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A quick look at how the Avian Knowledge Network helps KBO help birds

It’s easy to think of the process of data collection ending once a technician sets down their pencil and returns from the field. But when the goal is to use data to inform bird conservation decisions for years to come, this is only the beginning of the data’s journey.

KBO has been involved in the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN), a partnership of federal and state agencies and non-governmental organizations, since its inception. Currently, the AKN consists of a secure, cloud computing system hosted by Point Blue Conservation Science. The components of this system–including a database and tools for data entry, management, analysis, and decision support—were built specifically for data from structured bird surveys (observations of birds collected with a standardized amount of effort at randomly selected locations), and allow users to efficiently enter, clean, manage, analyze, and share their data. Join us as we take a quick look at how KBO uses the AKN to organize, apply, and archive the data we collect during our Point Count surveys each year.

Birds, Forests, and the Heart of Conservation

Three years ago, KBO launched a travel program. Our small-group, conservation-focused journeys are led by expert guides and designed to inspire, educate, and directly support our mission. I have just returned from co-leading a 10-day trip with my colleagues at the Mantiqueira Bird Observatory in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The trip itinerary blends birding and nature exploration with cultural experiences, as well as opportunities to observe scientific research and conservation in the field. This trip helps raise funds for the intern exchange program between our two bird observatories, allowing us to advance science while training the next generation of field biologists.

Science, Stewardship, and Stamps: Uniting Birders for Oak Woodland Restoration

The NEW Conservation Science Stamp set is here! Each set includes the Federal Duck Stamp, featuring the stunning Spectacled eider, and the KBO Conservation Science Stamp. This year the Conservation Science Stamp highlights the White-breasted Nuthatch and the oak habitat they rely on. When you purchase the Conservation Stamp Set, you’re joining birders, hunters, and conservationists who believe in preserving birds and their habitats.

State of the Birds 2025 highlights how conservation partnerships are benefitting western forest birds in decline and their neighboring communities

The State of the Birds 2025 report has been delivered to the American people by scientists from more than two dozen conservation groups and agencies, including Oregon-based Klamath Bird Observatory. This report paints a concerning picture of declining bird populations in the United States. The report also underscores the significant environmental, economic, and human benefits of bird conservation and birdwatching to millions of Americans.

The Rise of Cat Ownership in America: Understanding Its Impact on Bird Conservation

Cat ownership has become a defining feature of American households in recent decades. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), between 2023 and 2024, approximately 46.5 million U.S. households owned at least one cat, representing about 35.4% of the total 131.43 million households. However, as the popularity of cat ownership soars, so does the impact on local ecosystems—particularly bird populations. By exploring this dynamic and promoting solutions like catios, we can strike a balance between caring for our cats and protecting the natural world.

Take Two! Bird Banding in the Field with KBO

Join us on Wednesday July 10th, for a full-day immersive birding and learning experience with KBO in the stunning Upper Klamath Lake region. You will be observing bird banding up close with
KBO biologists and the KBO international interns in the morning and later venturing on a 2-3 hour bird walk (lunch is included). This is a special opportunity to meet our scientists and learn about (and support!) KBO’s international scientist-in-training program. You will also have the unique opportunity to see many resident and migratory birds up close and appreciate details you may never see in the wild. Please join us for a day of adventure and learning and support the young scientists of the future!

Opportunities for the 2024 Field Season with Klamath Bird Observatory

Stationed in Ashland in southern Oregon’s beautiful Rogue Valley, Klamath Bird Observatory utilizes the role of birds as indicators to conduct high-caliber science to inform and improve natural resource management. Through our work conducting avian research, we have a wide variety of field technician positions available for the 2024 field season that span across the Pacific Northwest and range from long-term monitoring to species-specific studies. Our field technician positions offer an exciting opportunity to conduct on the ground research, develop a comprehensive understanding of avian research methods, and contribute to the collective knowledge of bird conservation. Listed below are some of the unique opportunities that we have lined up for our upcoming 2024 season.

NEWS RELEASE: Using Life Cycles of Culturally Significant Birds to Inform Timing of Prescribed Burns

Pacific Southwest Research Station and Klamath Bird Observatory ecologists recently published new findings about using life cycles of culturally significant birds to inform the timing of prescribed burns in the Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion of Northern California and southern Oregon. The research was a collaborative effort with partners from the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Technological University, and others.

Final Bird Banding Event of the Year!

Join us for this extraordinary final family-friendly bird banding outing of the year! This fundraiser for our renowned banding program includes an opportunity to meet and chat with KBO’s new Banding Program Manager, Lucinda Zawadski, PhD., Martín López Aguilar from Mexico, and the KBO interns. You will learn about the importance and unique contribution of bird banding to science and see some of Oregon’s birds up close. You will also get to experience one of our field stations on beautiful Upper Klamath Lake and observe science in action, including mist netting and data collection, AND interact with the biologists. After the field station visit, we have a unique opportunity to bird from the deck of Rocky Point Resort with Lucinda and Martín, with light refreshments provided by Rocky Point. WHEN: Thursday, September 28th, 6:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. (inclusive of drive time to and from Ashland).