East Cascades Bird Alliance

Global Shorebird Counts (volunteering)
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-07 | OR
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY — GLOBAL SHOREBIRD COUNTS
A week, around World Shorebirds Day (6 September) is dedicated for a worldwide shorebird counting. Make great use of your eBird account to participate in this wonderful citizen science opportunity. Please see the following website for details.
https://www.worldshorebirdsday.org/global-shorebird-counts

ECBA Board Meeting
2025-09-02 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-07 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-04 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR
East Cascades Bird Alliance Board of Directors meets monthly, on the first Tuesday.

Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk
2025-09-06 07:45 - 10:00, 2025-09-20 07:45 - 10:00 | Crooked River Wetlands Complex, 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop in Prineville, OR, 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop, Prineville, OR, 97754, United States
In 2025, Wetlands Walks will be held on the first and third Saturdays of the month
starting in April and running through September. The first walk will be April 5, 2025 and
the last walk of the year will be September 20, 2025.
Walks will begin at 8:00AM and conclude at 10:00AM. The walks are approximately 2
miles long and last about 2 hours. We gather at 7:45AM at the Crooked River Wetlands
Parking Lot at 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop in Prineville.
There is no drinkable water at this facility so bring water and dress for Central Oregon
weather. A 4-person golf cart is available to carry those who can’t walk the distance.
Email Chuck Gates if you would like a seat(s) on the cart. cgates326@gmail.com

INTERMOUNTAIN WEST SHOREBIRD SURVEYS
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-22 | OR
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY — INTERMOUNTAIN WEST SHOREBIRD SURVEYS
Fall Peak Migration Survey Windows: August 9-22nd
https://www.imwss.org/
Shorebirds represent important species diversity and are indicators of environmental health.
Wetland sites across the Intermountain West are oases for migratory shorebirds. A comprehensive shorebird survey was last completed across the region in 1989-1995, but much has changed in the past 30 years. This Shorebird Survey is replicating the census of the past so we can better manage shorebirds into the future.
The shorebird survey objectives are:

Document the distribution and abundance of shorebirds at over 200 survey areas during the spring and fall migrations from 2022-2026.

Use survey data to compare distribution and abundance with the historical shorebird survey from 1989-1995.

Identify factors that influence abundance of shorebirds.

We are recruiting volunteers to survey at wetland sites across the West. Join us and be a part of the collective impact!

Birders' Night: Birding Northern Spain with Chuck and Dorothy Gates
2025-09-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Birding Northern Spain

Presented by Chuck and Dorothy Gates

Come join us as we vicariously bird the northern half of Spain through a fast-paced slide show and talk. Chuck and Dorothy Gates spent nearly a month in that country this year and they are excited to share what they found. They will talk briefly about the logistics of getting there and back and give you their impressions of birding and vacationing in Spain. Chuck has chosen 100 of the best bird photos to share with you. This show is probably going to last a full hour so come early and order food.

Sunriver Bird Walk
2025-09-13 07:30 - 10:30 | Sunriver Nature Center, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Join ECBA for a free guided bird walk at Sunriver. Meet at the Sunriver Nature Center at 7:30 am. Walk lasts about 3 hours. Distance 3-4 miles. Some walking on uneven terrain. Restrooms available midway and at the end. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. Walk led by Tom Lawler and Diane Burgess.

Hummingbird Garden Maintenance - Pollinator Pathways
2025-09-19 09:00 | Orchard Park, 2001 NE 6th St, Bend, Oregon, 97701, United States
Pollinator Pathways — volunteer to do regular maintenance of Orchard Park Hummingbird Garden!

Friends of Malheur NWR -- Fall Tasks
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-21 | OR
Friends of Malheur NWR event — Fall Tasks
TBD, but likely to include trail stewardship and weeding of invasives

Wednesday Birders
2025-09-24 08:00, 2025-10-08 08:00, 2025-10-15 08:00, 2025-10-22 08:00, 2025-10-29 08:00, 2025-11-05 08:00, 2025-11-12 08:00, 2025-11-19 08:00 | OR
Wednesday Birders is a group of birders, birding, but not a traditional field trip with a named leader who always provides a guided field experience. Everyone helps everyone else, shares, learns and enjoys birding together. Usually some advanced birders are there and are so helpful. All are welcomed. We carpool when possible.
As times vary from week to week, please watch COBOL for details and times which are usually announced a few days prior to Wednesday.
All the locations are listed on our website. From the home page, select Birding Resources, and from the drop-down menu, you can choose Birding by County where you will get a list of favorite birding places including directions to the spots and what birds you might hope to find.
One of the goals of Wednesday Birders is to encourage everyone to use the ECBA birding site guides and get used to using those directions and the “how to bird it” tips for the locations. Simply select the county and the hotspots are listed alphabetically.
Important Notes:

Please remember to read COBOL by Tuesday mornings for last minute details and changes to plans in case of adverse weather, road conditions or detours, bird news or better birding opportunities. Watch COBOL for meeting and carpooling times and places or for changes in the plan.
COBOL is Central Oregon Birders Online. It’s free to join.
Remember to dress for the weather. Be prepared with food, sunscreen, etc. and bring a pair of binoculars. Spotting scopes are helpful on many trips.

For questions and for more information contact: brian.macdonald9@gmail.com or brianmacdonald0458 in Discord

Friends of Malheur NWR -- Find Your Wild walk/run
2025-09-27 | OR
Friends of Malheur NWR event —
Find Your Wild walk/run event at Refuge Headquarters. Enjoy special access along Blitzen River from Sod House bridge fishing access point to Boat Launch Rd all the way to the Boat Launch! Encourage your friends and family to join you or sponsor your Find Your Wild with donations through Public Lands Alliance portal for the events.

Sunriver Bird Walk
2025-09-27 08:30 - 11:30 | Sunriver Nature Center, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR, 97707, United States
Join ECBA for a free guided bird walk at Sunriver. Meet at the Sunriver Nature Center at 8:30 am. Walk lasts about 3 hours. Distance 3-4 miles. Some walking on uneven terrain. Restrooms available midway and at the end. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. Walk led by Tom Lawler and Diane Burgess.

Hawk Watch at Green Ridge (Wed. Birders)
2025-10-01 12:00 | OR
Join on Oct. 1st with Wednesday Birders and/or Sat. Oct. 4th for an afternoon of hawk watching up on Green Ridge. David Vick will host. Although we no longer conduct formal counts, this week has produced some big days in the past but it all depends on favorable conditions. We will start at 12:00pm when afternoon winds and thermals have had a chance to develop. Bring a lawn chair and keep an eye out for Varied Thrush and Sooty Grouse on the way up.

Directions: Turn off on the 11 Road at Indian Ford Campground and continue north until the pavement ends at about 8 miles. Stay left on the dirt roads for about 8 miles following the USFS signs for Green Ridge Fire Lookout. I will have additional signs posted at the intersections. There are several pot holes and a couple of high spots near the end but any passenger will be fine if driven judicially. Car pooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Hope to see you up there!

Hawk Watch at Green Ridge
2025-10-04 12:00 | OR

Birders' Night: Waddle We Do Without Penguins?
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Patty McGill will talk about the conservation status of penguins that live at lower latitudes and challenges they face. Of these species, she will emphasize African penguins, found in South Africa and Namibia. Last fall, African penguins were declared Critically Endangered and they could be extinct in the wild in by 2035. Patty serves as the Program Leader for a group of zoos and aquariums focused on saving African penguins, and Patty will tell us about the array of projects the team leads and/or supports; these projects are focused on the most urgent and important conservation priorities.
Background:
Dr. Patty McGill received her PhD from Cornell University, where she studied competition among species of gulls and also other species of seabirds. She spent most of her career working in AZA accredited zoos, in animal (bird) care and conservation. She led the program to manage Humboldt penguins in zoos–and from there began to work with colleagues in South America on conservation & research projects on these penguins. In one way or another Patty has worked with Humboldt penguins for 40 years, and has been working with African penguins for about 10 years.

Malheur Inspired; An Evening w/ Friends
2025-10-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
The Friends of Malheur NWR are celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week with an evening of fun in honor of Malheur NWR and the Friends who promote its conservation.
The program for the evening will feature Friends Volunteer, Julie Burchstead.
Julie is truly inspired by Malheur NWR. As an artist she finds beauty in the natural world around her and seeks opportunities to share that with others. Julie was FOMR’s 2023 Artist in Residence which had her traveling across Harney County to visit every elementary school classroom from Riley to Fields and everywhere between. She provided an art instructional alongside Refuge Wildlife Specialist Carey Goss who offered background on the birds of the area and the importance of the Refuge for both migratory and breeding birds. Julie also produces handmade nature journals which can be found in FOMR’s Crane’s Nest Nature Store.
You will also hear about other critical FOMR programs from our Executive Director, Janelle Wicks. She will share how deeply critical it is for us to be engaged in advocacy for and stewardship of our public lands like Malheur Refuge. Together, let’s get inspired by Malheur and all that we can do to give back to a place which has given us so much.
COST: $25.00 including dinner, drinks, and spirited fellowship with Friends. We encourage you to come out, socialize, and celebrate all that it means to be inspired by Malheur! But bring your checkbook or credit card because the auction will be enticing, and all proceeds support the Friends ongoing work at Malheur NWR.
EVENT REGISTRATION

We are thrilled to feature a photo wall at our event, thanks to Showtime Photo Booth, the go-to photo booth rental in Indianapolis. Their memorable photo setups will bring an enjoyable experience to our celebration.

What's Next for Oregon's Sagebrush Steppe?
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Worthy Garden Club presents:
Dr. Stu Garrett’s presentation on:
What’s Next for Oregon’s Sagebrush Steppe?
Register @ bit.ly/sagesteppe
https://www.worthygardenclub.org/

ECBA Membership Drive
2025-10-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Wild Birds Unlimited, 2680 NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
East Cascades Bird Alliance — Membership Drive

Get a $20 Gift Card good for day at Wild Birds Unlimited

Why join ECBA?
– Support local bird conservation
– Connect with fellow birders
– Access exclusive events and resources

2025 ECBA Annual Event
2025-11-09 16:00 - 18:00 | OR
Join East Cascades Bird Alliance for its 2025 Annual Event.
Aspen Hall at Shevlin Park
4 – 6 pm

Birders' Night: Fun with Sapsuckers with Steve Shunk!
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Fun with Sapsuckers!
Did you know that sapsuckers have a paintbrush-tipped tongue? Did you know that one species is the world’s longest- distance migrant woodpecker? How about that one sapsucker is named for the daughter of German naturalist Johan Kaup, who first described the Flammulated Owl? These are just a few of the fun facts you will learn from naturalist Steve Shunk when he returns to share stories of our amazing sapsuckers. Of course, Steve will also discuss the perplexing puzzle of sapsucker hybridization, with his best tips for identifying the “chupasavias” of Central Oregon.
Steve Shunk learned about sapsuckers during his 27-year stint living on the east slope of the Cascades. His woodpecker research culminated in the publication of the Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. In 2024, Steve moved to Mexico’s Pacific Slope to live with Mexican naturalist Lizzy Martinez. They enjoy daily encounters with the endemic Golden-cheeked and Gray- crowned Woodpeckers from their backyard at the Rancho Primavera bird sanctuary.
The program will start at 6pm. Note that the start time is 6pm, not 7pm.

Feel free to come early for dinner and a beverage. Worthy Brewing offers a happy hour from 3-6pm. We’re expecting a full house, so please come a bit early to ensure that you get a seat.

Worthy Garden Club Event: Refugia of the Blue Mountains
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Note that you must reserve your free spot for this event on EventBrite. See here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refugia-of-the-blue-mountains-tickets-1956788028669?aff=oddtdtcreator

Overview

A journey of art, prose and poetry through the heart of Oregon’s Blue Mountains with author Marina Richie and watercolor artist Robin Coen.

From vast wildlands to tiny habitat pockets, refugia translates to safe havens and corridors for native plants and wildlife to survive dramatic climate changes. These places of refuge are essential for the future of life on this precious blue jewel of a planet. Nestled between the Rockies and the Cascades, the Blue Mountains offer some of the last best refugia in the West and critical linkages for wildlife to move and find cooler homes as the climate warms up.
Hear readings from Marina Richie’s book, Refugia of the Blue Mountain, alongside Robin Coen’s art, inspried by their time spent in this special place. Prints will be available for sale. Made possible through the Wild Blues Artist-in-Residency of the Greater Hells Canyon Council. For more info, see: https://www.robincoenart.com/refugia-exhibit
ROBIN COEN
My love of “all things wild” emerged while growing up on a cattle ranch in the Elkhorn Mountains of Eastern Oregon. I shadowed my father through days of fence-mending, irrigating fields and the occasional early morning horseback ride up the mountain to see the sunrise. My passion for nature and the West continues from my home in Boise and at the Good Bear Ranch (the family home place). Painting connects me to what matters most. The watercolors are not mine, any more than the landscapes or wild beings in them are mine. They are expressions of what has been given to me, to us, to all who care to see.
I am honored to be working with award-winning author Marina Richie who amplifies our message of compassion and solidarity with the natural world. Together, we hope to inspire others to join us in preserving refugia—the wild heart of the Blue Mountains.
Dipping my brush to find the right color, I deepen my understanding of the natural world. I paint small local wildflowers with native pollinators on a large scale. Portraying local wildlife and landscapes, I strive to reveal intrinsic values as well as threats. I believe art can influence others toward a deeper understanding of our role in recovering planetary health. When I paint, I feel the boundary recede between myself and all that lives. The intrusive edges of modern culture soften. I am unwrapping a gift, looking into the face of a generosity that knows no bounds, and experiencing a kinship that has no end. I hope this collection of images and prose inspires compassion and generosity toward the earth and for all beings, both known and unknown, for we humans have much to learn.
MARINA RICHIE
I am humbled to put words to Robin Coen’s watercolors, which exquisitely express the theme of Refugia of the Blue Mountains. Her paintings are so alive you can almost hear the rush of the free-flowing Imnaha River or the wind sifting through five-needle clusters of the oldest limber pine. Robin’s paintings remind me of why I write prose and poetry. I strive to connect people to the natural world—to be curious, to find the peace of wild things, and to speak up for all who converse in the languages of kingfisher, beaver, pika, marten, wolverine, salmon, and hummingbird.
Observing the intricacy of wild animal lives in wild places inspires my writing. Everywhere are relationships that are highly evolved over the eons, and many in concert with wildfire, wind, and floods. In this era of climate crisis and mass extinction, it’s critical to cut fossil fuel emissions and protect our carbon-storing and biodiversity-sheltering forests and other wildlands.
Refugia of the Blue Mountains brings the wilds to the people—and we hope motivates you to experience the wilds, whether observing a butterfly, sipping nectar from a native wildflower near home, or out hiking on the Blue Mountains Trail.
