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
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.
It has been said that bird banding is at once both a delicate art and precise science. It is a method of bird monitoring to track bird populations and demographic trends (characteristics of the population) over time.
First, a bird is gently caught in a soft, fine net called a mist net. After being carefully removed by a biologist, a small aluminum band is placed around the bird’s leg like a bracelet. Engraved on the band is a unique number that will allow biologists to track the bird if it is recaptured. Next, data (e.g., age, sex, fat, feather molt, weight) about the bird are collected. Finally, the bird is released near where it was caught and continues its daily activities.
Bird banding allows scientists to answer questions about bird populations. These questions can then inform land management practices to aid in effective bird and habitat conservation. For example, bird banding data tell us if birds successfully breed in an area—an indication of a healthy habitat. Banding data also tell us if birds are surviving migration, information that informs international conservation efforts.
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.
Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) FUNdraising events are organized and hosted by the KBO board. They have been working hard on this amazing spring lineup. There is something for everyone! Registration for events will open a month before the event. Some have limited spots, so make sure you are get notified by signing up for the KBO’s Klamath Call Note.
Join us for an afternoon outdoor KBO fundraiser of live music, an art exhibit, food, Grizzly Peak wines, and other beverages, Saturday, April 30 from 1-4 PM at Grizzly Peak Winery in Ashland. Music is provided by both a local string quartet and a popular guitar duo. Cost $75 per person.
Join board member Shannon Rio as she takes you to the majestic Shasta Valley. You will explore the magical ecosystem there and find birds that you may not see here in the Rogue Valley. There are two parts to this FUNdraiser. On May 19th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm there will be a presentation by Shannon about the Shasta Valley, the birds that call it home, and where to see them at the Klamath Bird Observatory office. Part two is the field trip to Shasta Valley on May 22nd, 7: 30 am – 4:30 pm. The cost is $200 per car with three car spots available. The presentation will be a hybrid model, the in-person portion will be at the KBO office. Registration will open on April 28th.
Join author Marina Richie for stories and excerpts from her new book, Halcyon Journey, In Search of the Belted Kingfisher—illustrated by Newport artist Ram Papish and published by Oregon State University Press. Richie’s narrative weaves natural history, myth, and memoir to illuminate the jay-sized bird of cocky crest, headfirst dive, and rattling cry. Ultimately, she reveals an inviting pathway for all seeking kinship with nature nearby. Note–this is the very first book to feature North America’s beloved Belted Kingfisher.
Marina Richie is a nature writer living in Bend, Oregon, She wrote two children’s books under a prior name: Bird Feats of Montana and Bug Feats of Montana. Her writing appears in many publications including Birdwatching magazine, on National Wildlife Federation and National Audubon websites, and on award-winning panels for the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuges. Marina also serves on the board of the Greater Hells Canyon Council. Please visit her website www.marinarichie.com
This free webinar is on June 16th, 6 pm – 7 pm. Registration will open on May 19th.
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:
The Talk will conclude with an in-depth look at just some of the species we are likely to see during our Walk on the Lower Table Rock trail. 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 the Table Rock trailhead at 9 am.
Requested donation: $25. Registration will open on May 12th.
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.
Birding By EarBirding by ear can be an essential tool to help you identify birds. Increase your birding by ear skills will KBO Executive Director John Alexander. This will be a hybrid event with limited in-person tickets hosted at KBO’s headquarters in Ashland, OR. There will be unlimited tickets for purchase for attendance over Zoom. Birders of all levels are encouraged to sign up. Date TBA.
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.