I participated in local bird walks led by KBO volunteers shortly after moving to the sw Oregon area in mid 2009. I have since volunteered to be a leader on some of these walks and have continued to participate in walks led by other volunteers. The KBO staff are well organized and a pleasure to work with. I have also recently volunteered to edit their newsletter.
I worked with the Klamath Bird Observatory (John Alexander) prior to the official development of KBO. I have donated money at the fundraisers and am always so pleased with the people behind KBO and their efforts. As a Wildlife Biologist for the BLM I have used their publications in analyzing for certain activities and what the implications on birds may be (the science that supports it). John Alexander and his superb staff are always a pleasure to work with, open to partnerships, protect birds and their habitats through monitoring, research, and education/outreach. and
Provided guidance in organization, management development, strategic planning, product development and fund raising from inception until January 2010. Saw the organization develop scientific prowess, develop tools to help manage bird habitat resources, become a local and national community leader and contributor, build a strong management team and achieve close to $1million in grants.
The Klamath Basin is a fabulous arena for the observation and scientific study of many, many migratory birds. This often includes endangered species and endangered habitat. Klamath Bird Observatory is the premier organization in southern Oregon and northern California for avian ecology. The organization is very community friendly and socially responsible with strict adherence to the principles of good science. Personally, even though I have BS and MS degrees in Biology, I have learned much and developed a stronger appreciation of the modern dinosaurs, birds.
I was trained to band birds by KBO in the fall of 2005. I learned to take data, camp in cold beautiful settings, wake up at ridiculous times, organize equipment and generally work as an effective field biologist. KBO provided a small stipend and a gorgeous little field cabin as well as access to their head office in Ashland, OR. I worked hard and I learned a lot. After KBO, I was able to translate my skills into other bird jobs.I am graduating with a M.S. in biology this May and I would not have been accepted for this program without my years of field experience. I am grateful to KBO for helping me get started!
Klamath Bird Observatory runs a wonderful program for grade school children. They have a classroom presentation to prepare the kids for the outdoor activies--teaching them about birds and bird scientists (ornithologists). The next day, the kids are in the field where they observe mist netting; are taught to use binoculars; and go on a bird walk where they identify species (if older than 3rd grade) or identify birds by type of beak (if in 3rd grade). We count the numbers of birds and after the walk, the leader has the students calculate simple statistics. I'm impressed that they use real words like ornithologist, statistics, and species and don't
I lead outings for the organization and I am also a board member. As an outing leader,I am able to experience KBO's good works first-hand
Have had and continue to have great educational outings dealing with migratory bird conservation. I receive their newletter and am completely impressed by the quality and level of expertise this group consistantly shows in their research and conservation ethics regarding migratory birds and environmental conservation as a whole. They are energetic, creative, inclusive, humble, hard working individuals who believe in their cause.
I loved working for this organization. The staff is dedicated to the mission of conservation and education. Everyone I worked with put in volumes of time and concern into their work. The organization has received a lot of recognition in the bird science and education realm with few staff members. They continue to be very successful in spreading their mission!