Birds & Birding

Looking for a New Years’ resolution? How about learning more about nature? Start by joining Dick Ashford for a talk and outing about hawks, some of nature’s most graceful creatures.  The talk will be hosted in person at the Klamath Bird Observatory office in Ashland, OR on January 5th, 6 pm – 8:30 pm.  Then, enjoy a day-long outing to the Klamath Basin on Jan 7th. We’ll depart Ashland at 8 AM and return around 5-ish. To afford everyone the best possible experience, attendance is limited. We will carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles of 4 people each. Your seat will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, tax-deductible contribution of $75 per person. 

It is still 2022, but we are planning for 2023! In April, KBO will be traveling to Brazil to spend time with Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa)  and their fantastic team, Luiza and Pedro. Join us for a 10-day trip exploring the beauty of the Brazilian cloud forests, seeing exotic birds, discussing bird conservation with scientists from Brazil and KBO, bird banding in action, and eating delicious food. By attending this trip, you are donating to the intern exchange program between KBO and OAMa. Your donation helps cover the cost of travel, visa fees, stipend, and much more for an intern. Luiza will be hosting a presentation on November 20th at 5 pm to showcase all the amazing this we will see and do in Brazil and about OAMa. 

Our last outing to Upper Klamath Lake filled up so fast that Shannon decided to host a second one! This will be a day of casual birding, easy walking with short distances, and exploring the beautiful Upper Klamath area. Our itinerary will start at the Rite Aid parking lot in Ashland at 7:30 am. Our first stop will be Rocky Point on Klamath Lake to check out water birds and then we will walk the road to see and hear forest birds. From there we will drive to Kimball State Park to view the turquoise headwaters of the Wood River eat lunch and do more birding. The next stop is the Wood River day-use area where we will be walking its short trails. Possible sightings are red-breasted nuthatch, white-headed woodpecker, bald eagle, song sparrow, great blue heron, and possibly a fall migrant. Bring bino’s, cameras, lunch, clothes for layering (higher elevation will be cooler temps), and drink. Date: October 22nd, leaving Ashland at 7:30 am. Registration required.

This will be a day of casual birding, easy walking with short distances, and exploring the beautiful Upper Klamath area. Our itinerary will start us off at the Rite Aid parking lot in Ashland at 7:30 am on September 25th. Our first stop will be Rocky Point on Klamath Lake to check out water birds and then we will walk the road to see and hear forest birds. From there we will drive to Kimball State Park to view the turquoise headwaters of the Wood River eat lunch and do more birding. The next stop is the nearby Wood River day-use area where we will be walking its short trails. Possible sightings are red-breasted nuthatch, white-headed woodpecker, bald eagle, song sparrow, great blue heron, and possibly a fall migrant. Aspens may treat us to fall colors! Bring bino’s, cameras, lunch, clothes for layering (higher elevation will be cooler temps), and your drink.

Join Shannon Rio for a leisurely day of hiking and birding the pacific crest trail into Little Hyatt Lake. This 8-mile hike starts at Hwy 66 where the PCT takes us through meadows and woods to our lunch spot of Little Hyatt. Migratory birds and resident birds are nesting in this area. The hike is level and rated easy. Upon arrival at the lake, we will enjoy lunch and whatever birds are visiting there. Usually, dippers are in Keene Creek and Osprey like to fish in the lake. Our hike will take us back to our vehicles via the road. Date: Saturday, July 2nd, 7 am – 3 pm.

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. This is a two-part FUNdraiser with a presentation on May 19th and a field trip on May 22nd. Registration for the presentation is unlimited.

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) FUNdraising events are organized and hosted by the KBO board. They have been working hard on this amazing spring lineup. Events include a day trip to Shasta, bird banding with KBO staff, a garden party, and the highly anticipated birding by ear workshop. There is something for everyone! Registration for events will open a month before the event. Some have limited spots so make sure to mark your calendar.

There are only 3 spots left for the Talk and Walk led by Amanda Alford at the Rogue River Preserve on 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.

The next Bird Conmigo bird walk is almost here! Join the KBO team this Saturday, April 2nd, at Fitchner Mainwaring Park in Medford at 10 am for an exploration of our urban backyard.

Talks and Walks are a great way to start your birding adventure. You can learn about local birds, explore new places, and be outside. Join KBO board president and nature enthusiast Shannon Rio for a bird walk of North Mountain Park. Shannon is eager to get back out and share the joys of birding with everyone. North Mountain Park offers the opportunity to see a variety of birds in an easy-to-access environment. Walk and talks are free and open to anyone. Binoculars are available for use.