ECBA News

Wildflowers: Missing Link in Sage Grouse Conservation?

Josh Collins, ECBA member of our Conservation & Science Committee works with Stu Garrett’s group of enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers on our Greater Sage-Grouse Project.  Josh recently gave an excellent talk on Wildflowers and Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation in Central Oregon.  This talk was given by Josh for the Bird Alliance of Oregon as part of their Nature Night speaker series.  

Sevilla Rhoads, First place winner of December 2025 OBA Contest

I was in the Sisters school parking lot taking photos for a student group that needed photos of White-headed Woodpeckers and Pinyon Jays for a presentation to the school board about a conservation-friendly 'fuel reduction' of the Trout Creek Conservation Area. I was lucky. Not only did two White-headed Woodpeckers turn up, but also a flock of Pinyon Jays and they were fighting over a puddle of water!

When a Bird Hits a Window

To understand the gravity of a window collision, imagine flying down a hill on a bike going 20-30 mph and hitting a cement wall, head first. Birds hit our windows fast and hard. Yes, sometimes they ricochet off, but those that are forced to land are harmed.

Helping Birds Keep Their Cool

Central Oregon is on track to break temperature records this summer (again), reminding us that the High Desert sun is no joke. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death for our feathered neighbors. The good news? There are simple, affordable steps everyone can take to create a life-saving oasis for our visiting yard birds.

Photos that Tell a Story: “The swallows are doing great.”

Photos Courtesy of Darrin Underwood