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Author: Elva Manquera

Three Day Trip to Klamath Marsh NWR

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

Klamath Basin Audubon Society and Klamath Bird Observatory sponsored trip to the Klamath Marsh NWR and surrounding areas and the Wood River Valley/Fort Klamath area

Trip dates are June 9th, 10th, & 11th, with two nights and two full days covering forest, riparian, and wetland habitats in the northern Klamath Basin. Those areas include the Klamath NWR area and the Wood River Valley around Fort Klamath. There is the potential for seeing or hearing more than 140 species of birds in beautiful settings, including night/evening outings for nocturnal birds.

Accommodations: in a house (with a sleeping bag on either bed, couch, or personal air mattress) both nights. Showers and restroom for use at the end of the day. Group dinners will be planned for both nights (to accommodate the group for the dinner meal); otherwise, participants will be on their own for other meals/snacks.

Walking up to 2 miles or more at some stops. Early departures, and excursions into the late evenings, both nights, make for long days that are all about birds at that time of year. Numerous areas not ordinarily accessible are on Saturday’s agenda. Carpooling is probable on Saturday. Mosquitoes will likely be out and could be vicious this year. Endurance, enthusiasm, and willingness to be out all day in any weather conditions will be needed, but the experiences and observations will be everlasting!

Current Itinerary:

Friday, June 9th
4:00 pm Arrivals (unpacking/greetings/settling in) walking around the grounds
6:00 pm Group Dinner (participants will have assigned contributions for vegan style meal)
8:00 pm Nocturnal Outing (Military Crossing/Williamson River will be at least one destination)
10:30 pm Lights out (maybe)

Saturday, June 10th
6:00 Awake, Breakfast coffee on your own
7:00 am Leave house (variety of walking at or driving too many parts of, Klamath Marsh NWR)
Lunch and/or snacks on your own during the day
5:00 pm Return to house
6:00 pm Group Dinner (participants will have assigned contributions for vegan style meal)
7:30 pm Nocturnal outing and based on what was experienced the previous evening
10:30 pm Lights out (probably)

Sunday, June 11th
6:00 am Breakfast and coffee on your own; pack personal items before leaving the house
8:00 am Leave the house and Klamath Marsh
9:00 am Arrive at Wood River Wetlands
11:30 am Arrive at Wood River Day Use Area; short stop at Dixon Road/Wood River bridge
2:30 pm Arrive at Seven-mile Guard Station
Other stops may include:
Short Creek, Mare’s Egg Spring, Nannie Creek, Rocky Point, and Rocky Point Residence.
4:00 pm Dispersal.. likely a formal ending time for the trip, although there is some flexibility.

This trip is free with max number of 12 attendees. There are still openings for this trip. Contact Kevin Spencer, rriparia@charter.net, to reserve a space.

About the Leader

Kevin Spencer has been interested in birds from an early age and has intensely studied and observed birds for more than 45 years. He has lived in the Klamath Basin since 1989 and has done USGS Breeding Bird Surveys, Point Counts, many for KBO in the past, and for BLM, a compiler for the Klamath Falls and Tule Lake CBCs, author for numerous species accounts in Birds of Oregon, General Reference, South Central Fieldnotes author for Oregon Birds publication by Oregon Birding Association, field trip leader for Winter Wings Festivals and Klamath Basin Audubon trips, and continuously out in the field. Received a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Humboldt State University, 1979. Teaching Credential, Humboldt State University, 1988, Masters in Teaching Science, Chico State University, 2009. Teacher at the Tulelake Basin JUSD for 30 years. Retired.

Upcoming Birding Trips

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

Join Klamath Bird Observatory for birding this summer. We have a variety of trips available, and all bird likers welcome. 

Spring Birding at Rocky Point and Fort Klamath Wood River Day Use Area with Shannon

June 3rd, 7:30 am – 5 pm

This walking and birding outing will take us to Upper Klamath Lake for spring migrants and water birds. After exploring that area, we will visit Fort Klamath to picnic and bird and walk the Wood River Day Use Area. Expect to see White Pelicans, Bald Eagles, White-headed Woodpeckers, and many other mountain species. Also, expect glorious views of the lake and the landscape at this elevation of 4-5000 feet.

Dress in layers and bring your lunch, drinks, bino’s, cameras, and mosquito repellent (just in case).

This trip is limited to 4 cars of, 4 folks in each vehicle. Donations welcomed. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. 

2023 Bird Conmigo

Spanish/English Bird Walks

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!

Dates
June 17th, 9 am – 11 am, Bear Creek Park

July 15th, 9 am – 11 am, Bear Creek Park

August 12th, 9 am – 11 am, Bear Creek Park

Pulse aquí para registrars

Click above to register.

Save the Date! “Up to the Siskiyou Crest (and Back)”: A History-and-Birding Auto Tour

July 2, 8:30 AM – 5 pm

Whether you’re a newcomer to the region or an old-timer, participate in a fun- and information-filled auto tour led by a renowned birder and KBO board president Shannon Rio and historian/author Jeff LaLande.

The car-pool route will include various “History Stops” (but relatively little actual walking) at essential places such as Railroad Tunnel #13, the old Siskiyou Pass, Grouse Gap shelter (just past Mt. Ashland), the 1850s-1860s “Mountain House” stage stop, the 1846 Applegate Trail, the Hill-Dunn cemetery, and other spots – returning the “back way” (through the upper-most Bear Creek Valley) to Ashland by mid-afternoon.

Along the Siskiyou Crest, we’ll hike a short stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail near Mt. Ashland. Wildflowers – lupine, gilia, Oregon sunshine, corn lily, and many species may be in profusion, and we will identify and enjoy as many of those as we can.

Various raptors should be spotted, as well as many other birds – ranging from migrant Green-tailed Towhee, along the short stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, to Bullock’s Orioles and Acorn Woodpeckers down at Emigrant Lake’s historic cemetery.

Registration will open in early June.

A place to Visit: White City Lagoon

The Kirtland Ponds in White City have become more accessible to birders. Thanks to Watchable Wildlife Foundation and Rogue River Watershed Council. There is now parking and a specific spot for birders to see the unique birds attracted to these ponds. Make sure to take a trip out there and eBird your sightings.

Located about 4 miles off I-5, exit 35 (Blackwell Rd). Bear right onto Kirtland Rd (Hwy 140 East/Hwy 62), left at White City Lagoons sign, and left to public parking.

Read more about it here.

World Migratory Bird Day

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

Water: Sustaining Bird Life

Water is fundamental to sustaining life on our planet. Virtually all migratory birds rely on water and its associated habitats at some point during their life cycles. Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, and coastal waters are all vital for feeding, drinking, or nesting and as places to rest and refuel during long seasonal migrations.

Unfortunately, these aquatic ecosystems and the migratory birds that depend on them are becoming increasingly threatened worldwide. The increasing human demand for water, as well as pollution and climate change, is directly impacting the quantity and quality of water resources and the conservation status of many migratory bird species.

Klamath Bird Observatory is celebrating World Migratory Bird Day twice this year. On May 13th, from 8 am-Noon, we will be at North Mountain Park.  Activities include the big sit, a self-guided activity book, seven bird walks with two in Spanish, a bird-calling contest, exhibitors like Wildlife Images, and other kids’ activities. You can learn more about this event here.

We will then travel over the hill to Klamath Falls on May 20th from 10 am – 3 pm at Veterans Park. A family-focused event that features high-quality, experiential education to celebrate and explore the unique features of our national wildlife refuges and other public lands for meeting the needs of migratory birds.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day all year long by doing these four actions.

 

 

Earth Day & Medford Co-op Voting

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

What’s Happening

Klamath Bird Observatory will be at the Rogue Earth Day event on Friday, April 21st, from 3 – 7 pm at the Southern Oregon University Farm. We are excited to be an exhibitor at this Earth Day event. There will be live performances, an electric vehicle showcase, a bike rodeo, art, food trucks, and more, celebrating Earth Day! You can learn more about this event here.

Thank you to everyone that shopped at the Ashland Co-op in March to support KBO. We raised over $7,000 and couldn’t be more thankful for our fantastic community. To top it off, Medford Co-op has picked KBO to be on the ballot for their 2024 Positive Change Program. If you are a Medford Co-op member, you can vote for us from 4/21 – 5/6. Click here to learn more about the Medford Co-op Positive Change program. 

 

Last Week to Round Up!

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

We are very grateful to be able to participate in the Ashland Co-op’s Change for Good Program. The last day to round up is Friday, March 31st. This is the week to forget that onion, run to the store for a late-night snack, or treat yourself to that afternoon coffee. When checking out, tell your cashier you want to round up for bird conservation.

An Evening of Photography

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

Join KBO for an evening of photography. Kirk Gooding takes us on a journey to see beauty and richness from a new perspective. The photography selected for viewing focuses on nature and birds. After a brief introduction, we ask you to sit back and connect to the sights and sounds created in this presentation.  We will then look at each photo individually and discuss the bird or the landscape as a way of learning about places in Oregon, local birds, and what you might expect to find—the perfect way to prepare you for spring migration.

The presentation will take place on March 28th at 6 pm. This is a hybrid presentation, and the in-person portion will be at the KBO office in Ashland, OR. Follow this link to register for this free event, https://klamathbird.org/callnote/contemplative-photography/.

 

Migrate South with KBO to Brazil

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

Join KBO for a migration south to Brazil. Brazil is known for its astonishing bird diversity, with over 1800 species registered. You will travel with local scientists and founders of Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa), Luiza Figueira and Pedro Martins, and KBO’s Director of Conservation, Jaime Stephens. OAMa has planned a 9-day immersive trip that you won’t want to miss exploring Brazil’s biodiverse cloud forests, photography workshop, and delicious Brazilian food. There is still one spot available!

This trip is more than a memorable vacation. It is an opportunity to support bird conservation across borders. The trip fee will fund OAMa’s bird banding program for a whole year and the Bird Banders Beyond Borders intern exchange program.

The trip is taking place on April 12th-20th, 2023. The trip fee is $5,000 and covers hotels, food, and transportation in Brazil. For more information and to register, click HERE.

Contemplative Photography

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

Contemplative photography combined with nature photography can be deeply soul-soothing, educational, and plays an important part in conservation.  It details the appearance or behavior of birds and has resulted in the protection of landscapes and species.  The inspiration for this presentation was William Finley. Finley was a conservation photographer that prompted Roosevelt to set aside land as refuges for birds. His photos of the mass slaughter of herons and egrets led to the creation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

This presentation on March 28th, at 6 pm, celebrates the power of photography and our love for birds.  Kirk Gooding selected some of his favorite nature photos and created this series set to music.  After a brief introduction, we ask you to sit back and connect to the sights and sounds created in this presentation. After the slide show, we will look at each photo one by one and discuss the bird or the landscape as a way of learning about places in Oregon, local birds, and what you might expect to find—the perfect way to prepare you for spring migration.

The presentation will be hosted in person at the Klamath Bird Observatory office in Ashland, OR, and via Zoom. There is a limit of 20 attendees in person.

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and as such, KBO events are offered with COVID-19 safety as a primary concern. Proof of “up-to-date” vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. All individuals attending an in-person event must also fill out KBO’s COVID Release Form and Waiver of Liability upon registration. Paper copies may also be available at an event upon advanced request. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

About the Photographer and Presenter

Kirk Gooding is an amateur photographer who enjoys being open to the forms and patterns of nature. He especially enjoys his forays with his wife, Shannon Rio, out into the wide, open spaces of their favorite haunts, The Shasta Valley and the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge: sitting there, watching and listening. Not too long ago, while Shannon was volunteering at Badger Run Wildlife Rehab Center they drove weekly for a year to the Refuge after returning home by way of Shasta Valley. Most of the photos in the short montage entitled, Contemplative Photography, were taken during those trips.

Shannon Rio is the board president of the Klamath Bird Observatory because of its work to preserve birds and wild places in nature. She is a wildlife educator with a goal to connect people (and herself) with nature so that they will want to protect what they love. She teaches classes in various settings and also teaches yoga, works as a nurse practitioner, is devoted to family and friends and community, and loves learning anything about the natural world through hiking and birding and sitting quietly observing the wonder of it all.

Ask your Cashier to Round Up!

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

Starting March 1st thru the 31st, you can round up your change at the Ashland Food Coop to support Klamath Bird Observatory. Just ask your cashier!

Klamath Bird Observatory achieves bird conservation in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the ranges of our migratory birds. Emphasizing high-caliber science and the role of birds as indicators, we inform and improve natural resource management. Recognizing that conservation occurs across many fronts, we nurture an environmental ethic through community outreach and education. We owe our success to committed donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who demonstrate that each of us can contribute to a legacy of abundant bird populations and healthy land, air, and water.

Thank you for your support!

PIF WWG Spring 2023

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in uncategorized.

WWGThe Spring 2023 PIF WWG meeting will be held on April 25-27th, 2023, at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Corn Creek Visitor Center. You can find more information and the meeting agenda HERE.

If you need to use the discount code, you can contact Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org.

We are looking forward to a productive, engaging meeting. Let me know if you have any questions about meeting logistics or the agenda: Jennifer Davis at jdavis@abcbirds.org

La reunión de primavera de 2023 del Grupo de Trabajo Occidental Compañeros En Vuelo (PIF WWG) se celebrará del 25 al 27 de abril en el Desert National Wildlife Refuge Corn Creek Visitor Center. Puede encontrar más información y la agenda de la reunión AQUÍ.

Si desea usar un código de descuento, puede ponerse en contacto con Elva al ejm@klamathbird.org.

Esperamos que la reunión sea productiva e interesante. Hágame saber si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la logística de la reunión o el orden del día: Jennifer Davis en jdavis@abcbirds.org