Looking for a memorable summer outing for the whole family? Join Klamath Bird Observatory for a unique, fun, and family-friendly visit to a bird banding station near beautiful Upper Klamath Lake!
During this half-day field outing on August 21st, you will have the chance to learn about resident and migratory birds and see some of them up close. Participants will meet KBO scientists and bird banding interns, learn how bird banding supports conservation science, and get a behind-the-scenes look at field research in action.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families, students, young birders, and anyone curious about birds, wildlife, or conservation. Young people interested in careers in wildlife biology, ornithology, ecology, or outdoor fieldwork will especially enjoy seeing how scientists collect data and study birds in the field.
Each outing is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $0 to $75 for this special experience. We especially encourage young folks and students to attend.
The event runs from 6:00 am to noon, including driving time. We will carpool from Ashland. The banding station is about 1.5 hours from Ashland. If you are coming from the Klamath Falls area, we can arrange to meet you at Rocky Point instead of Ashland.
Please bring snacks, water, and any other drinks you may need. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as it will likely be cool in the early morning.
New to KBO events or your first for 2026? Please fill out the KBO liability waiver here.
Looking for a memorable summer outing for the whole family? Join Klamath Bird Observatory for a unique, fun, and family-friendly visit to a bird banding station near beautiful Upper Klamath Lake!
During this half-day field outing, you will have the chance to learn about resident and migratory birds and see some of them up close. Participants will meet KBO scientists and bird banding interns, learn how bird banding supports conservation science, and get a behind-the-scenes look at field research in action.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families, students, young birders, and anyone curious about birds, wildlife, or conservation. Young people interested in careers in wildlife biology, ornithology, ecology, or outdoor fieldwork will especially enjoy seeing how scientists collect data and study birds in the field.
Each outing is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $0 to $75 for this special experience. We especially encourage young folks and students to attend.
The event runs from 6:00 am to noon, including driving time. We will carpool from Ashland. The banding station is about 1.5 hours from Ashland. If you are coming from the Klamath Falls area, we can arrange to meet you at Rocky Point instead of Ashland.
Please bring snacks, water, and any other drinks you may need. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as it will likely be cool in the early morning.
New to KBO events or your first for 2026? Please fill out the KBO liability waiver here.
Looking for a memorable summer outing for the whole family? Join Klamath Bird Observatory for a unique, fun, and family-friendly visit to a bird banding station near beautiful Upper Klamath Lake!
We are offering two opportunities to visit the station this summer:
Wednesday, July 15
Friday, July 24 (Canceled)
During this half-day field outing, you will have the chance to learn about resident and migratory birds and see some of them up close. Participants will meet KBO scientists and bird banding interns, learn how bird banding supports conservation science, and get a behind-the-scenes look at field research in action.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families, students, young birders, and anyone curious about birds, wildlife, or conservation. Young people interested in careers in wildlife biology, ornithology, ecology, or outdoor fieldwork will especially enjoy seeing how scientists collect data and study birds in the field.
Each outing is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $0 to $75 for this special experience. We especially encourage young folks and students to attend.
The event runs from 6:00 am to noon, including driving time. The banding station is about 1.5 hours from Ashland. If you are coming from the Klamath Falls area, we can arrange to meet you at Rocky Point instead of Ashland.
Please bring snacks, water, and any other drinks you may need. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as it will likely be cool in the early morning.
Visit KBO’s event calendar to register for an outing to the banding station. Spots are limited.
Looking for a memorable summer outing for the whole family? Join Klamath Bird Observatory for a unique, fun, and family-friendly visit to a bird banding station near beautiful Upper Klamath Lake!
During this half-day field outing, you will have the chance to learn about resident and migratory birds and see some of them up close. Participants will meet KBO scientists and bird banding interns, learn how bird banding supports conservation science, and get a behind-the-scenes look at field research in action.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families, students, young birders, and anyone curious about birds, wildlife, or conservation. Young people interested in careers in wildlife biology, ornithology, ecology, or outdoor fieldwork will especially enjoy seeing how scientists collect data and study birds in the field.
Each outing is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $0 to $75 for this special experience. We especially encourage young folks and students to attend.
The event runs from 6:00 am to noon, including driving time. We will carpool from Ashland. The banding station is about 1.5 hours from Ashland. If you are coming from the Klamath Falls area, we can arrange to meet you at Rocky Point instead of Ashland.
Please bring snacks, water, and any other drinks you may need. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers, as it will likely be cool in the early morning.
New to KBO events or your first for 2026? Please fill out the KBO liability waiver here.
Each fall, as raptors ride the thermals along the Modoc Rim, a dedicated group of observers gathers to witness one of nature’s great migrations. This year’s Hawk Watch will take place on Friday, September 26, from 9 AM to 3 PM, and we invite you to be part of it.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious about the spectacle of falcons, eagles, and hawks soaring overhead, Hawk Watch offers a rare opportunity to connect with the rhythms of the Klamath Basin. Bring your binoculars, a scope, sun protection, and a sense of wonder. The viewing site is accessed via a steep gravel road just north of Hagelstein Park, followed by a short hike through brush to the rim. If you’d like to participate, please email Kevin Spencer at rriparia@charter.net.
This annual event is held in honor of Patricia Buettner, a visionary biologist whose early support helped launch Klamath Bird Observatory’s Upper Klamath Field Station. Patty’s legacy lives on through the Avian Internship Memorial Fund (AIM Fund), which supports KBO’s long-running internship program.
Over the past 20 years, more than 200 interns have contributed to international bird conservation through KBO’s program. The AIM Fund provides critical resources, such as housing, supplies, travel, and stipends, that make these transformative experiences possible. Thanks to a generous $10,000 annual match, every donation goes twice as far in shaping the careers of young ornithologists.
Here’s what our 2025 interns have to say:
“The bird banding internship has been so much fun, and it’s very rewarding to think about how much I’ve grown as a bander. This experience will be highly valuable for me as I continue to pursue a career as an ornithologist.”
— Max Keetch“The combination of hands-on experience, understanding avian life histories, and the bonds created between fellow interns makes the KBO banding internship truly an invaluable experience for young professionals in this field.”
— Charlotte Hood“This internship was a great opportunity for me not only to get hands-on experience banding birds but also to learn fundamental concepts and be able to work with professionals in the field of ornithology.”
— Ravynn Garcia
Whether you join us on the rim or support from afar, your contribution helps ensure that future interns can continue this vital work. Donate to the AIM Fund and help us honor Patty’s legacy by investing in the next generation of bird conservation leaders.
Cover photo Cooper’s Hawk by Frank Lospalluto
Klamath Bird Observatory and The Institute for Bird Populations are excited to announce the release of the first half of The Identification Guide to North American Birds or Pyle Guide in Spanish. Making this hugely informative book more accessible to bird banders throughout North America. The Pyle Guide has been known as the bird banding bible. It sits on every bander’s table with marked pages and a worn spine. Join us for an evening Zoom presentation with the guide author, Peter Pyle, and the guide translator, Rafael Rueda Hernández. They will discuss what is new in version 2.0 and the journey to translate this huge and hugely important guide. The Zoom presentation will be on April 4th at 5:30 pm PST. The book will be available for pre-order starting on April 4th. The presentation is free, and an English/Spanish translator will be available.
Join KBO’s bird banding team in the field this fall for a bird banding experience. This is a unique 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 experience a beautiful Upper Klamath Lake field station and observe live-action science, including mist netting and data collection. This is an excellent introduction to science in the field for kids and young adults (as well as great for non-birders, almost birders, and fully-fledged birders). Come and have fun in the field with us!
WHEN: Friday, September 28th, 6:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. (including drive time to and from Ashland).
WHERE: Upper Klamath Lake
TRIP LEADER: Lisa Michelbrink, KBO Board Member
COST: Space is limited to 4 cars of 4 people each. Carpooling is essential. The price is $75 per person.
Please bring a water bottle and snacks. There will be a short amount of walking on uneven ground. Sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. Dress for the weather in layers, as the morning will be cool. No birding experience is necessary. Please bring binoculars if you have them. After the banding station, we will stop at Rocky Point Resort to bird from the deck and enjoy some light refreshments.
Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and as such, KBO events are offered with COVID-19 safety as a primary concern. Proof of “up-to-date” vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. Upon registration, all individuals attending an in-person event must also fill out KBO’s COVID Release Form and Waiver of Liability. Paper copies may also be available at an event upon advanced request. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Join KBO’s bird banding team in the field this summer for a bird banding experience. This is a unique 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 experience a beautiful Upper Klamath Lake field station and observe live-action science, including mist netting and data collection. This is an excellent introduction to science in the field for kids and young adults (as well as great for non-birders, almost birders, and fully-fledged birders). Come and have fun in the field with us!
WHEN: Friday, July 21st, 6:30 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. (including drive time to and from Ashland).
WHERE: Upper Klamath Lake
TRIP LEADER: Lisa Michelbrink, KBO Board Member
COST: Space is limited to 4 cars of 4 people each. Carpooling is essential. The price is $40 per person.
Please bring a water bottle and snacks. There will be a short amount of walking on uneven ground. Sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. Dress for the weather in layers, as the morning will be cool. No birding experience is necessary. Please bring binoculars if you have them. The Upper Klamath Lake has great birding.
Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and as such, KBO events are offered with COVID-19 safety as a primary concern. Proof of “up-to-date” vaccination will be required for all in-person participants. Upon registration, all individuals attending an in-person event must also fill out KBO’s COVID Release Form and Waiver of Liability. Paper copies may also be available at an event upon advanced request. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Join KBO’s dynamic duo Director of Conservation Jaime Stephens and Board President Shannon Rio for a memorable 9-day trip to Brazil, April 12th – 20th, 2023. This trip will be guided by past KBO intern and co-founder of Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa) Luiza Figueira. The cost of this trip includes hotels, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and transportation (to and from the airport and during the trip). The total cost of the trip is $5,000, $2500 to reserve your seat, and the total amount is due by February 10th. With 12 people attending these funds will cover a FULL YEAR of OAMa’s banding program. It will also be used to help support a student intern that is participating in KBO OAMa’s intern exchange program.
In partnership with the National Park Service KBO is hosting visitors at our Crater Lake bird banding station on Tuesday mornings, the next tour is July 12th at 7:30 am and 9:15 am. This is an amazing opportunity for the whole family to see migratory songbirds up close and learn about our long-term bird banding program. For five years visitors have observed the banding process from which Crater Lake National Park and KBO gain valuable information about the presence and diversity of songbird species, timing of migration, and productivity of local breeding birds.
Trained biologists and an experienced park ranger will show you the bird banding and data collection procedures, including how a bird species is identified along with its weight, sex, identity, wing molt, age, and health.
Nowhere else in Oregon is there a banding site at this elevation and habitat, providing this valuable visitor experience and research opportunity.