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Author: Elva Manquera

Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network Quarterly Meeting April 28th

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

The Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network (KSON) is holding its second quarterly meeting of 2022 on Thursday, April 28th from 9-10:30 am. This collaborative regional partnership works to conserve oak habitats on private and public lands in southern Oregon and northern California. Our speaker this month is Jena Volpe, a KSON steering committee member and Fire Ecologist with the Medford BLM. She will be discussing the Integrated Vegetation Management for Resilient Lands Environmental Assessment (IVM-RL EA), which creates a toolbox for the BLM to increase the scope, scale, and pace of proactive treatments over a 10 year period. Please email mlm@klamathbird.org for the Zoom link.

Vesper Sparrow Stephens flipped cropped (72dpi 11x17)

Coming this Field Season: Oregon Vesper Sparrow and Technology

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Conservation, KBO Science, Press Room.

Spring has sprung, and migratory birds are making their way back to the Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion. Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) is preparing by dusting off field gear, mapping out survey sites, and hiring summer staff. Each staff member has their own favorite thing to look forward to this field season: starting a new project, expanding an active project, or wrapping up data collection.

Dr. Sarah Rockwell, one of KBO’s Research Biologists, is excited to be expanding the Oregon Vesper Sparrow GPS tracking project. KBO will be deploying more tags at our Lily Glen study site near Howard Prairie. Sarah will also be training partner Bob Altman with the American Bird Conservancy to expand the study and place GPS tags on Oregon Vesper Sparrows in the Willamette Valley this summer. KBO will look at the Willamette birds’ migratory routes and overwintering areas, and compare them to the data KBO has gathered from birds in the Rogue Basin.

Oregon Vesper Sparrow (c) Frank Lospalluto

This summer KBO will also continue to deploy MOTUS tags on late-stage Oregon Vesper Sparrow nestlings. In previous years, very few juveniles have returned to the same meadow where they were hatched. To investigate this, Sarah will be putting MOTUS nodes out in new meadows surrounding past sites, expanding her search for these birds.

Oregon Vesper Sparrow Nest

Sarah is wrapping up collecting resight data for the Oregon Vesper Sparrow this summer – by resighting individually color-banded birds year after year, she can analyze their annual survival. KBO has also studied the sparrows’ nest success and habitat preferences in past years. The vegetation characteristics of sites where the sparrows choose to place their nests could be used to encourage land managers to plant beneficial vegetation. Other partners are collecting parallel data in the Willamette Valley, OR, and Puget Lowlands, WA, for similar use. The Oregon Vesper Sparrow is under review to potentially be added to the federally threatened and endangered species list, and Sarah hopes these data will help contribute to a decision.

This summer Science Director Jaime Stephens is excited about the ongoing Oregon Vesper Sparrow project. “KBO has been focusing our field research on this species for nearly a decade. A challenging part of science is that it can take a long time to gather the necessary data. In the next two years, KBO expects to have results available from this project that could be very impactful. These include nest success and breeding season habitat relationships, and as that wraps up we are moving on to MOTUS and GPS tagging to study non-breeding season movements. We are finishing an exciting part and moving on to an even more exciting part of the project.”

To learn more about the Oregon Vesper Sparrow and KBO’s conservation science projects click here. “Coming this Field Season” is a blog series highlighting the different projects that KBO staff are working on this summer. Subscribe to the blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified of the next article.

Mark your Calendars with our Spring FUNdraisers!

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

 

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) FUNdraising events are organized and hosted by the KBO board. They have been working hard on this amazing spring lineup. There is something for everyone! Registration for events will open a month before the event. Some have limited spots, so make sure you are get notified by signing up for the KBO’s Klamath Call Note.

Garden Party

Join us for an afternoon outdoor KBO fundraiser of live music, an art exhibit, food, Grizzly Peak wines, and other beverages, Saturday, April 30 from 1-4 PM at Grizzly Peak Winery in Ashland. Music is provided by both a local string quartet and a popular guitar duo. Cost $75 per person.

Registration is Open!

 

Welcome to Shasta Valley with Shannon Rio

Join board member Shannon Rio as she takes you to the majestic Shasta Valley. You will explore the magical ecosystem there and find birds that you may not see here in the Rogue Valley. There are two parts to this FUNdraiser. On May 19th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm there will be a presentation by Shannon about the Shasta Valley, the birds that call it home, and where to see them at the Klamath Bird Observatory office. Part two is the field trip to Shasta Valley on May 22nd, 7: 30 am – 4:30 pm. The cost is $200 per car with three car spots available. The presentation will be a hybrid model, the in-person portion will be at the KBO office. Registration will open on April 28th.

Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher

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.

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.

This free webinar is on June 16th, 6 pm – 7 pm. Registration will open on May 19th.

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 on the Lower Table Rock trail. 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 the Table Rock trailhead at 9 am.

Requested donation: $25. Registration will open on May 12th.

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.

Birding By Ear

Birding by ear can be an essential tool to help you identify birds. Increase your birding by ear skills will KBO Executive Director John Alexander. This will be a hybrid event with limited in-person tickets hosted at KBO’s headquarters in Ashland, OR. There will be unlimited tickets for purchase for attendance over Zoom. Birders of all levels are encouraged to sign up. Date TBA.

 

 

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.

Garden Party Artists

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

The Garden Party at Grizzly Peak Winery is host to 4 astounding artists, Tish Mcfadden, Beth Martin, Judy Bjorlie, and Paula Fong. During the event, you will have time to browse and purchase their art. As well as drink delicious wine, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, and listen to lovely melodies.  The Garden Party is on Saturday, April 30th, 1 pm – 4 pm tickets are $75 per person and are available here. The bios of attending artists are below.

Tish Mcfadden

Tish McFadden is a published author, songwriter, music teacher, and former archaeologist for the US Forest Service. Tish’s writing has been featured on radio, book tours, and trade shows. Tish writes professionally in multiple genres including children’s books, autobiographical essays, and guidebooks. She has also served as editor on numerous literary projects.

For the Garden Party, Tish will be selling and showcasing her book Song of the Redwing. Wild marshland habitats create a spectacular symphony for the senses. Here, between bog and sky, assorted creatures of water, land, and air live closely together in balance. Red-winged Blackbirds are amongst the most common and striking members of this animated community. Their primal call is heard across cattail marshes and duckweed swamps in early spring through late fall. Their distinctive wing patch of red and gold makes identifying this wild bird easy – even for young children. Song of the Redwing presents a birds-eye view of life in the marsh from one sunrise to the next. Laura Winslow’s watercolor illustrations portray a lively wetland, giving visual form to Tish McFadden’s rhythm and rhyme. Words and illustrations harmonize in Song of the Redwing, and together further its nature-based message – inviting readers of all ages into the wondrous habitat of a marsh. Backmatter offers fun facts about Redwing’s neighbors. Time spent in wild places offers young people a taste of unbounded spaciousness – ongoing to something far greater than themselves. Taking children into nature is like walking them onto the pages of this picture book. Every step, each page turn, delivers colorful surprises.

Watch the book trailer here.

Paula Fong

Flicker by Paula Fong

Paula R. Fong specializes in illustrating plants and animals in their natural habitat. Her unique blend of detailed artistry and scientific accuracy has won her praise from both artists and scientists alike. She received her B.S. in Biology from Denison University and her M.S. in Forest Ecology from the College of Forestry, Oregon State University. Her twelve years as a soil scientist and ecologist with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service gives her a unique perspective of the art in nature. Paula’s primary medium is watercolor with pen and ink. She has illustrated numerous scientific publications, plant and wildlife posters, trail guides, and interpretative trail signs. She lives on a mountain top in rural Southern Oregon.

Visit her site to see more of her work.

 

 

 

Judy Bjorlie

The artwork Judy Bjorlie will be displayed by her sister. Judy passed away in 2018 but her stunning art lives on. She was also a cellist with the Rogue Valley Symphony and the Britt Festival Orchestra. Paintings by Judy Bjorlie show her recent work with color theory as taught by Stephen Quiller. Each painting was approached with a different mix of color choices and/or color theory including mixing those gorgeous grayed tones in between complimentary colors. Represented in this work are: Complimentary Relationships, Analogous Color, Color Families, Double Analogous Color Relationships, and Triad Color relationships.

 

 

 

Beth Martin

As a member of the Water Color Society of Oregon and a published illustrator, Beth Martin has shown in galleries, coffee shops, and businesses, has paintings hanging in homes in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Mazatlan, MX, and has sold many cards. One of her paintings was chosen to be used for the Gala Forty Year Anniversary Ball for the Harlem Dance Theatre of New York, and shown across the country on Fox News and other advertising venues. There are many ways to approach a painting: from life, plain air, photos, and imagination. She loves them all. Beth tends to use a limited palette, feeling that it is harmonizing, and blending colors both on the palette and on the paper. She feels that watercolor seems to have a mind of its own – and enjoys partnerships – “if the paint does something I don’t intend, I try to make something of it. Sometimes itʼs the best part of the painting! Discovery.”

You can read more about Beth Martin here.

Chickadee by Beth Boyd Martin
Turkeys by Beth Boyd Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

Only a Few Spots Left!

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

Rogue River (c) Frank Lospalluto

There are only 3 spots left for the Talk and Walk led by Amanda Alford at the Rogue River Preserve. Help us celebrate Earth Day all weekend long, the walk is on Sunday, April 24th, 9 am – 11 am. Amanda is a KBO board member and a lover of all things bird and is excited to share. The preserve is owned and managed by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy. Its 352 acres include several distinct habitats that support remarkable biodiversity, including at least 32 rare, declining, and uncommon plant and animal species. There isn’t a better way to celebrate Mother Earth.

Check out eBird NW to see what has been spotted at the Rogue River Preserve and what you might see.

 

Click here to reserve your spot.   FULL

Amanda Alford

Amanda Alford fell in love with birds for the first time at the Klamath Bird Observatory’s Mountain Bird Festival in 2016. She has been hooked on all things bird ever since! She is supported in her obsession by her husband Greg and children Chance and Salome, who have all come to love the flocks that frequent their feeders in southern Ashland. Her birding is often interrupted by her day job as a physician anesthesiologist with Anesthesia Associates of Medford. She was drawn to the science-driven mission of the Klamath Bird Observatory, believing in the power of good science to change the world in all the right ways. She hopes her involvement will help protect KBO’s important work for generations to come.

Learn more about KBO’s board members.

A Garden Party at Grizzly Peak a KBO FUNdraiser

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

Garden Party with String Quartet and Guitar Duo
Hosted by Bari Frimkess

Come join us for an afternoon outdoors for a KBO FUNdraiser in Ashland with live music, an art exhibit, food, wine, and beverages on Saturday, April 30th from 1:00-4:00 PM at Grizzly Peak Winery. Enjoy the sounds of a string quartet with violins Melissa Orr and Bari Frimkess, violist Emily Severson and cellist Doug Fong, and the popular guitar duo of Craig Martin and Tim Church. View works of local artists and meander through this beautiful Ashland property. An array of tasty finger foods, Grizzly Peak wines, and other beverages will be offered throughout the afternoon.

Cost – $75  Max Attendees – 75

Register Below

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. 

 

 

Community Earth Day Celebration

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

On Earth Day weekend Klamath Bird Observatory will not only be hosting Talk and Walks but we are also going to be at the Celebrate Earth Day event. This event is being hosted by Temple Emek Shalom and SOHEVA at Temple Emek Shalom on April 24th, 1 pm – 4 pm.

Fun, free, informative event for the whole family will feature more than a dozen organizations
committed to environmental protection and a healthy planet
Opportunity to test drive electric vehicles, enjoy food trucks, music, and activities for kids

Temple Emek Shalom (TES) has announced a fun, free, informative, and interactive community event on Sunday, April 24th to celebrate the Earth Day message of protecting our environment. The celebration is open to everyone in the community and is geared to people of all ages, with information, music, food trucks, and activities for kids.

“Although Earth Day officially falls on April 22nd, we chose Sunday, April 24th to make our event accessible to everyone – adults, kids, the whole family,” said Pete Jorgensen, an event organizer. “This event is a great opportunity to come together, learn, try new technology first-hand, and celebrate the importance of a healthy planet.”

A major highlight will be the opportunity for licensed and insured drivers to test drive electric vehicles including the Arcimoto FUV manufactured in Eugene, OR, and the Mustang E and Kia Niro EV, which are sold locally by Lithia Motors’ Green Cars division.
More than a dozen organizations committed to environmental protection will be on-hand to share helpful information and answer questions about green practices and technology.

For more information: Earth Day Poster 2022

Point Count Technician Positions Availble!

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

Lassen National Park Survey Site (c) Frank Lospalluto

 

Klamath Bird Observatory is looking to fill three, point count technician positions for this summer’s field season. You will have an amazing opportunity to camp and backpack through the beautiful Klamath Siskiyou bioregion. Some of the places visited include Lassen Volcanic National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and/or Crater Lake National Park.

We are looking for technicians to start May 2nd with the potential to start in June ending July 15th. Pay is $3000/month, plus reimbursement for mileage if required to drive a personal vehicle.

Technicians must be willing and able to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the duration of hire. Effective June 21, 2021, and until further notice, KBO will require that all employees and Student Interns be fully vaccinated for COVID‐19, and be able to provide proof of vaccination status.

Click here for the full job description.