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Klamath Bird Observatory Events and Updates

Thank you to everyone who celebrated World Migratory Bird Day with us at Rogue Valley Bird Day!

Left to Right: Axel, Victoria, Claire, and Yuly

 

We are going to need your vote!

Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) members will soon be asked to vote for their favorite nonprofits in AFC’s Change for Good Program. Through this program, AFC helps local nonprofits raise money and outreach to the community. Voting takes place 5/24/2022 through 6/6/2022 for MEMBERS ONLY. If you are not a member and are thinking of becoming one, NOW would be a great time to join the Co-op so you can vote https://ashlandfood.coop/become-owner

If you are already a member, watch your email for a ballot during the above dates and vote!

Change for Good is a roundup program offered by the Co-op and helps raise money for local nonprofits when customers donate by rounding up their sales. The eleven nonprofits with the highest votes will secure a month of fundraising and outreach at the Co-op. (The highest vote getters secure the Co-op’s busiest months with more opportunity for fundraising). KBO has been accepted as a candidate for this program, but it is competitive and we need your vote to secure a fundraising month…support KBO by voting. Please also spread the word and post on social media, so that we can reach as many KBO supporters as possible during the voting period. Thank you so much for supporting KBO!


Events

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 at North Mountain Park. 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 North Mountain Park at 9 am.

Suggest donation of $25. 

Click here to register for the Talk and Walk

Click here to register for the talk ONLY. 


Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher

Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher is a story of keen observation, curiosity,  and revelation in the presence of flowing waters. The kingfisher is linked to the mythic origin of halcyon days, a state of idyllic happiness that author Marina Richie hoped to find outside her back door in her then home of Missoula, Montana.

Little did Marina know her quarry would prove to be a skittish bird, infamous for vanishing around a stream bend. Delving deeper, she embraced tribal stories of the belted kingfisher as messenger and helper, pivotal qualities for a journey extending from one to multiple seasons.

Blunders, epiphanies, and a citizen science discovery punctuated days tracking a bird that outwits at every turn. The female is more colorful than the male (a mystery) and their earthen nest holes are difficult to locate. While the heart of the drama takes place on Rattlesnake Creek, adventures seeking kingfisher kin on the lower Rio Grande, South Africa, and London illuminate her relationships with the birds of her home stream

By spending many hours observing a nesting pair of kingfishers from within a camouflaged blind, her status as a visitor turned to that of a resident. By the forested creek’s edge, she came to terms with the loss of her naturalist father. Here, too, she tapped into her own powers, inspired by the bird of the headfirst plunge and awakening rattle call. With newfound courage, Marina left Missoula to travel as a roving naturalist in her popup camper, and then returned to Oregon (her home state before Montana). The kingfisher remains her muse.

Books are available for purchase at Northwest Nature Shop.

This free webinar is on June 16th, 6 pm – 7 pm. 

Click here to register. 


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.

Register Here!


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.