It’s been more than a year now since I made the decision to move to the Klamath Basin and work on wildlife conservation, appreciation and awareness. When I decided to take that next step in my life, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, There is much work to be done in the Basin, and many competing interests, some working with one another, and some against. At the time, I figured being a wildlife advocate in a place where human livelihoods are in direct competition with wildlife interests would be the most difficult task. Little did I know that finding a place to live would be the greatest challenge.

 

 

When I swooped in, back in October 2019, I thought I would find a house, settle in for the winter, and get busy networking in order to find like-minded people to work with on behalf of the wildlife here. I was unsure if I would join with an existing group, or try to establish a non-profit or other type group. I just knew that the wildlife here is in need of help. The bird populations have been diminishing for at least a decade since I have been photographing here, and likely a lot longer according to accounts and memories of others. The problem seems to be getting more urgent each and every year.

 

 

As autumn began to give way to winter, I worried that I would not find a place to live before the frigid temperatures set in. I went about preparing to spend at least part of the winter in my RV. I joined online groups dedicated to wintering in RV’s in cold climates and purchased specialized items to help. Looking back, the best thing I acquired to survive winter was a heated hose made by a company right here in the Klamath Basin. This thing worked like a champ, even when the temperature got down into single digits a couple of nights.

 

 

Winter seemed to drag on forever, but the wildlife was always there, giving me something to appreciate. And, as it turned out, I was able to survive winter in a less-than-ideal situation. I’m rather proud of myself for doing something I never thought I could. As a bonus, I got to see some birds that I may not have had I not been so close to the refuge that I could be there at sunset. The short-eared owls only come out just before the sun sets.

 

 

Then, just as winter was waning and the promise of spring seemed just around the corner–a global pandemic happened! Now, house hunting was impossible. Not only was everything shut down, but people were not listing their homes for sale, since no one knew when buying would be happening again. All through February and March, and into April, the real estate industry was in limbo. But, the wildlife was unbothered by any of it, because breeding season was here.

 

 

Spring is the best time of year for wildlife, especially birds, so I figured I would just enjoy the natural order while I waited for real estate to open up again. The refuge was bustling with activity and being out with the birds was an excellent way to “socially distance” from humans when it became required. I learned how to order groceries online for curbside pickup, and assumed everything would just return to normal after a few months. As we all know now, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

 

 

When re-opening began, the real estate market came back–with a vengeance! Houses were being listed in the dozens per week and they were selling as quick as they hit the market. It was like a feeding frenzy. Being on the bottom end of the market, with a small income and a small down payment, I was left out of the surge. Who knew an economic downturn, record unemployment, and massive business closures would lead to a real estate boom? It sure took me by surprise.

 

 

Now, as a new generation of birds has hatched and is maturing quickly, I find myself looking ahead to autumn and again hoping for another opportunity to find a permanent home here. Alas, the real estate “feeding frenzy” seems to have ended, but affordability of homes has diminished in its wake. And, although I am proud of myself for surviving winter in the Basin in a motor home, I’m not really itching to do it again. So, I must consider other options if I don’t find a house in the next couple of months. I may have to leave and return in spring to try again. I may have to consider other locations where the housing is more affordable. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I still believe the wildlife of the Klamath Basin is worth advocating for. I believe that we humans can live and prosper without destroying the animals and their habitat that were here long before we arrived. I believe we can feed and house and clothe ourselves without killing off the other beings with which we share this world. I hope to become a voice for the birds here in the Klamath Basin and spread the hope that living in harmony with nature is not only possible, but preferable. These are my dreams and desires. I have not given up on them. Wish me luck.