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
Meeting location TBD

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