Tag: Internship

Hawk Watch Memorial

Written by Elva Manquera on September 18, 2025. Posted in Klamath Call Note, KBO Partners, Trips & Events.

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.

2025 banding interns, left Charlotte Hood, middle Max Keetch, right Ravynn Garcia. Banding at the 7-mile banding station in the Upper Klamath.

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

Nest Searching Technician and Internship Available

Written by Elva Manquera on January 31, 2023. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

KBO is looking to fill two positions Nest-Searching Technician and a Nest-Searching Intern for our Oregon Vesper Sparrow demography research program. We are contributing to a range-wide study to understand the causes of decline in this imperiled subspecies. Primary duties will include nest-searching and color-band resighting in meadows of the western Cascades and occasional data entry or other tasks based.

Oregon Vesper Sparrow with color bands (c) Frank Lospalluto

Over the last several years, KBO field crews spent their spring mornings diligently watching Vesper Sparrows go about their business. The birds typically arrive from their wintering grounds in mid to late April and begin to settle in for the summer breeding season. We have witnessed the males defending their territories and attracting mates, watched as they paired up and the females began nest building, and observed them incubating their eggs and raising their young (for an intern’s account of his experience nest-searching, read his blog on the KBO Call Note). Field crews have located over 100 nests! Preliminary findings suggest nest success is within the expected range for a ground-nesting bird and likely not a cause for concern, although late-season hail and snow in 2021 caused the failure of many nests. Changes in spring weather patterns may exacerbate threats to this species in high-elevation meadows.

Resighting efforts have taken place annually to keep track of how many of these banded birds survive and return to the area year after year. Early findings show lower return rates for juveniles, which is not surprising because young birds are more likely to leave home and disperse to a different site for their first breeding season. After resighting efforts are completed in 2023, we will estimate the annual survivorship of adult males and females and fledglings. Join us in the endeavor to understand the Oregon Vesper Sparrow!

The full job description for Nest-Searching Technician is available here.

The full job description for Nest-Searching Internship is available here.

Bird and Banders Beyond Borders Intern Exchange Program Update

Written by Elva Manquera on January 23, 2023. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Klamath Bird Observatory is well known for its wide international reach, focusing on partnerships and capacity building across the ranges of our shared birds. KBO’s bird banding internship program has trained over 283 interns from more than 17 countries. The Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa) is a fruit of this capacity-building program, which is now running its own training program in Brazil. As part of the continued partnership between these two observatories, we are pleased to announce a new internship exchange program! After training in their home country, biologists will have the opportunity to visit and train at the other observatory. KBO will host a student from OAMa for three or six months each year, and OAMa will host a student from KBO for up to three months at their field station in Brazil, joining the local crew at the year-round bird monitoring on the Mantiqueira Highlands.

We are excited to share the first two interns participating in this program!

Otávio Rocha pictured to the left is OAMa’s Science Communication and Outreach Assitant. They will be traveling to KBO to train in the 2023 banding season.

“It is a great honor to participate in this exchange program as an OAMa representative. I am excited to start a new stage in my career and to apply all this rich experience in Brazilian biodiversity conservation initiatives.”

Victor Gonzalez, pictured on the right, was an intern in the 2022 banding season and will be traveling to Brazil to train with the OAMa staff as a KBO representative.

“The opportunity of this exchange internship is a blessing, being able to go to another bird observatory to learn from and work with. As a bird bander, it feels unreal going to a place you don’t know any of the birds, but at the same time, it feels like the best opportunity to try myself and keep improving in my professional career.”

Please help us support these amazing young scientists with a donation that will go to their travel and lodging. You can donate to the Avian Internship Memorial Fund. This fund was set up by the family and friends of Patricia Buettner to help support KBO’s long-running internship program.

These interns will also be supported by the FUNdraiser trip to Brazil happening April 12th-20th, 2023. There are only three spots left for this trip. The total cost is $5,000, due February 10th; this includes hotels, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and transportation (to and from the airport and during the trip). You can learn more HERE.

This article first appeared in OAMa’s newsletter. You can sign up for their newsletter here.

Vacation for Conservation

Written by Elva Manquera on January 9, 2023. Posted in Klamath Call Note, KBO Partners, Trips & Events.

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.

Click HERE for more information and registration.

Supporting Conservation with International Travel

Written by Elva Manquera on December 12, 2022. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Join Klamath Bird Observatory and Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa) for a 9-day exploration of Brazil to promote bird and habitat conservation beyond borders. Enjoy hiking and birding in the cloud forests of Brazil with local scientists leading the way. Time to explore a local town and enjoy Brazilian cuisine. Attend a bird photography workshop and watch OAMa science in action at their banding station.

With all 12 seats filled, this trip funds a fantastic opportunity for budding biologists.

Klamath Bird Observatory is well known for its broad international reach, focusing on partnerships and capacity building across the ranges of our shared birds. KBO’s bird banding internship program has trained over 283 interns from more than 17 countries. OAMa is a fruit of this capacity-building program, which is now running its training program in Brazil. As part of the continued partnership between these two observatories, we are pleased to announce a new internship exchange program! After training in their home country, biologists will have the opportunity to visit and train at the other observatory. KBO will host a student from OAMa for three or six months each year, and OAMa will host a student from KBO for up to three months at their field station in Brazil, joining the local crew at the year-round bird monitoring on the Mantiqueira Highlands.

In addition to supporting the intern exchange program, this trip will fund OAMa’s banding station for an ENTIRE YEAR! That includes six interns and one banding coordinator. Currently, OAMa is the only banding training program in Brazil.

The trip takes place April 12th – 20th, with travel to and from the U.S. extending the dates as needed on both ends. The cost is $5000 per person; this includes hotels, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and transportation (to and from the airport and during the trip). Hotel accommodation includes a double occupancy or single occupancy with a private bathroom. The only thing not included is airfare from the US to Brazil.

A $2500 deposit is required to reserve your seat; final payment is due by February 10. Proof of up-to-date Covid vaccination and liability waiver are also due at that time. Covid and liability waiver can be found here. A portion of the total fee is tax deductible; the specific amount will depend on the number of attendees. Both the deposit and final payment are non-refundable unless a replacement is found. We reserve the right to cancel before February 10th if the trip does not fill with a minimum of seven attendees.

You can view the Brazil Trip Itinerary here. Subject to change.

Recently Luiza, co-founder of OAMa, hosted a Zoom presentation to go over details and answer questions about this trip. You can view the recording here.

If you have questions, you can email Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org.

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. Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are not required but wear based on comfortability.

A Trip to Brazil Presentation

Written by Elva Manquera on November 10, 2022. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Join Klamath Bird Observatory and Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa) for a presentation highlighting our FUNdraising trip to Brazil on April 12th-20th, 2023. Luiza, cofounder of OAMa, and Jaime, KBO Science Director, will present trip details and be available to help answer any questions about this fantastic opportunity on November 20th at 5 pm. This is a hybrid event with in-person being held at the KBO office. During this trip, you will bird with local scientists, visit beautiful national parks, participate in a photography workshop, and watch bird banding in action at OAMa. Register for the presentation on the form below. If you are interested in the trip to Brazil but cannot attend the presentation, you can reach out to Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org.

What this trip funds:

Klamath Bird Observatory is well known for its wide international reach, focusing on partnerships and capacity building across the ranges of our shared birds. KBO’s bird banding internship program has trained over 283 interns from more than 17 countries. The Mantiqueira Bird Observatory (OAMa) is a fruit of this capacity-building program, which is now running its training program in Brazil. As part of the continued partnership between these two observatories, we are pleased to announce a new internship exchange program! After training in their home country, biologists will have the opportunity to visit and train at the other observatory. KBO will host a student from OAMa for three or six months each year, and OAMa will host a student from KBO for up to three months at their field station in Brazil, joining the local crew at the year-round bird monitoring on the Mantiqueira Highlands. The cost of this trip helps fund this amazing internship program for both organizations and the intern.

A non-refundable deposit of $2500 is required to reserve your seat. The trip cost is $5000 per person, total due February 10th. $2500 of the trip fees is a donation. The cost does not include airfare.

Here is a draft itinerary for the Brazil trip. Subject to change. Brazil Itinerary 2023

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.

The 2022 Banding Season is Over

Written by Elva Manquera on November 8, 2022. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

The KBO banding crew just finished another successful banding season! This year’s crew from across the world, captured over 5,000 birds throughout southern Oregon and demonstrated how much they learned by earning certifications at the Bander and Trainer levels from the North American Banding Council! Enjoy this short video highlighting this amazing team and the fantastic year they had. If you would like to help support future banding crew members and our long-term monitoring program you can donate to the Avian Internship Memorial Fund.

Bird Banding Internship

Written by Elva Manquera on December 20, 2021. Posted in uncategorized.

Klamath Bird Observatory is seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in our long-term landbird monitoring program. This position requires independent drive and patience for the travails of fieldwork but also affords an amazing opportunity to build practical experience in field biology and master a variety of bird monitoring and research skills in a beautiful part of the country.

Our bander training program blends an intensive field internship with coursework designed in accordance with North American Banding Council (NABC) standards to prepare participants for successful careers as field ornithologists. Training and duties will include mist-netting and banding of passerines and near passerines; bird surveying; data quality-assurance, entry, and management; and participation in public outreach and education. Non-field duties include study and discussion of banding curriculum, equipment maintenance, field station upkeep, and data entry. Accommodation is provided in shared rooms in a rustic cabin on the Upper Klamath Lake which has potable running water, a full kitchen, internet access, a wood stove, and electric space heaters, and an external bathhouse. Hiking and birding opportunities abound nearby with access to bikes and kayaks. Weekly visits to remote sites will require multi-night camping trips and brief strenuous hiking carrying heavy banding equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong interest in birds and field biology, possess a positive attitude during long days and occasionally adverse conditions (heat, cold, mosquitoes, smoke), work cooperatively and constructively toward project objectives, give priority to safety considerations, make common-sense decisions about wildlife (bear, cougar), and be able to work and live harmoniously in close company with coworkers. To preserve the quality and consistency of our long-term dataset, interns must also be able to precisely follow protocols and take meticulous care in collecting and recording data. Excellent communication skills are critical. Interns are required to possess a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record to use provided field vehicles for project-related travel. Preferred qualifications include outdoor skills, sight and sound bird identification skills, bird handling, and banding experience. This position requires early mornings (pre-dawn), weekends, and the ability to follow a work schedule that is dependent on the changing weather and unpredictable field conditions. Interns must be willing and able to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines for banding safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective June 21, 2021, KBO will require that all Employees and Interns be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and be able to provide proof of vaccination status.

STIPEND: $750 Monthly plus accommodations.

Durations: May 1st – October 31st

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Ongoing until the position has been filled. Offers are contingent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety mandates throughout the field season.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to Bird Banding Research Biologist, Claire Stuyck (cms@klamathbird.org).

Seeking to Fill Positions: Bird Monitoring Student Volunteer Internships on the Trinity River

Written by KBO on December 7, 2015. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Klamath Bird Observatory (www.klamathbird.org) will fill up to five student volunteer internship positions on the Trinity River in northern California. You do not need to be enrolled as a student to apply for this position, however, this student internship is designed to offer an academic learning opportunity. The student volunteer interns will participate in the bird monitoring component of a large restoration project on the Trinity River in northern California from ~April 11 – August 1. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to an array of ornithological field methods while working on a high profile restoration project in a beautiful part of the world.

EXPECTATIONS: Primary duties are nest searching/monitoring, spot map surveys, re-sighting color-banded birds, target netting and color banding riparian passerine focal species, and vegetation surveys. Additional duties include completing paperwork, entering data, maintaining equipment and housing, participating in riverine float surveys, and other tasks as required. Field training in protocol methodology, bird ID, and orienteering with compass and GPS will be provided early in the field season.

QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in birds, natural history, and field biology, and should be prepared to work long days in the field in hot and inclement weather, follow prescribed protocols, be meticulous in collecting and recording data, be in good physical condition, work well both independently and with others, possess good communication skills, and have a valid Driver’s License; ability to drive a manual vehicle is preferred but not required. Applicants must be willing to work in areas of poison oak, Himalayan blackberry, and biting insects, with the potential to encounter rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars. It is essential that the applicant be comfortable and capable of working independently both at remote sites and in areas where interaction with the public is likely. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in ornithological field methods and orienteering. Two of the five intern positions require proficiency at banding small passerine birds, and preferably experience with color-banding. The three additional intern positions do not require banding experience, however those interns will have the opportunity to assist in target netting efforts.

COMPENSATION: These are volunteer intern positions, with a monthly stipend of $750 for reimbursement of living expenses, plus field housing in the Weaverville area, provided. Binoculars will be available if needed. We will provide field vehicles, but some personal vehicle use may occasionally be required. If so, you will be reimbursed for per-mile transportation costs.

APPLICATION: Send cover letter (including dates of availability and whether you have a personal vehicle), résumé, and contact information for three references, preferably by email, to Ellie Armstrong (eea@klamathbird.org). Applicants will be reviewed until the positions are filled.