Schedule:

Friday, February 17, 2023

Leader: Jeremy Neipp
F1 Wildlife Photography Camera Basics
Jeremy will help you understand your camera and learn the fundamentals of taking good wildlife photography images. He will cover the exposure triangle, white balance, and composition techniques to get a good image in wildlife photography.
Limited to 12 participants
7:00 am – Noon
$60 includes lunch
Favell Museum, 125 Main Street, Klamath Falls

Leader: Ray Hennessy
F2 Photo Foray With Ray
Will you be one of the lucky few to spend a morning with Ray  learning the most creative approaches to bird photography He will concentrate on proper lighting, foreground/background, bird behavior, and camera settings and local talent will help guide the group to the best spots for capturing those special photos.
Limited to 15 participants
7:30 – 11:30 am
$125 includes lunch

OIT Dow Center entrance
Speaker: Christine Elder
W1 Introduction to Techniques for Sketching Birds in the Field
In this workshop participants will be introduced to quick and easy techniques for capturing the likeness of birds in their field sketchbooks.Then they will practice sketching with a variety of art materials using reference photos of local bird species.No prior drawing experience is necessary. Students will get bonus access to Christine’s online bird sketching course to give them more practice once they return home.
Limited to 40 participants
8:00 am – Noon
$40
OIT College Union Crater Lake/Mt Mazama room

Leader: Elijah Hayes
F3 Morning at Miller Island
The Miller Island unit of the Klamath Wildlife Area is a unique  location that is managed for the protection and improvement of waterfowl habitat. It is a great place to see waterbirds throughout the year, though the highest concentration of waterfowl is usually visible in the winter. We will spend a few hours working our way through the wildlife area to the boat launch and should see birds such as Tundra Swans and Snow and Ross’s Geese in fairly large concentrations, as well as great duck diversity and some wintering songbirds and blackbirds.
Limited to 20 participants
8:00 am – 12:15 pm
$50 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Todd Kepple
F4 Human Impacts on Klamath Basin Wetlands – A Historical Perspective
Wildlife in the Klamath Basin has been significantly affected by human activities, especially since the arrival of European-Americans in the 1800s. Todd will provide an overview of how people have altered the environment of the Klamath Basin, and what efforts have been made over the past century to mitigate the impacts. Following the presentation, the  group will carpool to several key locations in the Klamath Project, including diversion dams, irrigation facilities, and restoration projects. Lunch not included. Bring snacks and drinks.
Limited to 14 participants
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
$25
OIT College Union Sunset room (carpool field trip)

Leaders: Stefan Savides and Joe Miller
F5  Birds and Bronzes: Savides Pond and Studio Tour
While you may have been lucky enough to see sculptures of nationally renowned bronze artist Stefan Savides  throughout downtown Klamath Falls, you could be one of the fortunate few to personally tour his studio/home with Stefan and “Metal Man” Joe Miller.  You will get to observe the  bronze sculpture design process firsthand. An extra perk is to view his spectacular pond, which nestles right up to the back of his home where by you can see over a dozen Klamath Basin native waterfowl species. Lunch not included. Bring snacks and drinks
Limited to 25 participants
9:00 – 11:30 am
$20
Meet-up at Stefan Savides’s Studio – address will be emailed to registrants

Leaders: Darrel Samuels and Tom Essex
F6 Running Y Feeder Hop 1
Join Darrel and Tom to look for the Running Y Ranch Resort’s winter bird visitors.  You’ll visit several feeder locations via carpool and walking. Be on the lookout for forest woodpeckers such as the elusive White-headed Woodpecker, nuthatches, pine siskins, chickadees, etc. that sometimes frequent the area. Bird feeding and nest boxes will also be covered.
Limited to 15 participants
9:00 am – Noon
 $ 25 includes snacks
Running Y Resort entrance, 5500 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls

Speaker: Jen Hajj
W2 Identifying Perched Winter Raptors
It’s a raptor bird on a post! But what kind of raptor
You hem and haw at the puffed-up brown blob and wonder what it could be. This workshop will break down the field marks and characteristics as simply as possible, with natural history stories that explain the reasons for the adaptations we see. You’ll get a workbook where you can record all of the characteristics you learn.
Limited to 20 participants
10:30 am – Noon
$15
OIT College Union Mt McLoughlin room

Presenter: John Vradenburg
P1 Wetlands, the Key to a Wetter Future
The Klamath Basin is a vast wetland landscape. The abundance of water in an otherwise arid land forged cultures, and an abundance of wildlife and fish communities, through the ebb and flow of water from the mountains to the ocean. Although the modern landscape bears little resemblance to its past, the same ecological processes that supported this unique ecosystem are still in play. However, long term drought, water management policies with the subsequent decline in fish and wildlife populations, and increased ground water extraction have placed the Klamath Basin at the greatest risk of being lost forever unless stakeholders come together with a collective vision for its restoration.
Please join John Vradenburg, Supervisory Biologist for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex as he discusses the history, challenges, and opportunities that exist to restore this globally unique and iconic wetland landscape.
Limited to 350 participants
12:45 – 2:00 pm
$Free but registration required
OIT College Union Auditorium

Presenter: Mark Bransom
P2 The Klamath River Dams are Coming Out!
Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) is poised to take ownership of and remove four PacifiCorp dams on the Klamath River, restore the formerly inundated land, and implement required mitigation measures.  These actions will reopen 400 stream miles of historic salmon and steelhead habitat and spawning grounds, with the goal of helping to recover  these iconic species. Mark will take you on a virtual tour of the hows and whys of this historic  project.
Limited to 350 particiants
2:15 – 3:00 pm
 $ Free but registration required
OIT College Union Auditorium

Presenters: Dave Coffman and Ken Sanchez
P3 A Major Landscape Restoration Is in Store for Klamath and Siskiyou Counties — What Will It Look Like
Join Dave and Ken to hear what will happen when four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River are removed.  Who will mitigate thousands of acres of  eroding soil in the footprint left behind How will the area be replanted, and tributaries be reconnected What will happen to the fish, Bald Eagles, and other wildlifeWho is taking long-term responsibility for the site
Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) — the nation’s leading ecological restoration firm has been selected to lead landscape scale restoration  following dam removal.After deconstruction RES will work to restore the areas in and around the four reservoir footprints, and several miles of tributaries. This will fully reopen a critical part of historical salmon and steelhead spawning habitats.
Limited to 350 participants
3:15 – 4:00 pm
 $ Free but registration required
OIT College Union Auditorium
Presenter: Scott White
P4  Klamath Drainage District: Fighting Over Water is for the Birds

The past decade has brought regular drought to the Upper Klamath Basin, resulting in single species management negatively affecting lake and river conditions, agriculture production, waterfowl habitat and overall ecosystems. Klamath Drainage District (KDD) has been on the forefront of pushing back to exercise its rightful claim to water. By doing so, the Lower Klamath Lake area has been some of the only habitat in the Upper Klamath Basin for migrating waterfowl to rest and refuel. Come hear from Scott, KDD’s General Manager, to see what KDD is doing to exercise its rights, and some of the progressive projects they are working on to hang on to a threatened Lower Klamath Lake ecosystem.
Limited to 350 participants
4:15 – 5:00 pm
 $ Free but registration required
OIT College Union Auditorium

Presenter: Darrel Samuels
P5 Audubon Advocates for Klamath Basin Birds
Klamath Basin Audubon President Darrel Samuels shares what efforts are underway at the local, Portland Audubon, and National Audubon level to advocate for habitat for migrating birds.
Limited to 350 participants
5:15 – 5:30 pm
$ Free but registration required
OIT College Union Auditorium

No Host Bar
A relaxing interlude! Have a drink from the cash bar and mingle with old and new friends.
4:45- 6:00 pm
OIT College Union downstairs

R1 Friday Buffet
Limited to 180 participants
6:00 – 7:00 pm
$27
OIT College Union Crater Lake Complex (upstairs)

Keynoter: Jen Hajj
K1 Gifts of the Sky
Birds inspire us. We are enthralled by their colors and variety. We ***** up our ears at their sounds. We wish to join them in the air, and we dream of their journeys. We laugh at their antics. Through Jen’s original music and stories, we’ll celebrate the beauty of birds.
7:15 -8:45 pm
 $ 8
OIT College Union Auditorium

Saturday February 18, 2023

Leader: Jeremy Neipp
F7 Planning and Composition in Class and In the Field 1  
This intermediate/advanced class and field trip will teach you how to visualize and plan out a master wildlife photography image and then put your new skills to work in the field. A basic understanding of your camera, composition, lighting and bird behavior is recommended.Lunch not included. Bring snacks and drinks
Limited to 10 participants
7:00 am – Noon
$50
OIT College Union Sunset room

Leaders: Kevin Spencer and Elijah Hayes
F8 Big Day 1   
Kevin and Elijah will lead you to a variety of habitats such as:Oak Woodland, Riparian, Wetlands, Uplands, Grasslands, and Urban and hotspots such as: Lake Ewauna, Link River, Putnam’s Point, Running Y, Klamath Hills, Miller Island WMA, and Moore Park, for the purpose of encountering as many species as possible during the day. The pace will be quick; if you want to take photos, this is not the trip for you. For advanced level birders, listers, or intense intermediates.
Limited to 12 participants
7:00 am – 4:30 pm
$ 80 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Abbott Schindler
F9 A Bird Photographer’s Dream! Savides Pond and Studio Tour
We begin this unique excursion with a brief classroom orientation and then we’ll travel to a private home and pond where you can photograph over a dozen native waterfowl species. We’ll set up outdoors (dress appropriately), and Abbott will share photo tips to help ensure your enjoyment and success. You must be familiar with your camera’s exposure and focus settings. For those who wish to stay for another hour, you can take a tour of Stefan’s studio with Stefan and Joe Miller.
Limited to 10 participants
8:30 am – Noon
 $ 45
Favell Museum, 125 W Main St, Klamath Falls followed by carpool field trip

Leader: Amanda Alford
F10 Birding Basics 1
If you enjoy seeing birds in your backyard and want to learn more about them, or if you’ve been looking for a new nature-oriented hobby, this is the class for you. Amanda will begin with a presentation on some easy techniques you can use to deepen your relationship and understanding of birds around you, with special emphasis on birds wintering in the Klamath Basin. Afterwards you’ll carpool to nearby hotspots to put your new skills to work. A fun and informative session for the novice birder.
Limited to 20 participants
8:30 am – Noon
$25
OIT  College Union Mt McLoughlin room (carpool)

Speaker: Teresa Wicks
W3-01 Raptors 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Raptor ID Workshop
Note: If you want the companion field trip for Raptors 101, register for the W3-02/F16 Raptors 101 ID Workshop/Field Trip Combo.
For new birders that like raptors but need the basics, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn the field marks to help you identify hawks, eagles, and falcons that occur in the Klamath Basin and the West. Teresa will also share some of their natural history. If you want the field trip experience as well, then sign-up for the Fx Raptors 101 field trip which combines the workshop and field experience.
Limited to 40 participants
9:00 am – 11:00 am
$20
OIT College Union Mt Bailey/Mt Thielsen room

Leader: Teresa Wicks
W3-02 Raptor 101 Workshop/ F16 Raptors 101 ID Field Trip/Combo
NOTE: If you want only the Raptors 101 Workshop, register for W3-01.
For new birders that like raptors but need the basics, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn the field marks to help you identify hawks, eagles, and falcons that occur in the Klamath Basin and the West. Teresa will also share some of their natural history. This session, W3-02, is paired with the F16 Raptors 101 ID field trip on Sunday. Mandatory registration in both is required.
Limited to 20 participants
Saturday workshop 9:00 – 11:00 am; Sunday field trip 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
$65 includes mandatory W3 workshop  and lunch
OIT College Union Mt Bailey/Mt Thielsen room

Leader: Dave Hays
F11 Lava Beds National Monument Valentine and Skull Caves Tour
Lava Beds is home to more than 900 lava tubes as well as historic sites and battlefields from the Modoc War of 1872-1873. Tour this dramatic desert landscape, the visitor center, Valentine Cave, and Skull Cave with the monument’s Chief of Natural Resources, Dave Hays. Dave will provide an overview of how the geology of the park has created an ideal environment for 16 bat species, as well as an overview of the birds, other wildlife, and the broader ecosystem of the area.
Limited to 30 participants
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$45 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leaders: Marshal Moser and Dave Hewitt
F12  Laidback Birding 1

Not ready to leave at the crack of dawn? Take a birding and general nature tour with Marshal and Dave from a bus that leisurely loops through the Basin. You’ll have an opportunity to stop along the way and view the famous Bald Eagles of the Basin, winter waterfowl, and numerous raptors. Birders of all skill levels are welcome to learn about the Basin and its birds, some fellow creatures, and their habitats.

Limited to 25 participants
9:30 am – 3:30 pm
$65 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Scott White
F13  Bird-friendly Farms of the Klamath Basin  
Join Scott on a trip to the Lower Klamath Lake region of the Basin where farmers on Klamath Drainage District l (KDD) land are creating much needed habitat for waterfowl, other birds, and wildlife during critical times of migration. Scott will take you on a tour through multiple “bird-friendly farms” on your way to meeting with some local farmers in a relaxed setting with a hosted barbeque lunch courtesy of KDD.  Included is a stop at the nearby ****** fish rearing facility where they are working to grow 60,000 ****** per year. Karl Wenner will also accompany the group to help with bird identification.
Limited to 25 participants
10:30 am – 2:00 pm
$45 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Discover and Sketch Birds for Youth with Christine Elder: Two Sessions
Students will learn to draw two iconic birds of California; the Western Grebe and the California Condor while also learning interesting facts about these birds’ biology, anatomy, and conservation. Geared towards youth aged 8-12 (though accommodations can be made for those a bit younger and older).
Times:  Session #1:  12:30-2 pm and Session #2:  2-3:30 pm
Location: OIT College Union Sunset room

Presenter: Tiana Williams-Claussen
P6 Prey-go-neesh Keech Nes-kwe-chok’w: Condor Returns
Special guest Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, will provide a brief introduction to the incredible Prey-go-neesh, the California condor, and discuss the traditional paradigm guiding the Yurok Tribe’s efforts to bring them home to northern California and the Pacific Northwest. She will discuss the management approach the Yurok Tribe is taking for reintegrating condors into the region, and provide an update on how the newly released flock is doing!
Limited to 350 participants
1:00 – 2:15 pm
$12
OIT College Union Auditorium

Speaker: Jeremy Neipp
W4 Hands-on Photography Editing
Bring your laptop and edit away as Jeremy gives you hands-on post-processing instruction, one of the most fundamental aspects of wildlife photography in modern times.
Limited to 10 participants
2:00 – 4:00 pm
$30
OIT Owens Hall room

Speaker: Ray Hennessy
W5 Planning A Wildlife Shot
Most of the best wildlife photos don’t just happen. Often hours, weeks, months and even years go into learning, planning and executing what is necessary to be in the right place at the right time to capture an amazing wildlife photo. Join Ray as he discusses some of the planning techniques he thinks about on almost every shoot he does, as well as more specific planning that goes into capturing a specific species or shot. He will be sharing some examples of photos that resulted from this detailed planning and show how doing the work in advance can help you get more consistent and better results in your wildlife photography. (Rev. 1/4/23)
Limited to 40 participants
2:00 – 4:00 pm
$40
OIT College Union Mt Bailey/Mt Thielsen room

Presenter: Marina Richie
P7 Belted Kingfisher: Messenger for Wild Waters
With a rattling cry, hover, and headfirst plunge for fish, the Belted Kingfisher sends a message to all–Water is life. Join Marina in a photo-filled presentation focused on her new book:  Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher, a first-person narrative threading natural history, memoir, and myth.
Limited to 40 participants
2:30 – 3:30 pm
$8
OIT College Union Auditorium

Speaker: Dick Ashford
W6-01 Intermediate/Advanced Raptor ID Workshop and F20 Int/Adv Raptor ID Field Trip Combo
This always-popular workshop returns for 2023! Dick will provide a straightforward introduction to the identification of our local hawks, eagles, and falcons. The classroom presentation will help you sharpen your raptor ID skills. These skills will be put to the test on the companion Sunday trip. Recommended for intermediate or advanced birders.
Limited to 14 participants in workshop and up to 14 in carpool field trip
Saturday 2:30 – 5:30 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 3:15 pm
$85 includes W6-01 workshop and the Sunday  F20 field trip and lunch
OIT College Union Mt McLoughlin room for workshop, Best Western Plus Olympic Inn, 2627 South 6th Street for field trip meet-up

Speaker: Dick Ashford
W6-02 Intermediate/Advanced Raptor ID Workshop and F31 Int/Adv Raptor ID Field Trip Combo
This always-popular workshop returns for 2023! Dick will provide a straightforward introduction to the identification of our local hawks, eagles, and falcons. The classroom presentation will help you sharpen your raptor ID skills. These skills will be put to the test on the companion Monday trip. Recommended for intermediate or advanced birders.
Limited to 14 participants in workshop and up to 14 in carpool trip
Saturday 2:30 – 5:30 pm and Monday 8:30 am – 3:15 pm
$85 includes W6-02 workshop and the Monday day F31 field trip and lunch
OIT College Union Mt McLoughlin room for workshop, Best Western Plus Olympic Inn, 2627 South 6th Street for field trip meet-up

No Host Bar
A relaxing interlude! Have a drink from the cash bar and mingle with old and new friends.
4:45- 6:00 pm
OIT College Union downstairs

R2 Saturday Buffet
Click here for the menu.
Limited to 180 participants
6:00 – 7:00 pm
$27
OIT College Union Crater Lake Complex (upstairs)

Keynoter: Ray Hennessy
K2 Creative Bird Photography            
What makes an artistic bird photo different then just a standard documentary bird portrait. Ray will be discussing and showing all the methods he uses such as light, space, bokeh, getting close, capturing action and using hides to create unique bird photos that are a joy to look at. He will be sharing over 200 photos captured over the past 10 years that show these different methods in practice and discussing more in depth how he implements the techniques while shooting. Be ready for a wide variety of unique and different bird photos!
7:15 – 8:45 pm
$8
OIT College Union Auditorium

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Leader: Jeremy Neipp
F14 Mastering Auto and Manual Focus in the Field   
One of the most challenging parts of bird photography is tacking focus on your subject! In this field trip you’ll learn some techniques for how to autofocus better and utilize your camera’s strengths while also learning tools and techniques to manual focus well. By the end of the field trip you’ll understand your camera’s capabilities for autofocus and learn how to manually focus effectively so you can be prepared no matter the situation.
Limited to 8 participants
7:00 – 11:00 am
$40
OIT Dow Center Entrance

Leaders: Dave Haupt and and Dave Hewitt 
F15 Big Day 2
Enjoy a variety of habitats such as:Oak Woodland, Riparian, Wetlands, Uplands, Grasslands, and Urban and hotspots such as: Lake Ewauna, Link River, Putnam’s Point, Running Y, Klamath Hills, Miller Island WMA, and Moore Park, for the purpose of encountering as many species as possible during the day. The pace will be quick; if you want to take photos, this is not the trip for you. For advanced level birders, listers, or intense intermediates.
Limited to 12 participants
7:00 am – 4:30 pm
$ 80 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Teresa Wicks
F16 Raptors 101 ID Field Trip
Explore the Klamath Basin’s diurnal birds of prey with conservation ornithologist Teresa Wicks. We’ll focus on field marks as well as shape, size, and general behavior to work your new skills at identifying local eagles, hawks and falcons. By day’s end, you’ll gain an appreciation for the prey base that attracts all these raptors to the Klamath Basin!
Limited to 20 participants
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
$ fee included in Raptor 101 W3-02 Workshop/F16 Field Trip combo; includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leaders: Darrel Samuels and Tom Essex
F17 Running Y Feeder Hop 2
Join Darrel and Tom to look for the Running Y Ranch Resort’s winter bird visitors.  You’ll visit several feeder locations via carpool and walking. Be on the lookout for forest woodpeckers such as the elusive White-headed Woodpecker, nuthatches, pine siskins, chickadees, etc. that sometimes frequent the area. Bird feeding and nest boxes will also be covered. Limited to 15 participants
Limited to 15 participants
8:30 – 11:30 am
$ 25 includes snacks
Running Y Resort entrance, 5500 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls

Leader: Amanda Alford
F18 Birding Basics 2
If you enjoy seeing birds in your backyard and want to learn more about them, or if you’ve been looking for a new nature-oriented hobby, this is the class for you. Amanda will begin with a presentation on some easy techniques you can use to deepen your relationship and understanding of birds around you, with special emphasis on birds wintering in the Klamath Basin. Afterwards you’ll carpool to nearby hotspots to put your new skills to work. A fun and informative session for the novice birder.
Limited to 20 participants
8:30 am – Noon
$25
OIT College Union Sunset room (carpool field trip)

Leader: Kevin Spencer
F19 Little Big Walk
A “Big Walk” is an all day ramble through an area with the goal of seeing and counting as many birds as possible. Combining birding and walking can yield new additions to your local bird list with  the added benefit of getting some great exercise! We are offering a scaled down version, hence a “Little “ Big Walk.  Join Kevin as he explores a birdy area of Klamath Falls for a 1⁄2 day walk and learn more about how to do the same in your hometown. Stay tuned for the exact location to meet up.
Limited to 15 participants
8:30 am – Noon
$25

Leader: Dick Ashford
F20 Int/Adv  Raptor Identification  Field Trip
On the Sunday companion field outing to W6 Dick will continue the teaching/learning experience in a mobile field classroom setting. The goal is for you to be able to identify 90% of the hawks you’ll encounter during our day together and have fun doing it! Carpooling is mandatory so we can access some special spots in the Basin. This is not a photography trip; if photography is your goal, please sign up for one of the wonderful photo trips being offered.
Limited to 14 participants and 4 vehicles
8:30 am – 3:15 pm
$ includes lunch (fee included in W6-01)
Best Western Plus Olympic Inn, 2627 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls  (carpool field trip)

Leader: Abbott Schindler
F21 Great Bird Shots from Feeder Hops
Get up close and photograph the Running Y’s winter bird visitors, including White-headed Woodpeckers, at several feeder locations. We’ll be photographing birds in beautiful outdoor settings—and we’ll be comfy indoors! Photographer Abbott Schindler will share photo tips to help ensure your enjoyment and success. You’ll need a camera with a telephoto lens of 100mm or longer focal length. A tripod is highly recommended. You must be familiar with your camera’s exposure and focus settings prior to attending this session.
Limited to 10 participants
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
$30
Running Y Resort,  5500 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls, 3rd Floor Executive Boardroom

Leader: Christine Elder
F22 Sketching Birds at the Favell Museum
Christine will demonstrate quick and easy methods for capturing the likenesses of wild birds in a sketchbook. Then we’ll practice sketching birds from both taxidermied specimens and reference photos of local species.If weather permits, we will also spend some time sketching birds that we find on a stroll along the Link River which may include waterfowl, marsh birds, raptors, and songbirds. No prior drawing experience is necessary to participate. This activity is an excellent compliment to Christine’s indoor bird sketching workshop on Friday.
Limited to 20 participants
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
$45 includes lunch
Favell Museum, 125 W Main St, Klamath Falls, downstairs meeting room

Leader: Marshal Moser
F23  Laidback Birding 2
Not ready to leave at the crack of dawn? Take a birding and general nature tour with Marshal Moser from a bus that leisurely loops through the Basin. You’ll have an opportunity to stop along the way and view the famous Bald Eagles of the Basin, winter waterfowl, and numerous raptors. Birders of all skill levels are welcome to learn about the Basin and its birds, some fellow creatures, and their habitats.
Limited to 25 participants
9:30 am – 3:30pm
 $ 65 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center Entrance

Leader: Jeremy Neipp
F24 Planning and Composition in Class and In the Field 2
This intermediate/advanced class and field trip will teach you how to visualize and plan out a master wildlife photography image and then put your new skills to work in the field. A basic understanding of your camera, composition, lighting and bird behavior is recommended.
Limited to 10 participants
1:00 – 6:00 pm
$ 50
Favell Museum,125 West Main Street, Klamath Falls, upstairs meeting room

Presenter: Keith Wallach
P8 Ethical Photography Practices
Join Keith for a talk about bird photography ethics. This presentation will follow Keith’s journey as he navigates the world of conservation through his camera lens. Learn the best practices for photographing birds and wildlife ethically and how photography can be the vessel for change within the conservation space.
Limited to 25 participants
1:30-2:30 pm
$ Free but registration required
Favell Museum, 125 Main Street, downstairs meeting room

Panel Members: Madeline Enos, Matt Poole and Carli Davidson
P9 How to Use Social Media for Social Good: Bird Education, Art, & Conservation
Social media is more than just selfies, it can be a powerful tool for education and influencing conservation efforts. Whether you care about protecting beloved bird species, building your career in a conservation or photography field, or connecting with other birders, this panel will offer insights and practical tips for how to get started. We’ll explore the impact and reach that social media platforms offer and success stories from people who have created a large following on social media to promote their conservation message.
Limited to 40 participants
3:00-4:00 pm
$ 8
Favell Museum, 125 Main Street, Klamath Falls, downstairs meeting room

R3 Farewell Favell Museum Mixer
We invite you to drop in to sample some great food, beer, and wine, and meet some of our featured presenters and local leaders/presenters in person. Share your favorite festival experiences and meet others from out of town. This is a hosted event made possible by our generous local sponsors, Discover Klamath and Klamath Falls Downtown Business Association.
Limited to 80 participants
5:00 – 7:00 pm
$Free but registration required
Favell Museum, 125 West Main Street, downstairs meeting room

Monday, February 20, 2023

Leader: Keith Wallach
F25 In the Field: Photographing Raptors and More   
Keith will focus on getting you into the field and shooting. Depending on your skill level he can customize this trip to your interests, whether that be basic composition and setting up a shot or advanced wildlife photography techniques for sharper photographs. He will be seeking out some of his favorite owl haunts starting at Petroglyph Point as well as Eagles and Rough Legged Hawks in the Lower Klamath Basin. Bring snacks.
OIT Dow Center Entrance
Limited to 10 participants
6:00 – 11:00 am
$125
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leaders: Kevin Spencer and Dave Hewitt
F26 Chase Tour
Missing some of the key birds of the Basin? Hop onto the Chase Tour bus for a highlights tour with Kevin and Dave. Potential destinations and species will be reviewed with the group based on prior sightings and you’ll have input into where the tour bus goes. Be prepared for a flexible and fun outing.
Limited to 10 participants
7:30 am- 1:00 pm
$70 includes lunch
Meet at OIT Dow Center entrance
Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Leader: Loree Johnson
F27 Take your Best Shot in the Butte Valley
Beginning/intermediate photographers are invited to tour the Butte Valley Wildlife area. This area managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is a hidden gem. Encompassing roughly 13,000 acres, it is big enough to attract large flocks of birds, but small enough to get relatively close. Loree will share her knowledge of local species, as well as tips and tricks for in-flight photographs with or without a tripod. Emphasis will be on the role patience plays in wildlife photography and how to anticipate direction of movement. Likely waterfowl species present will be Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails, Buffleheads and a variety of other ducks. Raptor sightings could include Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Limited to 10 participants
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
$55 includes lunch and CWA pass
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Frank Isaacs
F28 Admiring and Aging Bald and Golden Eagles in the Field
The Klamath Basin provides habitat for nesting, wintering, migrant, and wandering bald and golden eagles. Frank Isaacs will lead a field trip to locate, identify, and watch bald and golden eagles in the wild. During the trip you will learn about local natural history and why the Klamath Basin is such a great place for eagles, year-round. There also will be opportunities to identify and watch other raptor species.
Limited to 25 participants
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
$50 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Elijah Hayes
F29 Westside Birding
Elijah will take you through a variety of habitats on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake, moving from the riparian habitat where the Link River flows out of the lake to the mixed Ponderosa/Douglas Fir forests around the Rocky Point resort. We will likely see a variety of wintering waterfowl and songbirds, including forest species such as Nuthatches, Kinglets, and winter finches, as well as wintering woodpeckers such as Northern Flickers, Red-breasted and Williamson’s Sapsuckers, and Downy, Hairy, White-headed, and Pileated Woodpeckers. We will be doing a good amount of hiking at the stops, which vary from easy to moderate difficulty with the possibility of snow, so come prepared.
Limited to 20 participants
8:15 am – 1:00 pm
$50 includes lunch
OIT Dow Center entrance

Leader: Abbott Schindler
F30 Photographing Miller Island’s Migrants
Be one of the lucky few to  observe and photograph migrating waterfowl and other notable wildlife at the Miller Island Unit of the Klamath Wildlife Area. Weather permitting we’ll walk the 2.5 mile pedestrian viewing loop and/or drive to a couple of sites. Abbott will provide photographic guidance to the small group along the way. To be successful, you’ll need a camera with a telephoto lens of 200mm or longer focal length. You must be familiar with your camera’s exposure and focus settings prior to attending this session.
Limited to 10 participants
8:30 am – Noon
$30 includes Miller Island parking permit
Meet at Miller Island Wildlife Area parking lot (carpool field trip)

Leader: Dick Ashford
F31 Int/Adv  Raptor Identification Field Trip
On the Monday companion field outing to W6 Dick will continue the teaching/learning experience in a mobile field classroom setting. The goal is for you to be able to identify 90% of the hawks you’ll encounter during our day together and have fun doing it! Carpooling is mandatory so we can access some special spots in the Basin. This is not a photography trip; if photography is your goal, please sign up for one of the wonderful photo trips being offered.
Limited to 14 participants and 4 vehicles
8:30 am – 3:15 pm
$includes lunch (fee included in W6)
Best Western Plus Olympic Inn, 2627 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls  (carpool field trip)

Leader: Christine Elder
F32 Sketching Birds at the FAvell Museum 2
Christine will demonstrate quick and easy methods for capturing the likenesses of wild birds in a sketchbook. Then we’ll practice sketching birds from both taxidermied specimens and reference photos of local species.If weather permits, we will also spend some time sketching birds that we find on a stroll along the Link River which may include waterfowl, marsh birds, raptors, and songbirds. No prior drawing experience is necessary to participate. This activity is an excellent compliment to Christine’s indoor bird sketching workshop on Friday.
Limited to 20 participants
9:00 am- 1:00 pm
$45 includes lunch
Favell Museum, 125 W Main St, Klamath Falls, downstairs meeting room

Date: February 17 - 20, 2023

Location: Various Venue, Klamath Falls, OR 97601

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