ECBA Board Meeting
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR
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.

Wednesday Birders 2024
2024-05-08 00:00, 2024-05-15 00:00, 2024-05-22 00:00, 2024-05-29 00:00, 2024-06-05 00:00, 2024-06-12 00:00, 2024-06-19 00:00, 2024-06-26 00:00 | 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 MacDonald: brian.macdonald9@gmail.com or ecaudubon@gmail.com

Think Wild's Camp Sherman BeaverHOOD planting
2024-05-08 - 2024-05-09 | Lake Creek Lodge, 13375 SW Forest Service Rd., Camp Sherman, OR, 97730, United States
Camp Sherman BeaverHOOD planting

Wed May 8th 9:00am – Thu 9th 5:00pm

BeaverWorks

Lake Creek Lodge, Camp Sherman, OR 97730, USA

This is two-day project to plant beaver habitat on private land in Camp Sherman, OR.
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Itinerary: Volunteers are welcome to arrive on-site or carpool from Think Wild starting at 8 am. Planting will take place between 9AM and 5PM on Wednesday, 5/8 and Thursday 5/9. Come one day or both!
Tasks will include: Digging in soft and rocky soils, planting sticks, installing fencing, pounding t-posts in the ground, hiking, carrying moderately heavy loads of supplies, shoveling dirt.
What you’ll need: A positive attitude and hard work ethic; Plan to bring clothes and food to keep you comfortable throughout the day. There are bathrooms on site.
About the location: This headwater tributary to the Metolious River is a gorgeous piece of private land with significant wildlife viewing opportunities and a long history of stewardship. Because of its unusual geology, ecology, fish and wildlife, and cultural and recreational history, the Metolius River is protected by the National Wild and Scenic River Act of 1988 and Oregon’s Metolius Protection Act. In 2009, the legislature designated the 448 square miles of the Metolius River basin as an Area of Statewide Concern. Volunteers will be an essential part of this new project and learn about and discuss beaver, wildlife habitat, and riparian restoration.
Advance Training and Orientation: Please be sure to also signup for the April 14 Orientation and Training workshop if you plan to participate in this project.
To contextualize this work, consider attending our site tour, beaver natural history walk, and viewing of the Beaver Believers movie on Friday, April 19th at Lake Creek Lodge.

Bird Alliance of Oregon's Birders Connect at Malheur HQ
2024-05-09 17:00 - 18:00 | OR
For this kickoff event, we’ll meet at Malheur HQ at 5:00, bird HQ until 6:30 and then head to the Narrows for more birding and comradery. Join at any time, leave when you need to. Food and drinks available at Jackalope Bar and Grill.
Distance: up to 1.5 miles
Elevation change: <10% grade from parking lot
Trail tread and width: Paved trail, 36” wide
Pacing: We will walk at a slow 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 Big Sit with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-05-11 08:00 - 12:00 | OR
Join Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Eastern Oregon Field Coordinator for our first ever Malheur Big Sit. This is an accessible, inclusive outing and BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and beginning birders and bird-enthusiasts are welcome. Bring chairs, blankets, or whatever your seating preferences are. Participants are encouraged to arrive any time between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and to stay for as long as they are comfortable/interested. At 10 a.m. we’ll break out doughnuts and warm beverages. We will have some gluten-free and non-dairy treats available as well. There will be space to spread out at Malheur HQ, and for shifting views and positions while you’re birding with us. Lastly, we will have activities for youth available for the duration of the event. There are two bathrooms located at headquarters, including one ADA compliant bathroom.

Distance: 300ft – 700ft from parking lot
Elevation change: less than 10% grade from parking lot
Trail tread and width: Paved trail, 36” wide
Pacing: We will be seated >6’ apart
Amenities: ADA parking, picnic tables, and bathroom available
Rest Stops: Participants can take breaks as needed
For more information, see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Birding by Ear 2024
2024-05-14 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Sawyer Park, 62999 O. B. Riley Road, Bend, Oregon
Birding by Ear is a weekly bird walk led by ECBA volunteer Dave Tracy. Meet at Sawyer Park at 8 a.m. prepared to walk a mile on flat, sometimes muddy, trails. New as well as seasoned birders are welcome! Learn to identify the birds you hear, hone the skills you have, or share your talent with others! The walk will take place every Tuesday through early June.

May Birders' Night--Restoring Habitat for Wildlife on Deschutes Land Trust Preserves
2024-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Environmental Center, 16 N.W. Kansas Ave., Bend, OR
Restoring Habitat for Wildlife on Deschutes Land Trust Preserves
Join us for Birders Night with a presentation on the restoration of wildlife habits on Deschutes Land Trust Preserves.
Jen Zalewski is the Stewardship Manager for the Deschutes Land Trust. Jen develops preserve management strategies, implements upland restoration projects, documents ecological conditions on protected properties and enjoys connecting with volunteers and the Central Oregon community to care for habitat that supports wildlife and people.
If you cannot attend in person, join on zoom.

Annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival
2024-05-17 - 2024-05-19 | OR
The Annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival is held at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area located about 7 miles south of La Grande, Oregon. The wildlife area, normally closed to visitors during nesting season, will be open all weekend, providing increased opportunities to see an abundance of ducks, geese, raptors, passerines, and shorebirds. During past festivals, upwards of 150 species of birds have been seen over the weekend.
April 1st – Festival Registration
April 8th – Field Trip Registration

Summer Lake Shorebird Survey
2024-05-18 - 2024-05-19 | Summer Lake, 53447 OR-31, Summer Lake, OR, 97640, United States
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – Summer Lake Shorebird Survey
Where: Summer Lake Wildlife Area
What: Volunteers conduct counts of all shorebirds and other waterbirds (excluding waterfowl and American coot) across the entire Summer Lake Wildlife Area.
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 18 and 19, 2024
Why: The survey was established in 2009 to monitor breeding shorebird and other waterbird populations and to document bird responses to habitat enhancement and management actions in each of Summer Lake Wildlife Area’s habitat management units. The Summer Lake Shorebird Survey has been conducted annually (except in 2020) since 2009.
On average, over 3,200 shorebirds representing the 9 breeding species have been counted. In addition, about 5 non-breeding shorebird species have been found each year.
Since 2009, a total of 22 different shorebird species have been recorded including uncommon or rare species such as red knot, wandering tattler and whimbrel.
Other waterbirds such as waders, gulls & terns, grebes, pelicans & cormorants, sandhill cranes and rails are also counted and average over 1,300 individuals and over 20 species.
How: Volunteers count from vehicles along roads, and/or by foot hiking along dikes and levees, cross country and/or wading through marsh and shallow ponds in order to survey all types of wetland habitats.
In the past, bicycles, canoes and kayaks have been used in some areas.
Binoculars are essential and the use of spotting scopes in many areas is encouraged.
Volunteers meet at River Campground on Summer Lake Wildlife Area at 7:30 am and are assigned specific areas to survey.
Historically, many volunteer have camped one of the Wildlife Area’s four primitive sites. Others have chosen commercial lodging at the Lodge at Summer Lake.
In the past, the group has found about 120 species of birds throughout the weekend of birding.

Please contact Marty St. Louis for additional details and information.
PO Box 68, Summer Lake, OR 97640
Cell phone: (541)-219-0879 or email: stlouismartin541@gmail.com

Crooked River Wetlands Saturday Bird Walk
2024-05-18 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-06-01 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-06-15 07:45 - 10:00, 2024-07-06 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

Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival 2024
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-02 | OR
ECBA’s signature annual event, the Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival, will be held from May 30th to June 2nd. Please save the date. More details to follow in 2024.
The festival 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 there is a good chance to see them all, as well as lots of other cool birds.
Centered in Sisters, the festival is focused on field trips and meeting other birders. The environment is fun, low-key, and casual. Local birders lead the tours and group size is restricted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on USFS lands. We follow ethical birding practices, minimize play-backs, and have strict protocols about approaching nests.
The festival is entirely organized and run by its volunteers. Named after Dean Hale who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2012, the festival 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.

Delintment Lake with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-06-08 08:00 - 14:00 | OR
Meet at Spark Collaborative Studio at 8:30 (parking available on Adams, east of Broadway). We will caravan to Delintment Lake, arriving around 9:30. Starting at the dam, we’ll make our way around Delintment, looking for Williamson’s Sapsuckers, waterfowl, and other passerines. After the almost 2-mile hike around the lake, we’ll have the option to meander up the Delintment Creek Trail. This trail travels through a burn scar from a 2007 fire and going can be rough due to downed snags. We’ll travel about 1-mile up the trail, looking for shrub-loving forest birds, before heading back toward the dam.

Distance: Four miles total with approximately 2-miles around Delintment Lake, approximately 2-miles on the Delintment Creek Trail.
Elevation change: less than 100ft
Trail tread and width: Undeveloped/unmaintained footpath with uneven surface and some climbing over downs snags/logs required
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 and bathroom available, water available at trailhead
Rest Stops: There are no benches along the route we will be traveling.
For more information, see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Bird Alliance of Oregon's Birders Connect at Idlewild Campground
2024-06-13 20:00 - 22:00 | OR
For this outing, we’re flipping the script and socializing first. Want some time to socialize with other birders? Meet at The Central Hotel at 6:30 and grab dinner or a drink. Want to just go look for Flammulated Owls? Meet at The Central Hotel at 7:30. From there, we’ll head to the Idlewild Picnic Shelter. From there, we’ll bird through the forest and along shrubby areas where Green-tailed Towhee are often spotted. The Idlewild campground is also a great opportunity to view White-headed Woodpecker, Cassin’s Finch, and other forest-nesting bird species.
Distance: 1-2 miles
Elevation change: 500ft total (up and down), average grade 5%
Trail tread and width: Tread is paved and >36” wide
Pacing: We will move at a slow pace, stopping frequently to look at birds and other forest finds.
Amenities: There are ADA outhouses and water available at the picnic shelter
Rest Stops: Unoccupied campsites have picnic tables that can be used for seating as needed
For more information, please see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/

P-Ranch River Walk with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-06-14 08:00 - 11:00 | OR
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.
See here for more information: https://audubonportland.org/events/

Glenn Cantor Mindful Birding Series
2024-06-15 09:00 - 11:00 | The Deschutes Land Trust’s Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, Cemetery Rd., Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
The Deschutes Land Trust in collaboration with East Cascades Bird Alliance invites everyone to this accessible and inclusive program which returns this year as requested by participants. Glenn Cantor, a much loved member of our birding community who recently passed, was one of the participants who expressed great enthusiasm about this new program and had looked forward to attending again. This program has been named in memory of Glenn’s irrepressible smile as he described his feelings of delight and connection after the last mindful birding event.
The first of this year’s series is a two hour event from 9-11 AM on Saturday June 15th at the Land Trust’s Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. There will be a brief introduction followed by at least an hour of silent sitting outside and then some sharing and discussion.
Note that participants will need to complete liability waivers for Deschutes Land Trust and the East Cascades Bird Alliance. Registration is limited to 20 attendees and an RSVP is required to attend this event.
Registration for ECBA members is through MemberPlanet.

Malheur Interior West Snowy Plover Survey with Bird Alliance of Oregon
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-22 | OR
Join Bird Alliance of Oregon and USFWS staff in surveying for Snowy Plovers and other shorebirds on the playas of the Double O unit of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. These areas are typically closed to the public so this is a great opportunity to see parts of the Refuge that not many people get to see while also giving back to Malheur and the birds who breed and stopover here. Camping will be provided. Camping gear is available for participants to use during this event. All routes for this survey require hiking more than 5 miles roundtrip, many require hiking up to 10 miles roundtrip. There will be no bathrooms during this survey. For more information, please see here: https://audubonportland.org/events/.
