East Cascades Bird Alliance

Wednesday Birders 2024
2024-06-26 00:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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 MacDonald: brian.macdonald9@gmail.com or ecaudubon@gmail.com

ECBA Board Meeting
2024-07-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-12 18:00 - 20:00
East Cascades Bird Alliance Board of Directors meets monthly, on the first Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Board meetings are held virtually, via Zoom, and are open to the public. If you are interested in attending, contact ecba@ecbirds.org for a Zoom invitation.

Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk
2024-07-06 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-07-20 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-08-03 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-08-17 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-09-21 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-10-05 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
We lead walks every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from April through
October.
Due to frigid conditions, we only meet on the 1st Saturday in
November and March.
There are no walks offered in December through February.

In Apr-Oct, we meet at 7:45am and start the 2-hour walk at 8:00am
In Nov. and March, we meet at 9:45 and start at 10:00AM
Some Important Information:
1. No experience is necessary. We usually have at least 2 experienced
leaders who will tell you what birds you are seeing and lots of fun
facts about them. We have loaner binoculars for you to use.
2. If mobility is a problem, we have a 4-person golf cart that trails
the group and can offer rides to anyone who gets tired or sore. The cart
was purchased to carry people who could not otherwise access the
complex. If a participant would like to ride the whole trip, please
contact Chuck Gates at 541-280-4957 or CRWCTOURS@cityofprineville.com to
reserve a seat.
3. Participants are welcome to peel away from the group at any time and
go on their own. They do not have to go the entire two hours.
4. There is no charge for this event. No registration is required.
5. We will meet at the Wetlands Pavilion, located at 4035 Rimrock Acres Loop, Prineville, OR

Malheur HQ with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-07-12 08:00 - 11:30
This family-friendly bird walk will start at Malheur National Wildlife Headquarters at 8 and 10 a.m. in the parking lot. Children of all ages, and families of all kinds, are invited to come for a casual walk around Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. There should be baby hawks and owls for viewing. There will be bird-related activities for youth to do at home or at the Refuge.
Distance: up to 1.5 miles
Elevation change: <10% grade from parking lot
Trail tread and width: Paved trail, 36” wide
Pacing: We will move at a toddlers pace, making frequent stops to enjoy birds and other nature that we discover.
Amenities: ADA parking and bathroom available, water available at Visitor Center
Rest Stops: There are many benches for resting.
For more information, please see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Malheur's Benson Pond with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-07-19 08:00 - 10:00
This bird walk will start at the Benson Pond Trailhead and will travel along the northern edge of Benson Pond, through the stand of homestead era trees and back to the parking area. The diversity of aquatic habitat, emergent marsh, sagebrush/shrubland, and deciduous trees provides for a diverse assortment of bird species. This walk provides a great opportunity for observing ducks in non-breeding plumage and practicing duck ID.

Distance: up to 3 miles
Elevation change: <10% grade from parking lot
Trail tread and width: Access road with some gravel, 36” wide; option to walk on footpath under trees with some unsecure footing.
Pacing: We will move at a slow, making frequent stops to enjoy birds and other nature that we discover.
Amenities: Parking is limited, there are no bathrooms or water at Benson Pond
Rest Stops: There are a few benches under the trees, about .75 miles up the trail.
For more information, please see here:https://audubonportland.org/events/

P-Ranch River Walk with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-07-26 08:00 - 11:00
The stretch of the Blitzen River that extends north from P-Ranch is a popular stop for many visitors to Malheur NWR. The mix of habitats along the river create abundant opportunities for observing birds and the occasional beaver or other mammal. We will walk from the trailhead for the River Trail, up the river approximately 1 mile, on the return trip, we’ll detour to the Long Barn and look for nesting Great Horned Owls. If time allows, we’ll also bird in the P-Ranch orchard.
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation change: less than 10% grade from parking lot
Trail tread and width: Graveled maintenance road, 36” wide
Pacing: We will move at a slow pace with frequent stops to look for birds, plants, insects, and other bits of nature.
Amenities: ADA parking, picnic tables, and bathroom available
Rest Stops: Participants can take breaks as needed, there are no benches along the river, but there are a few benches near the Long Barn.
For more information, please see: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Bird Alliance of Oregon's Birders Connect at Burns/Hines Nature Trail
2024-08-08 17:00 - 18:30
We’ll park at the Egan Rd. Trailhead and walk along the Nature Trail, past the golf course and sewage ponds. The sewage ponds are great for waterfowl and the surrounding meadows, shrubs, and trees are good for a diversity of raptors and passerines. We’ll head to drinks, meals, and socializing after.
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Change: Flat, level trail
Trail tread and width: Trail is graveled with large gravel, uneven in some places; >36” wide
Pacing: We will move at a slow pace, stopping frequently to look at birds
Amenities: There are no bathrooms or water available
Rest Stops: There are several benches along the trail
For more information, please see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Malheur Fall Shorebird Survey with the Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-08-21 - 2024-08-24
Join the Bird Alliance of Oregon and USFWS staff in supporting the effort to survey shorebirds in the intermountain west. We’ll survey the playas of the Double O for fall migrating and staging shorebirds. This survey is part of a project organized by Point Blue Bird Observatory and National Audubon, with support from the USFWS. Camping will be available. Camping gear will be available for participants to use during this event. There are some driving routes during this survey. All other routes require a minimum of 5 miles of hiking, with the possibility of 10 miles roundtrip. There will be no bathroom access during walking routes and driving routes will only have bathroom access at the beginning and end of the route. For more information, see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Malheur After Dark with the Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-08-31 19:00 - 22:00
Come celebrate dark skies and all things nocturnal at Malheur NWR’s Sod House Ranch. ADA compliant bathrooms and parking will be available. There we’ll take an evening bird walk, look for bats and badgers, and enjoy a star viewing experience with Amy Bielbisi and Oregon Star Safari. For more information, see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

CANCELLED THIS WEEK: Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk
2024-09-07 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
We lead walks every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from April through
October.
Due to frigid conditions, we only meet on the 1st Saturday in
November and March.

There are no walks offered in December through February.

In Apr-Oct, we meet at 7:45am and start the 2-hour walk at 8:00am
In Nov. and March, we meet at 9:45 and start at 10:00AMSome Important Information:
1. No experience is necessary. We usually have at least 2 experienced
leaders who will tell you what birds you are seeing and lots of fun
facts about them. We have loaner binoculars for you to use.
2. If mobility is a problem, we have a 4-person golf cart that trails
the group and can offer rides to anyone who gets tired or sore. The cart
was purchased to carry people who could not otherwise access the
complex. If a participant would like to ride the whole trip, please
contact Chuck Gates at 541-280-4957 or CRWCTOURS@cityofprineville.com to
reserve a seat.
3. Participants are welcome to peel away from the group at any time and
go on their own. They do not have to go the entire two hours.
4. There is no charge for this event. No registration is required.

5. We will meet at the Wetlands Pavilion, located at 4035 Rimrock Acres Loop, Prineville, OR

September Birders' Night -- Golden Eagles Nesting in Oregon (2011-2020) with Frank Isaacs
2024-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Environmental Center, 16 N.W. Kansas Ave., Bend, OR
September Birders’ Night–Golden Eagles Nesting in Oregon (2011-2020) with Frank Isaacs
September 19, 2024 7:00-9:00 pm

Frank will present the results of the first statewide Golden Eagle nest monitoring project in Oregon, and compare and contrast the status of Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles nesting in the state. This will be a fun and informative presentation. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Children's Forest Central Oregon Discover Nature Festival in Bend
2024-09-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Alpenglow Park, 61049 SE 15th St,, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Children’s Forest Central Oregon Discover Nature Festival in Bend The Children’s Forest is excited to host Discover Nature Festival again this year!
The event will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 11am-3pm at Alpenglow Park.
The event is free!

ODLT Volunteer Opportunity--Burrowing Owl Dig
2024-10-02 10:30 - 15:00
Volunteer Opportunity – Burrowing Owl Dig

Where: Brothers area
What: Oregon Desert Land Trust (ODLT) needs six or more volunteers to dig holes for artificial burrows for burrowing owls at their Brothers-Shaw property. The project is based on models that have proven successful in similar efforts. A wildlife camera will also be installed to monitor any increased activity.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Why: Burrowing owl activity has stopped in the area and creating artificial burrows could assist with their return. Burrowing owls are considered birds of conservation concern both federally and in Oregon. For nesting, they depend heavily upon burrows created by other species, especially badgers, and sites with a lot of bare ground. Both preferences would be met at this project site.
ODLT formed in 2017 to conserve private lands in Oregon‘s high desert for the benefit of wildlife and people. The conservation of this 320-acre property has enabled researchers from Oregon State University and East Cascades Audubon Society to experiment with habitat improvements to boost the long-term survival of greater sage-grouse in the region.
How: Volunteers will dig holes 1-2 ft wide x 7-8 long x 3 ft deep to accomodate a channel of piping and a larger bucketed den space based on successful models.

Volunteers will first meet coordinators at Brother’s Oasis Rest Area, drive 5 min to ODLT’s Brothers-Shaw property, then walk a quarter mile through sagebrush terrain with sand and large rocks, and pass over/through a barbed-wire fence. Tools and supplies will be provided, but personal items are welcomed.

Please find more information and register online:
https://www.oregondesertlandtrust.org/owl-dig/

Contact Brandon Palmer for additional details:
Oregon Desert Land Trust, 315 N Broadway Ave, Burns OR 977720
Cell phone: (541)-589-5646 or email: bpalmer@oregondesertlandtrust.org

Pollinator Pathway's Fall Social and Seed Swap
2024-10-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR, 97701
Pollinator Pathway’s Fall Social and Seed Swap
Join Pollinator Pathway’s for the Pollinator Pathway Bend Fall Social and Seed Swap. Connect with fellow native plant gardeners and share your love for native habitat.
Date: Wednesday October 2, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend, OR 97701
Register for this free event here
We’ll provide some light refreshments. Beverages available for purchase.
Bring your extra native plant seeds to swap with others. It’s a great opportunity to diversify your garden and discover new varieties!
No seeds? No problem! Come on out to learn more about the Pathway and share garden stories.

We are using the registration system to plan refreshments. If you register and then find you won’t be able to attend, please cancel.

Oregon Natural Desert Association Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2024-10-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, Oregon, 97703
Oregon Natural Desert Association presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday, October 4, 2024 — an unforgettable evening of captivating short films that address pressing environmental issues, highlight incredible work being done by activists around the world, and celebrate the beauty of our planet.

Their carefully curated lineup will take you on a breathtaking journey through the natural world, showcasing awe-inspiring landscapes and emphasizing the urgency of protecting our wild places.There will be an in-person show at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon as well as a virtual version streamed online. Join us for a night of inspiration and discovery!

Buy Tickets – Tower Theatre Show
Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 | Doors at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m.Join us before the show to chat with ONDA staff, learn about current advocacy and volunteer opportunities, buy raffle tickets, and catch up with fellow ONDA community members!

Register – Online Streaming Show
Available from Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 – Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024Make a donation when registering to begin or renew your ONDA membership, and buy raffle tickets to be entered to win one of our prize packages, full of gear and gift certificates to fuel your next adventure. 100% of proceeds support high desert conservation!Only one person per household needs to register. Includes closed captioning.

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Friends of Malheur NWR's 25th Anniversary Birthday Bash
2024-10-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
The Firends of Malheur are thrilled to announce the Friends Birthday Bash on 10/05/2024!
Established in 1999, it is the Friends of Malheur NWR’s 25th Anniversary! Our quarter century of conservation stewardship happens to coincide with the 90th Birthday of Founding Member and renowned Central Oregon Conservation Leader, Alice Elshoff. Join them as we celebrate this shared legacy! Read more about the Friends of Malheur’s origin story HERE on our BLOG.
The party will be an opportunity to connect with Friends while learning more about the work we are doing to support Malheur NWR. A celebration of the past 25 years in honor of the next 25 and beyond!
DATE: Saturday October 5th
TIME: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend Oregon 97703
Attendance is FREE with one complimentary drink ticket! Food and drinks will be available, details still TBD.
The Evening will be packed full of birthday party fun! Whether you are a long time Friends Member or are hearing about us for the first time as you come to celebrate Alice we are certain you will have a great time!
This event is FREE! Please invite your Friends to come out, socialize, and Celebrate! But bring your checkbooks or credit card because the auction will be enticing and all proceeds support the Friends ongoing work at Malheur NWR.
Registration for members is live now and registrations opens to the public on September 1st.

Deschutes Land Trust Open House
2024-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Deschutes Land Trust Open House
Save the Date!
Join the Deschutes Land Trust at their annual Open House!
October 8, 2024, 5-7pm (Remarks will begin at 6pm)
Join us at our annual Open House on October 8th at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend. Celebrate an outstanding year of land conservation, community, and caring for the land! Learn about current Land Trust projects, and connect with Land Trust staff and other community members, while you enjoy snacks and drinks. RSVPs are helpful, but not required. Registration will open on September 10, 2024.

Accessibility: The Land Trust’s Open House will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Restrooms are accessible and include three unisex/family restrooms. Five accessible parking spaces are available in the building’s parking lot.
The Land Trust is working to make our events as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this Open House to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.

October Birders' Night -- Bats of the Pacific Northwest and How They Inspired Radical Conservation Collaborations
2024-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Environmental Center, 16 N.W. Kansas Ave., Bend, OR
October 17th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Environmental Center
October Birders’ Night — Bats of the Pacific Northwest and How They Inspired Radical Conservation Collaborations
Birds are not the only creatures flying in Central Oregon. Do you ever wonder what you are seeing as the bird world transitions to the bat world at dusk? We are excited to welcome Beth Ward, the coordinator of the Northwest Bat Hub at OSU–Cascades, to share stories and information about bats in the Pacific Northwest.

Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk
2024-10-19 07:45 - 10:00

Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk (please note later start)
2024-11-02 09:45 - 12:00 | Crooked River Wetlands Complex, 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop in Prineville, OR, 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop, Prineville, OR, 97754, United States
Dec-Feb: No wetland walks due to cold temps, little water, and few birds.
~ We will resume on the first Saturday of April. ~
Volunteers from the Crooked River Wetlands and Prineville Bird Club sponsor monthly bird walks at the wetlands in Prineville on the first Saturday of the month.
There are a couple of seats on golf carts for those needing some help getting around.
No registration is required.
We will meet at the Wetlands Pavilion, located at 4035 Rimrock Acres Loop, Prinveville OR
What to bring/wear:

Dress for 20 degrees colder than it will be. You can always shed layers.
Binoculars (loaners will also be available) and scopes or camera, if you have them.
Meet at the Wetlands pavilion.

For more information please contact Chuck Gates at 541-280-4957

Sponsored by the Prineville Bird Club and the Wetlanders.

Annual Business Meeting & Ice Cream Social & Silent Auction
2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Aspen Hall, 18920 NW Shevlin Park, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Annual Business Meeting & Ice Cream Social & Silent Auction
Sunday, November 03, 2024 at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PST)
Aspen Hall at Shevlin Park, 18920 NW Shevlin Park, Bend, OR 97701
Invitations have been sent out via Member Planet. We are requesting RSVP’s. Please let us know if you did not receive an invitation.
This year’s Annual Event will be an ice cream social featuring dairy and non-dairy gelatos from Bend’s own Bonta Gelato. The event will take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on November 3rd at Aspen Hall in Shevlin Park. The event will include updates about ECBA in 2024 and a vote for the board of directors. It will also feature a talk by Josh Collins about the Greater Sage-grouse conservation project. On top of that we will have a silent auction of wild art. We have a nice selection of framed prints by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and John James Audubon, plus some adorable carved birds and other donated items. You are invited to contribute to the auction as well. Do you have art that you just don’t have room for anymore that others will find attractive? You can donate it to ECBA and we will offer it at the auction. Just email ecba@ecbirds.org to tell us what you have and arrange a delivery. Proceeds from the art auction will be used to help fund our scholarship for a teen to American Birders Association summer camp.”
