ECBA’s signature annual event, the Dean Hale Woodpecker Weekend, will be held from June 4th to June 7th this year. This event was started in 2011 to provide an opportunity for birders to visit a beautiful area and enjoy our local birds. There are 11 nesting species of woodpeckers that exist in the area and it’s possible to see most of them (perhaps all if luck is with you), as well as lots of other cool birds.
Centered in Sisters and Bend, Woodpecker Weekend is focused on field trips and meeting other birders. The environment is fun, low-key, and casual. Seasoned local birders lead the tours with a maximum group size of 10 participants. The field trips are free for ECBA members. We follow ethical birding practices, minimize play-backs, and have strict protocols about approaching nests.
Author and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick will give presentations at 5pm on Friday June 5 and Saturday June 6 at the historic Skyliner Lodge. His new book is entitled “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”. Mr. Bannick will also offer a photography workshop on the afternoon of Saturday June 6.
Registration opens April 11 at 2pm PST. Click here to go to the trip descriptions and registration webpage.
The Woodpecker Weekend is entirely organized and run by its volunteers. Named after Dean Hale who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2012, it is part of Dean’s legacy as a birder par excellence and consummate conservationist and teacher. In his spirit, we want to share our enthusiasm, help you to see great birds, and have a fun time.
Mission
East Cascades Bird Alliance seeks to foster knowledge and appreciation of birds and their habitats by all people through education, outings, and field studies that will inspire actions to protect wild birds and the places they need to thrive.
ECBA News >
Kestrel Camera
THE THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM, at least when it comes to our long-awaited kestrel pair choosing our nest box. The first year, a pair of Northern Flickers settled in and raised a boisterous, healthy family. The second year, the kestrels were in the vicinity, but chose a different location to raise a family.
ODLT Sunrise Bird Counts
Oregon Desert Land Trust needs help with sunrise point counts in wet meadows and creeks at Trout Creek Ranch, which lies 40 miles south of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Join in one or both 4-hour surveys to document migratory birds and guide restoration plans across this nearly 17,000-acre private property. ODLT needs 4 more volunteers for each survey.Photo courtesy of ODLT.
Take a close look! Some familiar folks here from last year’s surveys.
March 21, 2026 Update Report from our Brothers Sage-Grouse Project
In 2025 we were experimenting with different types of crop cover to enhance native seed germination and growth. We put out a black plastic crop cover and plastic perforated trays to see which was more effective for seed germination and growth. Photo by Harry Johnson
Birding by Ear Weekly Walk Returns
It must be spring! To the delight of many local birders, Dave Tracy has once again kicked-off spring by leading the weekly bird walk, BIRDING BY EAR. Learn to identify the birds you hear, practice your ear-birding skills, or share your talents with others during this weekly walk in the riverside park. Photo courtesy of Chuck Gates.
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival 2026
Registration is open now!