The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival was started in 2011 to provide an opportunity for birders to visit a beautiful area and enjoy our local birds. Centered in Sisters, Oregon, the festival is usually held the first weekend in June. The 2025 Dean Hale Woodpecker Weekend will take place from June 6th to June 8th. There are 11 nesting species of woodpeckers that exist in the area and there is a good chance to see most of them, as well as lots of other cool birds.
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 limited to 10 or fewer participants, plus two guides. We follow the ABA’s Code of Birding Ethics, minimize play backs, and have strict protocols about approaching nests.
The festival is hosted by East Cascades Bird Alliance and 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.
Field Trips
Logistics
Bird Lists & Maps
