Western Field Ornithologists’ 50th Annual Conference to Ashland, Oregon
Klamath Bird Observatory is excited to help welcome the Western Field Ornithologists’ 50th Annual Conference to Ashland, Oregon, September 17–20, 2026. This milestone gathering will bring birders, researchers, conservation practitioners, students, and field ornithology enthusiasts to the Rogue Valley for four days of birding, science, skill-building, and community.
Western Field Ornithologists hosts a multi-day annual conference each year, featuring scientific presentations, field trips, workshops, panels, a keynote address, the annual membership meeting, and community events. In 2026, WFO will celebrate five decades of field ornithology with a special anniversary conference centered in Ashland, with field trips exploring the diverse habitats of southern Oregon.
KBO is proud to partner with WFO on this important event, alongside support from the Oregon Birding Association. As a regional organization dedicated to bird conservation through science, education, and partnerships, KBO is especially honored to help bring this gathering of field ornithologists to our home region.
Jaime Stephens to Give 50th Anniversary Keynote
A highlight of the conference will be the 50th Anniversary Banquet and Keynote, featuring Jaime Stephens, Klamath Bird Observatory’s Director of Conservation. Jaime’s work connects science, conservation planning, and collaborative partnerships across the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion and beyond. Her keynote will help celebrate WFO’s 50-year legacy while looking ahead to the future of bird conservation, applied science, and field ornithology in western North America.
The banquet and keynote may be added to conference registration for an additional fee. Guest banquet tickets will also be available for those who would like to attend with a companion.
What to Expect
The 2026 conference program will include expert-led field trips, science sessions, workshops, panels, and evening events. Attendees can look forward to opportunities to explore premier southern Oregon habitats, learn from regional experts, sharpen field identification skills, and connect with fellow birders and ornithologists.
Conference highlights will include:
Expert-led field trips to southern Oregon habitats, including wetlands, oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and other bird-rich landscapes during fall migration.
Science sessions featuring current research, regional studies, and emerging topics in ornithology and conservation.
Hands-on workshops designed to strengthen identification, field techniques, photography, sound identification, and scientific literacy.
Signature evening events, including the Sound ID Challenge with Nathan Pieplow and Ben Guo, the Photo ID Challenge with Ed Harper, community gatherings, receptions, and the 50th-anniversary banquet and keynote.
Registration
Conference registration is open.
Conference registration is $350 for eligible members of WFO and OBA. Registration includes expert-led field trips, hands-on workshops, full access to science sessions and presentations, the welcome reception, and networking events.
The 50th Anniversary Banquet and Keynote with Jaime Stephens may be added for $75 per attendee.
To register and view the latest conference details, visit the WFO conference page:
https://westernfieldornithologists.org/conference/
Where to Stay
The host hotel for the 2026 conference is Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland, Oregon. Rooms are available now at the WFO group rate and are expected to fill quickly for this special anniversary gathering.
Conference attendees are encouraged to reserve lodging early. WFO recommends contacting Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites directly and letting them know you are attending the Western Field Ornithologists Conference. Attendees may arrive as early as September 16, with conference activities taking place September 17–20.
Additional lodging options and travel information will be shared by WFO as the conference approaches.
Join Us in Ashland
KBO is thrilled to help bring WFO’s 50th Annual Conference to Ashland and to share the birds, habitats, science, and conservation community of southern Oregon with attendees from across the West.
Whether you are a professional ornithologist, conservation practitioner, student, dedicated birder, or lifelong learner, this milestone conference is an opportunity to deepen your connection to birds and the people working to understand and protect them.
We hope to see you in Ashland September 17–20, 2026, for four days of field ornithology, science, and community.
