Klamath Basin Audubon Society
The Grebe
April/May 2007
KBAS General Meetings
Thursday, April 12, 2007: 7:00 p.m.
Digital Photography is for the Birds
Our presenter at this special program is well known local photographer, Dick Zbinden. He will go beyond the basics in the use of digital cameras. He will focus on how they work, how to work with their limitations, how to use them when photographing birds, and how to get a prize winning photo. A few examples of excellent work and a few of poor work will demonstrate the points made in the lecture.
Mr. Zbinden has been a serious amateur photographer for over 50 years and has won several first and second places in various photographic contests. He was a finalist in the Photographer's Forum Magazine's National 2005 contest with over 21,000 entrants from sixteen different countries.
He describes his work as a study of light and how it affects the look and feel of everything around us. He works exclusively outdoors and photographs all things: wildlife, flowers, trees, landscape scenes, birds [which are his passion], and sometimes just plays with light and objects so the viewer is captured by a good feeling but does not know what it is that makes the picture
Mr. Zbinden says that the joy of photography to him is that he is always searching for beauty in nature and attempting to capture it with his camera, and hopefully reproduce the scene or object in an exciting print. Simple things seem the best to him, a boat, a bird, a leaf that have just the perfect light. He claims that sometimes moving three inches will make a ho-hum photograph into a winner.
He claims that art is very subjective and he presents what pleases him and hopes that you too will find some joy in the prints. He has been a well received presenter at several Winter Wings workshops.
Thursday, May 10, 2007: 7:00 p.m.
"Wolves in Oregon...Past, Present, Future"
A "not to be missed program" on Oregon's Wolf Management Plan will be presented by Russ Morgan. He is a 20 year ODFW biologist and holds a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences from OSU. Currently he is the NE Oregon Non-game Biologist and statewide Wolf Coordinator for ODFW and is based in La Grande. His primary responsibility is the implementation of Oregon's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. When he is off duty, he enjoys birding, traditional archery, and outdoor recreation with his family.
The gray wolf is listed as 'endangered' under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The gray wolf has been extirpated from Oregon for more than 50 years, meaning the species is native to Oregon, but no longer is found here. Wild wolves that enter the state are fully protected by the ESA, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has legal authority to administer and enforce. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission classifies the wolf as an endangered species under the Oregon Endangered Species Act.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has no reintroduction plans for wolves. The Department predicts that there is no year-round habitat in Oregon that would allow wolves to exist without conflict with land uses already in place.
In February 1999, a radio-collared gray wolf from Idaho entered Oregon, resulting in heightened public interest and concern among residents of northeast Oregon and members of the livestock industry. The female wolf was eventually captured in March 1999 by a helicopter net gun crew near the Middle Fork John Day River and returned to Idaho. Subsequently, two confirmed wolves have been found dead in Oregon. In May 2000 a collared wolf was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 84 south of Baker City, and in October 2000 an uncollared wolf was found shot between Ukiah and Pendleton.
In recent years there have been dozens of reports of wolf or wolf track sightings in eastern Oregon. Some observations could be of dispersing wolves from Idaho. However, there are no confirmed live wild wolves in Oregon at this time. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission held 15 town-hall meetings around the state in late 2002 and early 2003 to prepare for the arrival of wolves. The Commission received 2,639 oral statements and questions and 1,502 written comments during the three-month process.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the final Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (Wolf Plan) Dec. 1, 2005. As part of that plan wolf management areas were established for eastern and western Oregon. It assumed that wolf conser- vation objectives would be reached first in eastern Oregon and state delisting could occur while ensuring continued protections in western Oregon.
ODFW believes that the Wolf Plan provides adequate conservation measures for gray wolves in the near term while at the same time lays out a strong management framework that will guide management of Oregon wolves into the future.
In Oregon, USDA Wildlife Services is the agency responsible for investigating wolf depredation complaints. The agency's ability to respond may be hampered due to lack of personnel and equipment.
It should be emphasized that this program is not a public hearing but rather an educational event designed to present information on the current status of the wolf program in Oregon. We hope you will attend.
See the Herald & News for more details on these exciting programs. Both are unusual and have outstanding speakers! General Meetings are in the lower level of the County Courthouse, 316 Main Street.
Experience World's Greatest Migration Spectacle
Each spring over a half-million Sandhill Cranes congregate on Nebraska's Platte River in one of the world's greatest migration spectacles. To learn more on how to schedule a crane viewing, please visit www.rowesanctuary.org. And if Nebraska is not in your travel plans, you can watch the cranes every morning and evening on the Crane Cam (magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/cranecam/) from Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary and National Geographic Magazine.
Field Trip Reports . . .
Winter Wings Follow-up, February 24, 2007
By Ken Johnston
On Saturday, February 24, in spite of the cold blustery weather and slick roads, five of us met for the Winter Wings Follow-up field trip. Ken Johnston was leader-in name, but Charlotte Kisling drove. Jo Massey was designated the navigator, or as Charlotte said, "the nagivator." Len Goldstein and Sasha Vitomski, from San Anselmo, CA were our honored guests to the Basin.
Our first stop was at Veterans Park, where we saw Pied-billed Grebes, Black-crowned Night Herons, Common Golden-eyes, and Barrow's Golden-eyes, and we realized how cold it was with the wind-chill factor as we hurried back to the cars to warm our fingers, noses, and ears.
At Miller Island we saw: Tundra Swans, Northern Harriers, Buffleheads, Mallards, White-fronted Geese, Canada Geese, Rough-legged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Sand Hill Cranes, Rock Pigeons, American Kestrels, Magpies, European Starlings, Oregon Juncos, House Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Ross's Geese, Snow Geese, and Ravens.
Driving across the Basin there were Western Meadowlarks, Bald Eagles, and a Prairie Falcon. Near Chin and Buessing Road we searched for the leucistic Bald Eagle but couldn't locate it; however, we did witness a Bald Eagle attacking a Red-tailed Hawk that was carrying a ground squirrel it had just caught. The hawk dropped the squirrel and tried to defend itself, but the eagle ignored the hawk and dropped to the ground snatching up the squirrel. Much amused, we continued to watch as the mate of the Red-tail came to help and stooped at the eagle. The eagle nonchalantly continued to eat and ignored the protestations and attacks of the Red-tail. Later the eagle flew off carrying the remainder of the ground squirrel. Social injustice? Nature has no conscience? Or, Rank has its privileges. What?
We had a social lunch at Pappy Gander's in Merrill. The food was good, but "No, our French fries are not made from Idaho potatoes! And don't even think of asking again!" We also birded in Merrill after lunch and found the Eurasian Collared-doves that have been reported there, Red-winged Black-birds, and interestingly, we saw a big white dog carrying home a dead lamb in its mouth. We suppose that it had some explaining to do when it got there.
We finished our trip by going to the Lower Klamath Refuge, where we saw thousands of Pintails, many Buffleheads and Tundra Swans. We also observed Horned Larks and looked for Long-spurs in the flocks but didn't see any. Northern Harriers, Rough-legged Hawks, Kestrels, and Bald Eagles were numerous, and a coyote was hunting by the road. Ring-necked Pheasants, Ring-billed Gulls, Ruddy Ducks, Ravens Lesser Scaups, American Wigeons Shovelers, and Gadwalls completed our list for the day, adding up to about forty species-not too bad considering the weather, and we were able to share the joy of birding in Klamath with our visitors, Len and Sasha, from San Anselmo.
Editor's Note: The trip was officially cancelled due to the whether; however, these intrepid souls decided to venture out anyway, with amazing results.
Field Trips Schedule
Saturday/Sunday, April 14 - 15, 2007 Field Trip to Sage Grouse Lek
By Ken Johnston
Notes From Last Year's Trip . . .
Sunday: Our alarm goes off at 4:30, and we are in the truck at 5:00. The others are waiting. The temperature is 28o, and there is about _ inch of snow on the windshield. We drive twenty-one miles east of Bend, OR. The sun is just coming up as we get to Millican Valley, and the clouds in the sky form an inverted sunburst-like a large scallop shell-above the snow highlighted mountains surrounding the valley. We park and walk to within about 100 meters from the lek, careful not to alert or frighten the birds and await the light of day so we can see the grouse pageant as it begins.
The morning grows brighter, the cold thinner. Like a corrosive, it penetrates our gloves and parkas as we focus our binoculars and scopes. All around is an expanse of solitude and sage, surrounded by a matutinal effulgence reflecting from snow dusted peaks. The arena or lek (Swedish for "play") is in the shadowed foreground of a rocky ridge with a large, derelict water tower in the center.
The setting is surreal, and then suddenly the time has arrived as slowly they become visible, parading, strutting, and bluffing, with tail feathers spread in spiked fans, wings held out from the bodies with tips nearly dragging the ground, and air sacs on their breasts inflated. Loud popping sounds are produced by air being released from the inflated sacs, as each cock exuberantly feints and bobs, fiercely defending his small territory.
Massed on the plain as they have since time immemorial the communal courtship dance has begun. We shiver in the gathering dawn as we excitedly comment on the avian spectacle we are seeing. Males challenge each other rushing and retreating, and females demurely enter from the sidelines to choose the male of their choice. They will mate and then go off to raise their clutch of young with no more help from the father.
This is the first time most of our group has experienced a Sage Grouse lek, and I am impressed at how intense their interest and appreciation is. I am reminded of the first time I experienced a Zuni Sahalko dance and am amazed at how these small, perky birds can elicit the same awe and respect in our group that the giant Kachinas did in me. And I realize that there is something ineffable and special about these birds like the Shalako dancers; something sacred, mysterious, and transcendent.
Before the proceedings are finished, we are chilled to the bone and return to the warmth of our vehicles to drive back toward Bend, stopping to read the historical sign above the geologically interesting Dry River Canyon and view an osprey nest beside the road with a pair of ospreys on it. At the motel we enjoy continental breakfast of Belgian waffles, boiled eggs, orange juice, and coffee. Then we go back to our rooms, pack up, and return home.
Saturday, April 28: Klamath River Canyon
Rick Hardy will lead a field trip to the Klamath River Canyon below J C Boyle dam. Weather and roads permitting, we will drive as far downriver as Copco Dam and possibly Irongate Dam. This is a long drive over sometimes steep gravel and dirt surfaced roads, so plan on spending an entire day. Bring water and lunch. We will try to consolidate into a few suitable (high clearance) vehicles so please RSVP Rick at 882-3169 evenings or 885-2504 days, if you have a suitable vehicle and are willing to drive.
We will meet at the Fish and Wildlife Office at 1936 California Ave at 8:00 am. The birds and the scenery are worth the effort to get there, especially if you have never seen that portion of Klamath River Canyon before. Be prepared for insects, sunburn, poison oak, and rattlesnakes! (Just a warning!)
June 2, 2007 Sycan Marsh ** Cancelled **
Weather and road conditions (some dirt roads likely) permitting, we will visit The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) ~31,000 acre Sycan Marsh Preserve. The Sycan Marsh is a unique wetland-meadow area that also includes upland and forest. The Sycan lies in Klamath and Lake counties and provides nesting and stopover habitat for many species of birds that travel the Pacific flyway; several aquatic species also call the marsh home; and there are a variety of plants in the preserve.
The Nature Conservancy operates the preserve, initially purchased in 1980, in partnership with the ZX Ranch; the ranch holds the grazing lease for the area and TNC is "testing the compatibility of grazing practices with wetland restoration." There are research facilities for scientists who are studying the wetland, its birds, animals, plants and aquatic species. Upland habitats provide other opportunities for research as well as forest restoration. Ecological preservation and restoration of the marsh, upland and forest is the focus of TNC efforts on the Sycan.
The preserve is approximately 80 miles away so we will need to LEAVE from USFWS Headquarters, 1936 California Ave., at 6:15 AM. Please bring lunch, sunscreen and bug spray, dress for the weather, and have your car filled with gas when you arrive; we will carpool as much as possible so please help drivers with gas expenses. There is NO GAS STATION in Beatty anymore (as of this writing--I will try to find out if it has re-opened; watch the H&N newspaper for info or call Julie at 541-882-4488 to verify departure time and other logistics). We will meet Craig Bienz, manager of the site, at the gas station location and leave for the Sycan Marsh at 7:30 AM.
Field Notes . . .
By Julie Van Moorhem
Report your sightings to me directly if you do not put them on the website: or 882-4488. Please include your name, phone number (in case we need to contact you), location and date of sighting, birds and numbers if notable.
Many thanks to all the contributors, both the new folks and the stalwarts. Please continue to report your sightings.
Weather moderated in mid-January with daytime highs 40+, lows in the teens, and sunny days. This "teaser" weather made us think of spring and then we got "zapped" with snow beginning Feb. 20, and continuing for about a week and a half. It snowed everyday resulting in about a foot of the white stuff. Most noticeable bird reported for this period was the Varied Thrush; they seemed to be everywhere!
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 2, Lower Klamath NWR/CA, (MC, JVM)
TURKEY VULTURE, 1, A Canal Headgates, Feb. 2 (RH); 3, Link River, Feb. 10 (KS) 2-3 weeks
earlier than average
BRANT, 1. Straits Drain, Lower Klamath NWR, Mar. 17, (FM)
CINNAMON TEAL, 1 male, Lower Klamath NWR/CA, Mar. 11, (JVM, MC)
WHITE-TAILED KITE, 2, Bear Valley, Jan 31 (resident of Bear Valley); 1, Tulelake Discovery Marsh, Feb. 2, (CK); Feb 6, Miller Island WMA, (WS), Feb. 7, (JVM), Feb. 10 (KS), Feb. 18, (MC, mob)
GOLDEN EAGLE, Oregon Drain, Lower Klamath NWR, Mar. 15, (WM, MC, JVM)
LEUCISTIC BALD EAGLE, Hill Rd., Jan. 25, (MC, JV); Feb. 2, Chin & Beusing Rds, (CK)
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 1. Miller Island WMA, Jan. 22, (JV, ED, BD)
SWAINSON'S HAWK, 1, East Langell Valley, Mar. 17, (JVM)
FERRUGINOUS HAWK, Taylor Rd., Mar. 4, (MC, JVM)
MERLIN, Anderson Rd., Feb. 14, (ED, BD, JVM); Feb. 23, Pine Grove, (JVM)
SANDHILL CRANE, 21, Pine Grove, Mar. 6, (JVM); 5, Miller Island WMA, Mar. 14 (PC)
AMERICAN AVOCET, 1, White Lake, OR, Mar. 15, (JVM)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 3, White Lake, OR, Mar. 15 (JVM)
GLAUCOUS GULL (first winter), 1, Veteran's Park, Feb. 4, (DL)
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, 1, Veteran's Park, Feb. 4, (DL)
NORTHERN PYGMY OWL, audible, Pine Grove, Feb. 26 & Feb. 28 (JVM)
ACORN WOODPECKER, 1, Running Y, Feb. 25 (MC)
BLACK PHOEBE, Exit auto tour route, Lower Klamath NWR/CA, Mar. 15, (WM, MC, JVM)
WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER, North Ridge Estates, Feb. 2, (JVM); Mar. 9, Old Fort Rd., (MC, JVM)
SAY'S PHOEBE, 3, Algoma Rd., Mar. 9, (MC, JVM)
TREE SWALLOW, Miller Island WMA, Feb. 6, (WS) & Feb. 7, (JVM)
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, 4, Wood River Wetland, Feb 12, (MN, JVM)
AMERICAN DIPPER, 2, Haglestein Park, Feb. 2, (JVM)
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, Hill Rd., Mar. 4, MC, JVM)
VARIED THRUSH, ranged from 1 to 9 in any group, Feb. 2 thru Feb. 28- various locations around K-Falls from Running Y to Pine Grove and Tulelake to Haglestein Park (SB, BJM, JVM, MC)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1, Miller Island WMA, Mar. 11, (JVM, MC); also a few days earlier (KS)
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, Miller Island WMA, Mar. 11, (MC, JVM)
FOX SPARROW,1, Tulelake HQ Feb. 24, (BJM)
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, Running Y, Feb. 23 (MC)
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, 3, Algoma Rd., Feb. 2, (JVM)
RED CROSSBILL, 12, Old Fort Rd., Feb. 2, (JVM)
EVENING GROSBEAK, ~200, Modoc Point Rd., Feb. 12, (MN, JVM)
Contributors: Sally Bailo (SB), Phillip Carr (PC), Marilyn Christian (MC), Elaine Deutschman (ED), Bill Deutschman (BD), Rick Hardy (RH), Charlotte Kisling (CK), Dave Larson (DL), B.J. Matzen (BJM), Frank Mayer (FM), Woody Morf (WM), Michele Nuss (MN), Kevin Spencer (KS), Wes Stone (WS), Julie Van Moorhem (JVM), mob, many observers
Please Send Us Your E-Mail Address
The KBAS Board would like to acquire e-mail addresses of members willing to share them. In communications, the group will be placed in the bcc "To" field for privacy, so your name will not be known to others in the group. From time to time it is important to provide information quickly for time sensitive alerts, action issues, changes in programs or field trips, etc. If you would like to be a part this rapid communication effort, please send your e-mail address to both Marilyn Christian at and Darrel Samuels at We will maintain two lists in the event one person is not available when needed. For the subject, type "Audubon E-mail."Conservation Page . . .
Government adopts new Endangered Species policy
By Jeff Barnard, Associated Press 3/19/07 (Excerpts)
The Bush administration issued a new interpretation of the Endangered Species Act recently that would allow it to protect plants and animals only in areas where they are struggling to survive, while ignoring places where they are healthy or have already died out. The opinion by U.S. Department of Interior Solicitor David Bernhardt was posted with no formal announcement on the department's Web site.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall, contacted in Washington, D.C., said the new policy would allow them to focus on protecting species in areas where they are in trouble, rather than having to list a species over its entire range.
That would make it easier to take the gray wolf off the federal threatened species list in Montana and Idaho, leaving it to the states to manage. And it would leave it listed in Wyoming, where the state has yet to adopt a protection plan that satisfies the federal government, Hall said. "I think this will be a good tool from a biological standpoint," he said. "I think a lot of species might be affected in the future, especially species that are wide-ranging."
But Kieran Suckling, policy director for the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, said the new policy was a sophisticated effort by the Bush administration to gut the Endangered Species Act by ignoring the loss of species from their historical range, thus easier to deny species listings.
If upheld by the courts, Suckling estimated the new policy would remove 80 percent of the roughly 1,300 species from threatened and endangered lists - because most species have at least one stronghold where they are doing well.
At issue is the language in the Endangered Species Act that demands the Secretary of Interior to list a plant or animal species as threatened or endangered if it is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all of its range, or a significant portion of its range.
The new policy defines the range of a species as the geographic area where it currently can be found, and not places where it once could be found - such as areas where habitat destruction has driven it out. It also gives the secretary of Interior and Fish and Wildlife broad discretion to define what a significant portion of the range is. Hall said they would not review the some 1,300 species listed as threatened or endangered, but would evaluate petitions brought by the public.
"If someone feels like (listing a species) throughout their range is too much, they can petition us to just look at the significant portion," he said. "We intend to use this as a move forward."
Suckling said courts have consistently ruled against the Bush administration, saying that if a species is imperiled in part of its range, it must be listed as threatened or endangered across its entire range.
A new organization, Save Open Space, has formed around the controversy of the City's proposed sale of Conger Heights, and plans to continue in existence to further the preservation of open spaces in the long term, whether parks or forested areas, hillsides or streamside, so that as Klamath Falls grows it does not lose the natural gems that make it so attractive to so many. If you would like to get involved, please contact Eve Oldenkamp, , 882-1426 for further information. Or go to www.friendsoflinktrail.com
Nominating Committee Recommendations for KBAS Board 2007-2008
President: Darrel Samuels
I taught elementary school in Fairfield for 31 years. Since moving to Klamath Falls I have volunteered at the Winter Wings Festivals and the Klamath Bird Observatory and for the last year, served on the KBAS board and as the publicity chair. I would like to see our chapter become more involved in community educational outreach programs with both adults and children. As a chapter, I believe we have the knowledge and people to help Klamath Falls residents understand and appreciate the wonderful wildlife resources of our area. When land use issues arise, like the recent Conger Heights controversy, it will be vital for residents to understand how their decisions affect the natural habitats in the Klamath Basin.
Vice President: Rick Hardy
Rick majored in wildlife management and received an AS degree at a junior college in Bottineau, ND and a BS from Washington State University. He became District Wildlife Biologist on the Klamath Ranger District of the Winema National Forest in 1987. As a member of National Audubon since the early 1980's and KBAS after moving here, Rick has held various positions in including board member, committee chair, and currently Vice President and transportation chair for the Winter Wings Festival.
Secretary:
Treasurer: Tom Essex
Tom retired after spending 34 years in public education as a teacher and school administrator. He now spends most of his time woodworking, fishing, fly tying, travelling, volunteering and serving as treasurer for KBAS. His educational background began with undergraduate work in physical geography and geology. He earned a Masters in education and did post graduate work in environmental studies. Tom is also a graduate of the California School Leadership Academy.
Members of the Board
Marilyn Christian - I retired from a long career in healthcare, serving a hospital in the California Bay Area as Director of Health Information and Safety Director. I have been the Grebe Editor and Board member for the past year. I hope KBAS will grow in numbers of actively involved participants, grow in importance to the community and grow in providing benefits to the environment through significant projects and education.
Jim Goff - I moved here with my wife Helen in 2002 from Portland Oregon. I joined the Audubon to learn more about birds. I would like to help keep the high quality programs at our Monthly meetings. I also like to balance environment and Human needs.
Ken Johnston - He earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Colorado and a Masters degree in zoology at Chico State University in California. Ken has worked as a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in many locations and was also a secondary education teacher in Klamath Basin for seventeen years. Ken was both president of the Klamath Basin Audubon Society and editor of the Grebe newsletter for several years.
Michele Nuss - I moved to Klamath Falls in June, 2006 after accepting a position at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at Tule Lake which includes interpretive projects, visitor center services, environmental education programs, outreach activities and website maintenance. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve as a board member for Klamath Basin Audubon Society.
Eve Oldenkamp - Please see Eve's profile sketch in the current Board Profiles column, below.
Jim Rooks - Jim has resided in southern Oregon and northern California for most of his life. His education includes a bachelor and masters degrees from Southern Oregon University, and he is retired from thirty years of teaching biology, chemistry, etc in a small school in which he was primarily the science staff. In his spare time, he is the builder of beautiful bird houses.
Nominating Committee members included Julie Van Moorhem, Tom Essex, and Marilyn Christian. Many thanks for their efforts in completing an excellent slate of candidates. Nominations may also be made from the floor. Voting will take place at the May General Meeting.
Board Member Profiles
Eve Oldenkamp, Board Member
Eve was born in Oakland, California under nefarious circumstances and is a Gemini who always looks for the multifaceted nature of any issue. Graduated high school from Tillamook, Oregon where she grew up on a dairy farm, rode and trained horses and experienced the glory of nature.
Her hometown is a community heavily dependent upon logging and farming, thus her involvement in environmental issues during the Spotted Owl controversy, pitted her at odds with many family members and friends when she determined long-term economic investment placed environmental protection as the best option. She maintains those same friends and keeps on-going dialogue around environmental issues alive and well.
She graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Political Science (and concedes her father's point that politics is fraught with B.S.). She spent a year in Washington, D.C. working for a law firm, then attended the University of Oregon School of Law. She returned to D.C. to work for Amnesty International and then, when Uncle Sam demanded payment for the finances that had floated her last few years of intellectual exploration, continued the defense of human rights as a public defender in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Intent upon only remaining here for a two year period, she soon was sucked into the vortex known as the Klamath Knot, invigorated by the contrast of lush lakes and high desert, listening to the spirits of a by gone era and walking with the ghosts that chase each other in the open desert sky. She served as president of Audubon between 2001 and 2002. She enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking, reading, fishing and hunting. Her life goal is to live with as little impact as possible and leave behind a legacy appreciated most by the wild creatures and forests.
Ralph Opp Resigns
We regret to inform you that Ralph Opp has resigned his position as President of Klamath Basin Audubon effective March 9, 2007. Ralph was one of the Charter members of this Chapter and the primary force behind the Bald Eagle Conference, which the Chapter hosted for 25 years. The Bald Eagle Conference is said to be the very first "birding festival" in the nation. Ralph has been continuously involved with the Chapter for its entire history, and will continue to be the Chapter Historian. He will also continue his involvement with the Scott Grants program, which provides funds for natural resource education for local students.
Under Ralph, the Chapter worked hard to maintain a high level of Conservationism and not be just another so-called environmental group. Ralph is also president of the Oregon Eagle Foundation, Wingwatchers, and active in other conservation organizations. He still participates in bald eagle nest surveys every spring. Audubon is very grateful for all the time Ralph devoted to this Chapter. Ralph received a well deserved National Award from Audubon in 1992.
Rick Hardy, Vice-President, will take over the duties of President for the remainder of the first year of a two year term per Bylaws.
KBAS Finance Report
Current checking account amount is $8,110.75
Tom Essex, KBAS Treasurer
Board Schedule/Location
Please call the host for directions (see the Contact Us page). All members are welcomed at Board meetings
| DATE | LOCATION/HOME |
| April 4, 2007 | Julie Van Moorhem |
| May 2, 2007 | Charlotte Kisling |
Welcome New Members
A very warm welcome to the following new members. Please join us at the next meeting!
| Josef Asher | Flavia Strickland |
| Karl Bachman | Robert Harding |
| Victoria Birdsong | Lynn Howard |
| Joan Ottoway | Karen Volpe |
| Luanne Strom |
THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!
Klamath Basin Audubon Society is fortunate to have people who give generously of their time to keep KBAS alive. If you volunteered for any of the following activities during 2006-2007, KBAS appreciates your time, talent, energy, and/or donations:
- Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairs who form the backbone of KBAS.
- Field trip leaders who help us improve our birding skills and/or gain knowledge about the wildlife and habitats of the Klamath Basin.
- Presenters who bring us educational and entertaining programs about our natural world.
- Workers behind the scenes who ensure the success of the Winter Wings Festival
- Leaders and workshop presenters at the Winter Wings Festival
- Representatives who work at the KBAS booth at a variety of educational venues
- Dedicated members who watch for the conservation issues at local, state and national levels and write letters to support wildlife and habitat.
- People who donate money to support KBAS activities
- Folks who donate items for raffles and silent auctions
- People who bring treats to the membership meetings
- Organizers and participants in census projects such as Christmas Bird Count, North American Migration Count, and East Cascades Bird Conservancy's Winter Raptors survey
- Contributors to Field Notes
- Writers who contribute articles to the Grebe
- Hosts for feeder hops, picnics, or other activities at someone's home
- Photographers who share their photos at the Christmas Potluck
- Salespeople who sell our coupon books, bird guides, etc., to raise funds for KBAS activities
- Cheerleaders who encourage others to join KBAS
We may have left out some group and if so, our apologies--please let us know so we can run a special thank you in the future. We truly appreciate all of you who help make KBAS a very special group of people who care about our environment and the wildlife that lives in it. Please continue to volunteer in whatever way works for you--or expand your horizons and volunteer for something you've never done before!
Winter Wings Festival
During the weekend of February 15 - 18, 2007, another highly successfully Festival was staged. Evaluations revealed very positive feed-back by participants in all aspects of the Festival. Over 650 people attended some portion of the event.
Leslie Lowe has announced that she will not be the Coordinator for 2008. Sincere thanks deservedly go to her for many years of excellent leadership that has made the Festival possible. She also recently spent many hours re-organizing the storage facility used by Klamath Basin Audubon and Wing Watchers. Thanks to her for that effort as well.
Rogue Valley Birding by Ear Workshop
Rogue Valley Audubon Society, in collaboration with Klamath Bird Observatory, is sponsoring a workshop that includes field trips and bird recordings. Join in on Saturday, June 2nd 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 and Sunday, June 3rd 7:00 a.m. to 2:00. Field trips leave promptly from Bellview Grange, 1050 Tolman Creek Rd., Ashland. The cost is $50 per person and includes two lunches.
For information and to register, contact Lynda Stevenson, 858-7048 or Registration forms will be available at the April KBAS General Meeting.
