Field Notebook

Klamath Bird Observatory and Cal Poly Humboldt Applied Avian Ecology Lab have partnered up to study the response of oak-obligate breeding birds to oak restoration efforts in the Rogue Valley of Oregon, and to understand what drives local population trends. We have selected three species that require oak habitat, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch (Slender-billed subspecies), and Ash-throated Flycatcher, to study in the California black oak and Oregon white oak woodlands at Table Rocks Management Area. We will assess various demographic metrics (nesting density, nest success, and number of fledglings produced) and vegetation structure in relation to restoration in an effort to understand how birds are doing in restored vs. unrestored oak areas. This study will provide essential information on avian responses to restoration and help inform and improve future management efforts. Read more about this important study.

The year is almost over and soon it will be 2025. To get ready for the new year KBO is searching for its 2025 field technician crew for its point count program. The avian point count surveys will take place from April 28th through July 18th, throughout the ecologically diverse and beautiful regions of southern Oregon, eastern Oregon, and/or northern California. Technicians will conduct work related to multiple projects including monitoring effects of oak and conifer forest restoration on species distributions and long-term monitoring on both private and public lands. Plus check out how the 2024 season went! We are very thankful for our excellent point count crew this year, who put in an amazing effort to collect high-quality data throughout the region, while also navigating life in the field. In 2024 they recorded over 29,000 individuals of over 200 different species on surveys. At Klamath Bird Observatory, we are happy to have another successful season on the books and are looking f…

Day in a Life of a Point Counter was written by Sam Webb. Join her for a morning at Lava Beds National Park. Exploring a point count route and collecting data for the National Park Service Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network. Since 2008, KBO has been conducting long term bird monitoring in partnership Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network. The advantage of long-term monitoring, compared to our other field studies, is that it allows us to detect trends in bird populations, and provides data that will inform future restoration or conservation planning efforts within protected areas.

Oregon Vesper Sparrows are a declining and at-risk subspecies unique to the Pacific Northwest. This June, KBO staff spent time in the field placing miniature GPS tags on Oregon Vesper Sparrows to discover their migratory routes and wintering grounds. We thought you might be interested in the process!