Western Field Ornithologists Conference in Ashland

The 50th Annual Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) Conference is being held in Ashland, Oregon, September 17-20, 2026.

In collaboration with the Klamath Bird Observatory and supported by the Oregon Birding Association, this milestone gathering brings together researchers, conservation practitioners, and passionate birders for four days of science, learning, and community.

Special Rate for OBA Members
One all-inclusive rate ($350) covers field trips, workshops, science sessions, and the welcome reception — and it’s extended to WFO, KBO, and OBA members. Seats, trips, and rooms are all going at once. Lock in the 50th before it sells out: westernfieldornithologists.org/conference.

Bird TWO States in One Weekend
Southern Oregon meets northern California in one of the richest corners of western North America, at peak fall migration. Cross into California for grassland species, raptors and migrant waterfowl, then chase shorebirds and rarities across the Rogue Valley. It’s a lister’s dream weekend.
Thursday through Sunday, spots are still open on some great field trips: Table Rock, Mount Ashland, Four Mile Lake, Agate Lake, White City Lagoons, Emigrant Lake, the South Oregon Coast. They fill in the order people register, so the longer you wait, the fewer choices you’ll have. Claim your trips.

A Keynote Every Field Ornithologist Needs to Hear
Jaime Stephens distills a 25-year conservation career into “From Detection to Decision” at the Saturday 50th Anniversary Banquet, alongside David Leatherman’s plenary “The Hungry Bird,” a Sound ID Challenge with Nathan Pieplow, and a Photo ID Challenge with Ed Harper. This is WFO science you won’t find anywhere else.

Visit the Conference Website for Details.