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Travel with Purpose: Conservation-Focused Nature and Birding Adventures

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) has launched a new webpage that brings its conservation travel program to life. Designed for nature lovers, birders, and eco-conscious explorers, this page showcases how every journey with KBO supports science, education, and habitat restoration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, these trips offer a rare chance to connect deeply with birds, landscapes, and the people working to protect them.

A green hillside with a group of people walking on a trail.
The 2023 trip attendees on a hike through Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

Brazil – Atlantic Forest Adventure (September 3–12, 2026)
Embark on a 10-day expedition through Brazil’s breathtaking Atlantic Forest with KBO and Mantiqueira Bird Observatory. This immersive experience combines birdwatching, hiking, and cultural exploration, while directly supporting an internship exchange program between the two observatories.

  • Dates: September 3–12, 2026
  • Leaders: Jaime Stephens (KBO) & Luiza Figueira (OAMa)
  • Highlights:
    • Birding in the Mantiqueira Highlands
    • Cultural immersion and scenic hikes
    • Supports international conservation internships
  • Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
  • Cost: $6,000 single / $5,500 double occupancy
  • Accessibility: Moderate walking, uneven trails, elevation gain
  • Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transport
  • Not Included: International airfare

This trip is ideal for those seeking a meaningful international adventure that blends ecological learning with cultural richness.

Bear Divide – California Migration Hotspot (May 6–9, 2026)

A line of people looking out onto a vast mountain range looking for birds.
Bear Divide trip attendees from 2023 are seeking migratory birds to spot.

Experience spring migration like never before at Bear Divide, a narrow mountain pass where thousands of songbirds funnel through each morning. This 4-day trip offers expert-guided outings, a special presentation, and optional excursions, like a Pasadena parrot tour.

  • Dates: May 6–9, 2026
  • Leaders: Dr. Ryan Terrill & Elva Manquera-DeShields
  • Highlights:
    • Witness daylight migration of thousands of birds
    • Morning field sessions and optional afternoon outings
    • Supports on-site bird banding and outreach
  • Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
  • Cost: $1,500 per person
  • Included: Breakfast, lunch, transport to Bear Divide, one group dinner
  • Not Included: Airfare, hotel, most dinners
  • Suggested Hotel: Hotel Lexen, Santa Clarita

Perfect for birders who want to witness the magic of migration at a globally unique daytime migration hotspot and support local science.

Why Travel with KBO?
Every trip registration helps fund KBO’s mission, advancing bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. From supporting internships to sustaining migration monitoring stations, your journey becomes part of a larger story of stewardship.

Ready to Join?
Visit the new Travel with Purpose page to learn more, view bird lists, and register. Spots are limited, so secure your place today!