 

Click here to register for the Talk and Walk

Click here to register for the talk ONLY. 

Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher

Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher is a story of keen observation, curiosity,  and revelation in the presence of flowing waters. The kingfisher is linked to the mythic origin of halcyon days, a state of idyllic happiness that author Marina Richie hoped to find outside her back door in her then home of Missoula, Montana.

Little did Marina know her quarry would prove to be a skittish bird, infamous for vanishing around a stream bend. Delving deeper, she embraced tribal stories of the belted kingfisher as messenger and helper, pivotal qualities for a journey extending from one to multiple seasons.

Blunders, epiphanies, and a citizen science discovery punctuated days tracking a bird that outwits at every turn. The female is more colorful than the male (a mystery) and their earthen nest holes are difficult to locate. While the heart of the drama takes place on Rattlesnake Creek, adventures seeking kingfisher kin on the lower Rio Grande, South Africa, and London illuminate her relationships with the birds of her home stream

By spending many hours observing a nesting pair of kingfishers from within a camouflaged blind, her status as a visitor turned to that of a resident. By the forested creek’s edge, she came to terms with the loss of her naturalist father. Here, too, she tapped into her own powers, inspired by the bird of the headfirst plunge and awakening rattle call. With newfound courage, Marina left Missoula to travel as a roving naturalist in her popup camper, and then returned to Oregon (her home state before Montana). The kingfisher remains her muse.

Books are available for purchase at Northwest Nature Shop.

This free webinar is on June 16th, 6 pm – 7 pm. 

Click here to register. 

Bird Banding with Klamath Bird Observatory Scientists: Science in Action!

Come join a KBO biologist and the KBO interns for a bird banding experience out in the field. This is an amazing opportunity to meet some of our scientists in a small group setting, learn about bird banding and see some of Oregon’s birds up close. You will observe live-action science being done in the morning (mist-netting and data collection) with a light brunch (provided). Afterward, we will bird the scenic Wood River until early afternoon.

WHEN:  Friday, June 17th, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (inclusive of drive time to and from Ashland).

WHERE:  Upper Klamath Lake

TRIP LEADERS:  Lisa Michelbrink and Shannon Rio, KBO Board Members

COST: Space is limited to 5 cars of 4 people each. The cost is $500/car.

Register Here!

KBO relies on private donations to further our mission of advancing bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. By attending KBO FUNdraising events, you help support KBO’s efforts. So, if you love birds, believe in birds as indicators of environmental wellbeing, and want to support KBO’s science-driven bird conservation mission, please register for this FUNdraising event today! We look forward to seeing you at one or more of our Spring Series FUNdraising Events.

Klamath Bird Observatory follows CDC guidelines. KBO events are being offered with COVID-19 safety as KBO’s primary concern. Proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. All individuals attending an event must also fill out the Waiver of Liability form that will be emailed to you once you register for the event. Paper copies will be available at the event. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are not required but wear based on comfortability.

Explore Shasta Valley with Shannon Rio

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Take a ride with Shannon Rio as she takes through the majestic Shasta Valley. You will explore this wondrous land where wildlife and agriculture mix. The valley has wetlands, juniper forests, riparian forests, and crop lands all with the backdrop of Mount Shasta. Providing you with the opportunity to see a diversity of birds and other wildlife. Shannon enjoys taking the roads less traveled giving you an experience you won’t find anywhere else. There are two parts to this adventure a presentation on Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm and a field trip on Sunday, May 22nd. Sign up for one or both today!

Click here for registration and more information about these events. 

 

Your Adventure Awaits!

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Trips & Events.

There are several exciting Klamath Bird Observatory events that are happening right around the corner!

This Saturday, May 14th from 8 am – 12 pm Klamath Bird Observatory will be at Rogue Valley Bird Day at North Mountain Park in Ashland, OR. This free family-friendly event will have several fun activities including bird walks, bird banding, the big sit, and a bird calling contest for all ages. This event is in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day whose theme this year is focused on light pollution. Most birds migrate at night. They have been doing this for eons, as a night sky typically means calmer air space and fewer predators. Nocturnally migrating birds include ducks and geese, plovers and sandpipers, and songbirds of all kinds. These birds may travel thousands of miles between their breeding and non-breeding grounds. Come learn about how you can help make the skies safer for all birds.

 

Welcome to Shasta Valley

Don’t forget to reserve your spot for the field trip to Shasta Valley with KBO board member and educator Shannon Rio. As she takes you to the majestic Shasta Valley to explore and learn about the magical ecosystem of Shasta and find birds that you may not see here in the Rogue Valley. The field trip is on May 22nd and includes the hybrid presentation on May 19th at 6:30 pm. You can register for the presentation only and learn about Shasta from the comfort of your own home. The field trip is $200 per car and the Zoom presentation only has a suggested (not required) donation of $25. 

Click here to reserve your car spot for the field trip and the presentation. 

Click here for ONLY the presentation. 

Now open for registration Beginner Bird Walk trip and presentation!

Are you wanting to learn more about birding but don’t know where to start? Maybe you are experienced but want to get back to your roots? Join KBO board member Amanda Alford for an educational presentation on June 9th from 7 pm – 8 pm and for the walk on June 11th from 9 am – 11 am. The presentation has unlimited attendance with non-walk attendees viewing from the comfort of their homes via Zoom and the walk attendees have the option of being in person at the KBO office. The limit for the walk at Lower Table Rock is 20 people and has a suggested (not required) donation of $25.

Click here to register for the Talk and Walk

Click here to register for the talk ONLY. 

 

 

KBO relies on private donations to further our mission of advancing bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. By attending KBO FUNdraising events, you help support KBO’s efforts. So, if you love birds, believe in birds as indicators of environmental wellbeing, and want to support KBO’s science-driven bird conservation mission, please register for this FUNdraising event today! We look forward to seeing you at one or more of our Spring Series FUNdraising Events.

Klamath Bird Observatory follows CDC guidelines. KBO events are being offered with COVID-19 safety as KBO’s primary concern. Proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. All individuals attending an event must also fill out the Waiver of Liability form that will be emailed to you once you register for the event. Paper copies will be available at the event. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are not required but wear based on comfortability.