Tag: Klamath Basin

Field Trip to the Upper Klamath with Shannon Rio and Kevin Spencer (FULL)

Written by Elva Manquera on August 28, 2025. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, KBO Education, Trips & Events.

Join Shannon Rio and Kevin Spencer for a Fall Birding Outing in the Klamath Basin on September 21st (FULL)!
Spend a full day immersed in nature as we explore the rich birdlife of Rocky Point, Fort Klamath Area, and the Wood River Wetlands.

Itinerary Highlights:

7:30 AM – Depart from Ashland (meet at Rite Aid parking lot)
9:00 AM – Arrive at Rocky Point boat ramp to scan Klamath Lake for pelicans, western grebes, green herons, and more. We’ll stroll the road until 11:00 AM, keeping an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and migrating songbirds.
11:30 AM – Drive to Fort Klamath Area and bird from the car. Look for mountain bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, kestrels, and violet-green swallows.
1:30 PM – Arrive at Wood River Day Use Area for a gentle walk along roads and paths. Expect sightings of pygmy nuthatches, warblers, cedar waxwings, and song sparrows.
4:00 PM – Depart for Ashland
5:30 PM – Return to Rite Aid parking lot

What to Bring:

Binoculars and plenty of water
Snacks and lunch to enjoy on the go
Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes (we’ll walk slowly and not too far)

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the feathered wonders of the Klamath Basin, this relaxed and scenic outing promises great company and unforgettable sightings. Let’s go birding!

A maximum of 16 people with 4 cars, each with 4 passengers.

This is a community outreach offering, so no donation is required; just come as you are! If you’d like to support us, donations of up to $100 are welcome and appreciated.

If you have accessibility questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org

This trip is full. If you would like to be added to a waitlist, email Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org.

Marsh Island Multiday Trip with Shannon Rio and Kevin Spencer (Full)

Written by Elva Manquera on May 23, 2025. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Marsh Island Ranch, June 6-8

View from the front porch of the main house.

Klamath Bird Observatory has been given the opportunity to bring a group to Marsh Island Ranch in Dorris, California, which was home to Tupper Blake. Tupper was a brilliant wildlife photographer whose (pre-digital) work gave “voice” to early conservation efforts, enabling their support and success. The author of five books, including “Balancing Water: Restoring the Klamath Basin” and three major museum exhibitions, two for the Smithsonian, dedicated his life and talents to protecting habitat, primarily in the Western US.

The ranch is built on top of a hill that was once an island due to the water in the Klamath marsh. This vantage point gives you amazing views of the marsh below. We will be staying at the ranch. The sleeping situation ranges from beds, cots, couches, to sleeping bags on the floor. We will ask for your preference below, but that may not be your final sleeping arrangement. We ask folks to bring their own bedding in the form of a sleeping bag and pillow, towels, and food. There is a full kitchen available for use.

Itinerary:

One of the beds with a view of the marsh below.

Suggested arrival time on Friday, June 6th: between 4 and 5 p.m. so that you can move into your space, wander the property, and eat dinner. From 7-8:30, we will have a scheduled birding walk of the property. From 8:30 to bedtime, we will share introductions and get to know one another.

Saturday, June 7th: We will have an early breakfast and depart at 7:30. Plan to be gone all day. Pack your lunch. We will tour Lower Klamath Refuge and the Modoc Nation’s upland habitat. We will then return to the ranch for dinner and enjoy views from the deck.

Sunday, June 8th: Early breakfast and departure time of 7:30. Visit Tule Lake Refuge and areas of Lava Beds Monument, including the Petroglyphs. Lunch will be along the way. Return to Marsh Island Ranch around 3 p.m. to pack up and say goodbye to the amazing Marsh Island Ranch.

This is a donation-based trip, with a suggested contribution of $0-$250. We do not wish to deny anyone this experience due to cost. The donation covers accommodations and the birding day tours. You will need to bring all of your own food, bedding, and towels. There is a nice kitchen and several bathrooms with showers.

Sign up, and Shannon Rio will contact you about directions to get there and other details like sleeping accommodations. It is approximately two hours from the Rogue Valley. Space is limited to 14 people. We will be carpooling on our day trips. Hikes will not be strenuous. Call Shannon at 541-840-4655 if you need more information.

Some species expected to be encountered: Tricolored Blackbird, White-throated Swift, Swainson’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, American Bittern, Barn Owl, Say’s Phoebe, Cinnamon Teal, Sage Thrasher, and American Avocet.

This outing is full.

Trip Announcement – Hawks and Ducks in the Klamath Basin

Written by Elva Manquera on February 14, 2025. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, Trips & Events.

Eurasian Wigeon and Coot photo taken by Frank Lospalluto

*Our Save the Date had reported the wrong dates, apologies*

Hawks and Ducks sounds like a title for a family-friendly board game, but early March is that time of year when both waterfowl and wintering raptors are present in the Klamath Basin. Please join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford for an all-day outing on March 8th, when we’ll look at everything “the basin” has to offer. We will follow a route that maximizes our chances of seeing the varied birdlife for which the Klamath Basin is famous. And we’ll have lots of fun doing it! This trip will be limited to just 11 attendees, and we will carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles of 4 people each, with each car driven by one of our A+ hawk team co-leaders.

Please be sure to dress comfortably and bring lunch and liquids. Much of our birding will be from the roadside, and walking will be minimal.

Because this outing is so popular, early signup is recommended. Your seat will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, tax-deductible contribution of $50 per person. Register below, we ask that each person register individually.

Waterbirds of the Klamath Basin FULL

Written by Elva Manquera on January 10, 2025. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, Trips & Events.

This presentation will acquaint you with how to go to the refuge and what you might see when you get there. Maps of the refuge will be provided. A book will be featured that invites you to take some young person (or any age person) to the refuge to learn about the wonders of the waterfowl refuge. Klamath Refuge was designated the first waterfowl refuge in 1908. The presentation is hybrid and will be held on January 28th at 5:30 pm in the KBO office in Ashland.

You are also invited to join Shannon Rio on an all day outing to the Klamath Refuge on Sunday, February 2nd. The outing is limited to 14 people.

Common Waterbirds of the Klamath Basin is a book of photos with light-hearted script. It will be for sale for $25 and is meant to be a guide to identify and learn about the unique waterfowl that visit this magical refuge.

We will also introduce you to one of the most successful conservation programs ever created: the Federal Duck Stamp. The purchase of the Duck Stamp provides funds for the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which supports the National Wildlife Refuge System. To support all birds, the Klamath Bird Observatory has been producing a Conservation Science Stamp that is sold with the Duck Stamp to raise funds to conserve all species. The stamps are for sale online here, or you can purchase one during the event.

This event is full.

First Outing of 2025 – More Hawks!

Written by Elva Manquera on December 13, 2024. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Trips & Events.

January is a great time of year to enjoy raptor viewing in the picturesque Klamath Basin! Please join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford, who will share their enthusiasm and knowledge during an informative (and fun!) Hawk ID workshop.

On Jan 16th, we’ll enjoy a 6-8:30 PM lecture in the KBO “Spa” at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland. To afford everyone the best possible experience, attendance is strictly limited to 22 attendees. This will allow half the class to enjoy a day-long outing to the Klamath Basin on Jan 18th, while the other half will be in the field on Jan 25th. In each case, we’ll depart Ashland at 8 AM and return around 5-ish. We will carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles of 4 people each.

Please be sure to dress comfortably and bring lunch and liquids. Much of our birding will be from the roadside, and walking will be minimal.

Because this outing is so popular (hawks have charisma!), early signup is recommended. Your seat will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, tax-deductible contribution of $65 per person. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the Field Of Wonder!

We ask that you attend the classroom session and one field trip. No “outing-only” signups, please.

This event is full email Elva at ejm@klamathbird.org if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Explore the Hawks in the Basin

Written by Elva Manquera on November 1, 2024. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

December can be a great time of year to enjoy raptor viewing in the picturesque Klamath Basin! Wintering birds have been arriving, and the weather is still (sorta) mild. Please join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford, who will share their enthusiasm and knowledge during an informative (and fun!) Hawk ID workshop.

On Dec 5th, we’ll enjoy a 6-8:30 PM lecture in the KBO “Spa” at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland. To afford everyone the best possible experience, attendance is strictly limited to 22 attendees. This will allow half the class to enjoy a day-long outing to the Klamath Basin on Dec 7th, while the other half will be in the field on Dec 15th. In each case, we’ll depart Ashland at 8 AM and return around 5-ish. We will carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles of 4 people each.

Please be sure to dress comfortably and bring lunch and liquids. Much of our birding will be from the roadside, and walking will be minimal.

We ask that you attend the classroom session and one field trip. No “outing-only” signups, please. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in the Field Of Wonder!

Get to know your instructors

Amanda Alford left and Dick Ashford right

Amanda Alford fell in love with birds for the first time at the Klamath Bird Observatory’s Mountain Bird Festival in 2016. She has been hooked on all things birds ever since! Her birding is often interrupted by her day job as a physician anesthesiologist with Southern Oregon Anesthesia. She was drawn to the science-driven mission of the Klamath Bird Observatory, believing in the power of good science to change the world in all the right ways. She hopes her involvement will help protect KBO’s important work for generations to come.

Dick Ashford has served on the KBO Board since 2005, with two terms as Board President (2007-2009, 2010-2013). He also served on the board of the American Birding Association from 2007-2013 (Chair 2009-2010). A continuing student of birds and birding, Dick especially enjoys leading hawk-watching trips to Oregon’s Klamath Basin. He taught the Hawk ID Workshop at the annual Winter Wings Festival in Klamath Falls for over 10 years.

Raptor Viewing in the Klamath Basin (Rescheduled)

Written by Elva Manquera on October 11, 2023. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, Trips & Events.

November (December) can be a great time of year to enjoy raptor viewing in the picturesque Klamath Basin! Please join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford on Saturday, December 9th, for a fun, day-long hawk-watching outing to Butte Valley and the lower Klamath Basin. We’ll look for resident and early-wintering hawks, falcons, eagles, and harriers (and there are possibilities for an owl or two 😊). We’ll depart Ashland at 8 AM and return around 5ish. Limited to 14 attendees, $40 per person. This will allow us to carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the Field Of Wonder!

Instructor & Trip Leader

Dick Ashford served on the KBO Board from 2005-2014, with two terms as Board President (2007-2009, 2010-2013). He also served on the board of the American Birding Association from 2007-2013 (Chair 2009-2010).

Dick describes himself as a continuing student of birds and birding. He gives raptor presentations to community groups in both Oregon and California and volunteers as a birding tour leader for several organizations. He especially enjoys leading hawk-watching trips to Oregon’s Klamath Basin and is the originator of the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival’s famous “Hawk Heaven” outings. He has taught a Hawk ID Workshop at the annual Winter Wings Festival in Klamath Falls for over 10 years.

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.

All Day Hawk and Duck Trip in the Klamath Basin

Written by Elva Manquera on February 16, 2023. Posted in Klamath Call Note.

Join KBO board members Amanda Alford and Dick Ashford for an all-day outing on March 18th, where we’ll look at everything the Klamath Basin has to offer. Dick and Amanda will plan a route that will give us our best chances of seeing the varied birdlife for which “the basin” is famous. And, we’ll have lots of fun doing it!

You aren’t going to want to miss this waterfowl and raptor adventure!

This trip will be limited to 14 registrants, and we will carpool in 4 vehicles (max). The cost is $40 per participant, register below.

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. All individuals attending an event must also fill out KBO’s COVID Release Form and Waiver of Liability upon registration. 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.

Hawk Talk and Walk 2023

Written by Elva Manquera on November 14, 2022. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Trips & Events.

January can be a great time to enjoy raptor viewing in the picturesque Klamath Basin! Please join longtime KBO board member Dick Ashford, who will share his enthusiasm and knowledge during an informative (and fun!) Hawk ID workshop.

On Jan 5th, a classroom lecture will be held from 6-8:30 PM in the KBO “Spa” at 2425 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland. Then, enjoy a day-long outing to the Klamath Basin on Jan 7th. We’ll depart Ashland at 8 AM and return around 5-ish. To afford everyone the best possible experience, attendance is limited. We will carpool (a must!) in 4 vehicles of 4 people each.

Register using the form below

Please be sure to dress comfortably and bring lunch and liquids. Most of our birding will be from the roadside, and walking will be minimal. Everyone will be required to submit proof of vaccination. I appreciate your help in keeping us all safe in these challenging times!

Because this outing is so popular (Hawks have charisma!), early signup is recommended. Your seat will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, tax-deductible contribution of $75 per person. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the Field Of Wonder! Due to the workshop’s popularity, we ask that you attend both sessions. No “outing-only” signups. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in the Field Of Wonder!

Cover photo Ferruginous Hawk by Frank Lospalluto

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.

Instructor & Trip Leader

Dick Ashford has served on the KBO Board since 2005, with two terms as Board President (2007-2009, 2010-2013). He also served on the board of the American Birding Association from 2007-2013 (Chair 2009-2010). A continuing student of birds and birding, Dick especially enjoys leading hawk-watching trips to Oregon’s Klamath Basin. He has taught a Hawk ID Workshop at the annual Winter Wings Festival in Klamath Falls for over 10 years.

Upcoming Talk and Walk Class: Nature Photography

Written by KBO on November 15, 2018. Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, KBO Education, Trips & Events.

A SEASONAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE KLAMATH BASIN AND BASIC NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

TALK: December 9th, 2018 Sunday 5:00-6:30pm

Join Mel Clements as he presents 4 short DVD’s (photography and music) that highlights the birds and landscape of the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge through the four seasons of the year. A fifth DVD will feature the powerful beauty of the Great Gray Owl. Guidelines for photographing birds and other wildlife will be presented along with the ethics of bird photography. Mel will discuss how to get the best photos and disturb the birds the least. Shannon Rio will co-host the event and discuss the field trip to the Klamath Basin area.

This talk will take place in a local home and wine, bubbly water, and light snacks will be available.

WALK: OUTING TO TULE LAKE AND KLAMATH REFUGES

Two separate dates will be set aside, one in January and one in February to go to the Klamath Basin. This trip includes a three hour tour from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. The guided trip starts at the Tule Lake Refuge Headquarters. The rest of the day will be exploring the Refuges auto route looking for birds and photo opportunities.

COST: $50 will cover the talk and the outing. To sign up, contact Shannon Rio at shannonrio@aol.com or call her at 541-840-4655.