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Author: Elva Manquera

Talk and Walk’s are Back!

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

Talk and Walk are back by popular demand. These are donation-based series that happen at a variety of locations. It is a great opportunity to explore Southern Oregon, increase your birding knowledge, and make new friends. We welcome birders on all levels. Binoculars’ are available for use.

Our first walk is on March 26th, led by Shannon Rio at North Mountain Park Nature Center starting at 9 am – 11 am FULL. Shannon is KBO’s board president and is passionate about environmental education. North Mountain Park, located next to Bear Creek in beautiful Ashland Oregon, encompasses a Nature Center, Demonstration Gardens, playing fields, and several acres of wildlife-friendly open space and trails. The mission of the Nature Center, which is part of the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department, is “to promote greater community awareness, understanding, and enjoyment of the local natural environment, and to foster stewardship through educational programs and activities.”

Celebrate Earth Day with us by birding at the Rogue River Preserve with Amanda Alford on April 23rd from 9 am – 11 am FULL. A new date has been added on April 24th from 9 am – 11 am. Group size limited to 12 people. Amanda is a KBO board member and a lover of all things bird and is excited to share. The Rogue River Preserve is located along the Rogue River. 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.

More dates will be added through out the year. Want to keep up to date on all things KBO? Sign up for the Klamath Call Note!

 

 

 

 

KBO Positions Available

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

Klamath Bird Observatory has two open job positing’s. We are looking for an avian field biologist. Their primary responsibilities are to support ongoing long-term avian monitoring and applied ecology studies that advance bird conservation. The Biologist will have a primary role in one to several projects and a support role in other research and monitoring studies. Implementation of field studies is a primary responsibility; hiring, training, supervising seasonal field crews, and managing field logistics. This includes developing and coordinating with project partners and private landowners, data management, and analysis and reporting. Field studies may include multiple avian survey methodologies such as point count, nest searching, mist-netting, bird banding, and species-specific survey protocols. The Biologist will complete field surveys as needed. In addition, the Biologist will support all aspects of KBO’s operations on an as-need basis. Click here to read more about the position.

We are still looking for summer point count technicians. We are seeking seasonal field technicians from May 2nd through July 15th (some positions available through July 29th), to complete point count surveys throughout the diverse and beautiful regions of southern Oregon, eastern Oregon, and/or northern California. Technicians will work on multiple projects consisting of monitoring effects of oak and stream restoration and long-term monitoring in both private and public lands. Surveyors will work in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, eastern Oregon sagebrush habitat, and more. Applicants should be able to identify a large variety of Western birds as they may be working in a range of habitats including oak woodlands, riparian areas, coniferous forests, montane meadows, and shrub-steppe. Click here to read more about the position. 

Upcoming KBO Events

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

Birding Beyond Borders

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) presents Birding Beyond Borders in partnership with Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa). This presentation celebrates the Klamath Bird Observatory, birds, scientists, conservationists, and people from all parts of our globe. It praises the value of diversity in all of the aspects that nature provides to us: diversity of landscape, diversity of peoples and culture, and how that diversity equals a balanced healthy world.

There will be two parts the first is presented by KBO board president, Shannon Rio. As a tribute to the Klamath Bird Observatory and how it embraces the international aspect of studying and protecting birds. She will be introducing how this has impacted people and the environment with a slideshow and videos.

The second part of the presentation is presented by past KBO intern and Executive Director of OAMa, Luiza Figueira. She will talk about the development of the bird observatory in Brazil, their research and outreach projects to promote bird conservation.

This presentation is free and is on February 24th, 6 pm – 7 pm PT. Click here to register. 

FUNdraiser — Hawks and Ducks Field Trip

Join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford for an all-day outing on March 5th, where we’ll look at everything “the basin” has to offer. Dick and Amanda will plan a route that will give us our best chances of seeing the varied birdlife for which the Klamath Basin is famous. And, we’ll have lots of fun doing it!

Our KBO FUNdraising events are being offered with Covid safety as our primary concern. Proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. To ensure a Covid-safe, quality experience, we are limiting field trip offerings to a small number of 4-PERSON CAR PODS. One donor will be able to purchase a 1-car ticket for a total of four people to include family members or close friends who make up that donor’s Covid-safe pod. Social distancing and masking when appropriate will also be required. More details about KBO’s Covid-safe guidelines will be provided upon registration.

Click here to register for this all day event. 

 

Bird Conmigo

Join Klamath Bird Observatory for free bilingual bird walks in Medford. We will be exploring local parks highlighting that you do not need to travel far to enjoy birds. For each bird walk, we will cover the basics of birding and introduce you to birds of the Rogue Valley. Making it perfect for beginner birders. You will be able to take the skills and knowledge learned to bird watch in your own backyard. KBO will be providing binoculars and bird guides during the event. An adventure for the whole familia!

Dates and Locations

March 5th, 10 am – 11 am, Bear Creek Park
April 2nd, 10 am – 11 am, Fichtner Mainwaring Park
May 7th, 10 am – 11 am, Holmes Park
June 4th, 10 am – 11 am, Prescott Park

Click here to learn more and to register!

FUNdraiser — Ducks & Hawks Field Trip

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

Join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford for an all-day outing on March 5th, where we’ll look at everything “the basin” has to offer. Dick and Amanda will plan a route that will give us our best chances of seeing the varied birdlife for which the Klamath Basin is famous. And, we’ll have lots of fun doing it!

You aren’t going to want to miss this waterfowl and raptor adventure!

This trip will be limited to just three cars (plus the leaders). 1-car tickets (for to up four people per car) is $200 per car for each donor’s Covid-safe pod of family and/or close friends. Email Amanda to sign up for this event, amandabalford@gmail.com.

Our KBO FUNdraising events are being offered with Covid safety as our primary concern. Proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. To ensure a Covid-safe, quality experience, we are limiting field trip offerings to a small number of 4-PERSON CAR PODS. One donor will be able to purchase a 1-car ticket for a total of four people to include family members or close friends who make up that donor’s Covid-safe pod. Social distancing and masking when appropriate will also be required. More details about KBO’s Covid-safe guidelines will be provided upon registration.

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 to 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 Fall Series FUNdraising events.

To stay tuned for more details about KBO FUNdraising and community education events:

Many thanks to our KBO 2021 Community Education Sponsors

Vesper Sparrow Stephens flipped cropped (72dpi 11x17)

Did you miss Uncovering the Oregon Vesper Sparrow Talk?

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

Thank you to the Salem Audubon Society for recording Sarah’s most recent talk on the Oregon Vesper Sparrow. Sarah shared some recent research on this unique at-risk subspecies, including what we’ve learned from detailed nesting studies and new migration tracking technology (Motus).

You can watch the recording here.

Click here to learn even more about Klamath Bird Observatory’s research on the Oregon Vesper Sparrow.

 

Bird Conmigo

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, KBO Education.

Join Klamath Bird Observatory for bilingual bird walks in Medford. We will be exploring local parks highlighting that you do not need to travel far to enjoy birds. For each bird walk, we will cover the basics of birding and introduce you to birds of the Rogue Valley. Making it perfect for beginner birders. You will be able to take the skills and knowledge learned to bird watch in your own backyard. KBO will be providing binoculars and bird guides during the event. An adventure for the whole family!

A take-home Spanish bird guide will be available.

Due to COVID- 19 masks are required.

Dates and Locations

March 5th, 10 am – 11 am, Bear Creek Park
April 2nd, 10 am – 11 am, Fichtner Mainwaring Park
May 7th, 10 am – 11 am, Holmes Park
June 4th, 10 am – 11 am, Prescott Park

Click here to register.

Waiver of Liability

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in uncategorized.

Online Waiver of Liability

Signature (Please print your full name to sign)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Participant Name or for a Minor Name of Legal Guardian(Required)
Name of Minor (under 18 years old)
MM slash DD slash YYYY

A Holiday FUNdraiser, Shopping, and Outreach Spetacular

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

Holiday FUNdraiser — Contemplative Photography

Sunday, December 11th, 5 – 8 PM

Nature photography can be deeply soul-soothing and meditative. It can be educational as it gives details about the appearance or behavior of a bird, and it can result in the protection of birds and landscapes. William Finley was a conservation photographer who presented to Teddy Roosevelt photos showing the mass slaughter of herons and egrets, prompting Roosevelt to set aside land as refuges for birds.

This presentation celebrates the power of photography. Kirk Gooding selected his favorite nature photos and created this inspirational series set to music. After a brief introduction, we ask you to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds created in this stunning presentation.

This holiday event will be held in a home in Ashland. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Suggested $100 Donation.

Register HERE

Shop Small and Support Conservation

This holiday season, shop local and support conservation. Check out our Gear Shop and find the perfect gift this holiday season. You will find amazing stocking stuffers like the Conservation Science Stamp Set, t-shirts, hats, or beautiful art from Erin Linton. Local pickup is available, and the cost of shipping is calculated separately. You can also purchase in person at the Northwest Nature Shop on December 2nd, 5:30 – 7:30 PM for First Friday.

For the little one in your life, you can shop at Ashland-based Sunday Afternoon for bird-themed trucker hats. A portion of the purchase goes to KBO. You can find all the varieties HERE.

Northwest Nature Shop Festive First Friday

December 2nd, 5:30 – 8 PM

Join KBO at the Northwest Nature Shop for the First Friday in December. KBO will have an information and merch table. Santa Claus will be visiting us. Sultan’s Delight will offer fresh, delicious falafels, lamb and beef gyros, kabobs and salads for sale, live music, outdoor fire pits, and complimentary hot mulled wine to keep warm and unique homemade goodies for holiday treats. Experience the magic of the holiday season in Ashland during the First Friday celebration. Inside the Northwest Nature Shop, 6-8 pm, meet Michael Kauffmann, author of Klamath Mountains: A Natural History, and Richard Crossley, author of birding guides Crossley’s ID Guide Western Birds.

Sit with us by the fire and enjoy some mulled wine. See you there!

Cocktails for a Cause At Lune Cafe

December 20th, 5 – 8:30 pm

Luna Cafe is hosting Klamath Bird Observatory for Cocktails for a Cause on December 20th. Every month Luna Cafe picks a local non-profit for their Cocktails for a Cause event. It is their way to gather our community to spread awareness about causes we care about over craft cocktails. Join KBO in December for a 50/50 raffle and drinks. Luna Cafe even makes lemonade from scratch for our non-alcoholic supporters. They donate $2 from every specialty cocktail and $1 from every specialty lemonade.

Bird Conmigo

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Community Education.

 

Join Klamath Bird Observatory for bilingual bird walks in Medford. We will be exploring local parks highlighting that you do not need to travel far to enjoy birds. For each bird walk, we will cover the basics of birding and introduce you to birds of the Rogue Valley. Making it perfect for beginner birders. You will be able to take the skills and knowledge learned to bird watch in your own backyard. KBO will be providing binoculars and bird guides during the event. An adventure for the whole family!

A take-home Bird Guide is available.

More Dates Coming Soon.

Acompaña a Klamath Bird Observatory en las caminatas bilingües de observación de aves en Medford. Exploraremos los parques locales para que veas que no es necesario ir muy lejos para apreciar a las aves. En cada paseo, te enseñaremos lo esencial para observar aves e introduciremos a las aves que habitan en el Rogue Valley. Esto hará que sea perfecto para principiantes. Podrás usar lo aprendido y practicar las técnicas y conocimientos en tu propio jardín. KBO ofrecerá binoculares y guía de identificación de aves durante el evento. Sera una aventura para toda la familia!

Un  folleto de aves en español disponible.

Ubicación y Fechas

Uncovering the Secrets of the Oregon Vesper Sparrow

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

Oregon Vesper Sparrow (c) Frank Lospalluto

The Oregon Vesper Sparrow is a prime example of what birders refer to as “little brown jobs” – those small, drab, hard to identify birds that we sometimes overlook. But this little brown job is an imperiled subspecies unique to the Pacific Northwest. One that serves as an indicator of the health of our grassland ecosystems, and is in need of our attention and protection. With its small population size and declining trend, the Oregon Vesper Sparrow has recently been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Klamath Bird Observatory is undertaking a multi-year, full life cycle study to help determine the causes of its decline – always a challenge for a migratory bird that can be impacted by events on their breeding, migratory stopover, or overwintering grounds. However, new technologies such as miniaturized GPS tags and Motus are starting to uncover the secrets of where these birds go when they’re away from our study sites.

Dr. Sarah Rockwell will share some recent research on this unique at-risk subspecies. Including what we’ve learned from detailed nesting studies and new migration tracking technology. The talk will be held through the Salem Audubon Society over Zoom on February 8th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Click here to register for the talk.

About the Speaker

Sarah Rockwell bio cropped (72ppi 4x)Dr. Rockwell is a Research Biologist at Klamath Bird Observatory in southern Oregon. She joined KBO in 2013 after completing her doctorate at the University of Maryland and Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Where she studied the ecology of the then-endangered Kirtland’s Warbler in her home state of Michigan. Currently, she studies avian response to coniferous and riparian habitat restoration, including bird abundance, diversity, and demography, to improve conservation and management. Sarah also leads research on specific imperiled species, including Oregon Vesper Sparrow and Western Purple Martin.