Join us 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 with Shannon Rio.
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!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 10th, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (including drive time to and from Ashland).
WHERE: Upper Klamath Lake
TRIP LEADERS: Lisa Michelbrink and Shannon Rio, KBO Board Members
COST: Cost is $65 per person
This is a fundraiser to support KBO’s international bird banding training program. If you cannot attend, please consider donating to this special KBO program. Carpooling from Ashland is essential. Please let us know if you are interested in being a driver. We are limited to 4 cars. Please bring a water bottle and snacks. Lunch will be provided. Be prepared for insects/mosquitos, but please NO deet. You will be instructed on the appropriate use of repellant if needed on the day of the event. Dress for the weather in layers as the morning will be cool. No birding experience is necessary. Bring binoculars if you have them. Binoculars can be provided if needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) members will soon be asked to vote for their favorite nonprofits in 
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:
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.
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 
KBO relies on private