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Tag: Travel with Purpose

A Season of Birds, Community, and Creativity

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

Is your New Year’s resolution to learn more about birds and deepen your support for bird conservation? The Klamath Bird Observatory has you covered with three fantastic events to kick off the year.

Hawk Talk and Walk

Raptors are magnificent—and often challenging—to identify. Join expert Dick Ashford for an evening presentation on Wednesday, January 14th, from 6:00–8:30 PM, where he’ll share tips and tricks for recognizing hawks in the field. Then put your new skills into practice during a guided field trip to the Klamath Basin on Saturday, January 17th. Winter in the Basin is a spectacular time for raptor diversity. Register here.

Two women looking up at a hummingbird on a branch.Travel with Purpose

Looking to make a bigger impact on bird conservation? Join us for an evening of food, friends, and inspiration on Saturday, January 17th, from 5:00–8:00 PM. We’ll introduce our new Travel with Purpose program and share details about our upcoming 2026 trips to Bear Divide (May 6th – May 9th, 2025) and Brazil (September 3–12, 2026). Meet trip leaders, connect with past participants, and learn how meaningful travel can support conservation. This event is free—please register here.

State of the Birds: An Artistic Reflection

Some feelings about our connection to nature are hard to capture in words alone. Art can help us express them in new and powerful ways. On February 8th, from 4:00–6:00 PM, join KBO and local artist Gatore at Luna Café for a creative, community-centered event. Explore the State of the Birds, then help us transform old reports into beautiful, repurposed works of art. This family-friendly gathering is a wonderful way to connect, create, and reflect. Register here.

Cover photo Northern Harrier taken by Frank Lospalluto

Travel with Purpose: Conservation-Focused Nature and Birding Adventures

Written by Elva Manquera on . Posted in Klamath Call Note, Birds & Birding, KBO Partners, Trips & Events.

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) has launched a new webpage that brings its conservation travel program to life. Designed for nature lovers, birders, and eco-conscious explorers, this page showcases how every journey with KBO supports science, education, and habitat restoration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, these trips offer a rare chance to connect deeply with birds, landscapes, and the people working to protect them.

A green hillside with a group of people walking on a trail.
The 2023 trip attendees on a hike through Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

Brazil – Atlantic Forest Adventure (September 3–12, 2026)
Embark on a 10-day expedition through Brazil’s breathtaking Atlantic Forest with KBO and Mantiqueira Bird Observatory. This immersive experience combines birdwatching, hiking, and cultural exploration, while directly supporting an internship exchange program between the two observatories.

  • Dates: September 3–12, 2026
  • Leaders: Jaime Stephens (KBO) & Luiza Figueira (OAMa)
  • Highlights:
    • Birding in the Mantiqueira Highlands
    • Cultural immersion and scenic hikes
    • Supports international conservation internships
  • Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
  • Cost: $6,000 single / $5,500 double occupancy
  • Accessibility: Moderate walking, uneven trails, elevation gain
  • Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transport
  • Not Included: International airfare

This trip is ideal for those seeking a meaningful international adventure that blends ecological learning with cultural richness.

Bear Divide – California Migration Hotspot (May 6–9, 2026)

A line of people looking out onto a vast mountain range looking for birds.
Bear Divide trip attendees from 2023 are seeking migratory birds to spot.

Experience spring migration like never before at Bear Divide, a narrow mountain pass where thousands of songbirds funnel through each morning. This 4-day trip offers expert-guided outings, a special presentation, and optional excursions, like a Pasadena parrot tour.

  • Dates: May 6–9, 2026
  • Leaders: Dr. Ryan Terrill & Elva Manquera-DeShields
  • Highlights:
    • Witness daylight migration of thousands of birds
    • Morning field sessions and optional afternoon outings
    • Supports on-site bird banding and outreach
  • Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
  • Cost: $1,500 per person
  • Included: Breakfast, lunch, transport to Bear Divide, one group dinner
  • Not Included: Airfare, hotel, most dinners
  • Suggested Hotel: Hotel Lexen, Santa Clarita

Perfect for birders who want to witness the magic of migration at a globally unique daytime migration hotspot and support local science.

Why Travel with KBO?
Every trip registration helps fund KBO’s mission, advancing bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. From supporting internships to sustaining migration monitoring stations, your journey becomes part of a larger story of stewardship.

Ready to Join?
Visit the new Travel with Purpose page to learn more, view bird lists, and register. Spots are limited, so secure your place today!