Best in the Bioregion Wine CompetitionKBO’s Best of the Bioregion Wine Competition is unique as it features vineyards and wineries that work to practice sustainable and wildlife friendly farming and grape production in the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion of southern Oregon and northern California. To learn more about the wine competition and how participating vineyards are benefiting soil, water, and wildlife, click here. To see the 2011 winners, click here.
Shared Birds of Ashland and GuanajuatoShared Birds of Ashland and Guanajuato celebrates the migratory birds that occur in both Ashland and Guanajuato. By meeting opportunities to conserve the habitats of our shared birds, together we can protect the health of the ecosystems that surround and sustain us.
Ashland and Greater Rogue Valley Birding GuideThe Birding Guide to Ashland and the Greater Rogue Valley was created to help visitors and residents get outdoors and enjoy the natural wonder and splendor of the region and its birds. Check it out!
Window CollisionsApproximately one billion birds die each year in the United States from colliding with windows. Some birds simply become stunned as a result of a window collision, but even if a bird is able to fly away it might have internal injuries that could result in death. If you suspect that a bird has become stunned from hitting the window or wall, put it in a shoebox with holes and a soft towel. In many cases, birds are just stunned and need some quiet time to recover in a dark place. If the bird is more seriously injured, contact Wildlife Images (541) 476-0222, located in Merlin, Oregon.
For more information on how to reduce bird collisions with windows, download KBO's flyer Reducing Bird Collisions with Windows.
Finding a BandIf you find a dead bird with a metal band, colored bands, or both, please report your finding to the Bird Banding Lab of North America. You will be asked to report the band number and where and when you found the bird.
You can report bird bands one of two ways: (1) Click here to report a band online or (2) Call 1-800-327-BAND (2263) from anywhere in Canada, the United States, and most parts of the Caribbean.
Injured Birds and Baby BirdsWe do not rehabilitate wildlife. If you do encounter an injured or apparently abandoned bird, it is best to leave it alone, unless it is in immediate danger. Remember, young birds recently out of the nest are often unable to fly but they are still being fed and cared for by their parents. Do not touch or remove them, the parents are likely nearby.
If a bird hits your window and is stunned, put it in a shoebox with holes and a soft towel. In many cases, birds are just stunned and need some quiet time to recover in a dark place. If the bird is more seriously injured, contact Wildlife Images (541) 476-0222, located in Merlin, Oregon.
Cats IndoorsDomestic and feral cats kill millions of birds each day in this country. They are a non-native predator that negatively impacts bird and other wildlife populations. American Bird Conservancy and the National Humane Society urge people to keep cats as indoor pets only.
For more information on the threats cats pose to wildlife and what you can do, download KBO's flyer Cats and Wildlife: A Conservation Concern and visit the American Bird Conservancy's Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Cats and Birds website.
Bird FeedingHanging bird feeders is a great way to get to know your avian neighbors, brush up on your birding skills, and help birds. However, it is important to make sure that you hang the right type of feeder in the right location as to not harm birds. Hanging bird feeders can cause changes in species composition and can introduce predators, which can negatively impact the birds you are trying to help! When done properly bird feeders will attract birds and keep them safe.
Download KBO's flyer on how to safely feed birds.
Backyard HabitatCreating a wildlife-friendly habitat in your yard is a great way to help birds and other wildlife.
When landscaping for birds and other wildlife it is important to use native plants and replicate the natural landscape of the area. Make sure to plant a diverse selection of plants growing at various heights to create structure in the habitat. Low-growing grasses, shrubs, and forbs provide food and shelter for songbirds throughout the year. If you are unsure what native plants to use, contact your local native plant nursery or native plant society.
KBO has a number of resources to help you in creating more bird-friendly backyard habitat. Please see the following: (1) Nest Boxes, (2) Landscaping for Birds, and (3) Birdify Your Yard.
The following organizations provide additional resources for creating backyard bird habitats: National Wildlife Federation, PRBO Conservation Science Landscaping for Birds, Oregon Native Plant Society.