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April’s Malheur Musings
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival is a mere two weeks away! While we are excited about spring arrivals on the Refuge we never forget that the entirety of Harney County is coming alive all around us.
Osprey Watch
OSPREY WATCH is a global community science project that tracks osprey nesting activity over time. Think Wild is leading local efforts here in Central Oregon with participation from ECBA volunteers. Observing, monitoring nests, and submitting data on a regular basis contributes to a much larger data base that is growing all the time.
Kestrel Camera
Our kestrel nest box is located on a rural piece of property in the Redmond, OR area, owned by Ilene and Dean Smith. Earlier this spring, together with Jim Hammond, they made the nest box ready (built by ECBA member, Dick Tipton) with the camera, filled the floor of the box with wood chips, and this year, a pair of kestrels has chosen our nest box so that we can all watch the drama.
ODLT Sunrise Bird Counts
Oregon Desert Land Trust needs help with sunrise point counts in wet meadows and creeks at Trout Creek Ranch, which lies 40 miles south of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Join in one or both 4-hour surveys to document migratory birds and guide restoration plans across this nearly 17,000-acre private property. ODLT needs 4 more volunteers for each survey.Photo courtesy of ODLT.
Take a close look! Some familiar folks here from last year’s surveys.
March 21, 2026 Update Report from our Brothers Sage-Grouse Project
In 2025 we were experimenting with different types of crop cover to enhance native seed germination and growth. We put out a black plastic crop cover and plastic perforated trays to see which was more effective for seed germination and growth. Photo by Harry Johnson
Birding by Ear Weekly Walk Returns
It must be spring! To the delight of many local birders, Dave Tracy has once again kicked-off spring by leading the weekly bird walk, BIRDING BY EAR. Learn to identify the birds you hear, practice your ear-birding skills, or share your talents with others during this weekly walk in the riverside park. Photo courtesy of Chuck Gates.
Garden for Birds
Birds need our help. Habitat loss is the #1 threat facing birds and we can do something about it in our outdoor spaces, gardens, and landscapes. Learn about the GARDEN FOR BIRDS PROJECT from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Golden Eagle Camera on Whychus Creek
Updates: With our camera running all winter, it was so interesting to see that Rocky and Petra returned to their nest as often as they did. Following both the faithful and new observers’ comments, feel free to ask questions and learn about these amazing birds.
City of Redmond Wetlands Complex Update
The City of Redmond has significantly grown and changed since it installed its first wastewater treatment facility in 1978. The projected population in Redmond by the end of 2045 is 54,000. The current system can process and treat 2.8 million gallons per day; the current system will need to be expanded to treat the 4.6 million gallons per day required for the projected population growth.
Intermountain West Shorebird Surveys
Dear Shorebirders, It’s that time of year again! Spring migration is just around the corner, and the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey returns April 24th-30th! You are part of a regional shorebird conservation network with more than 300 participants surveying more than 200 survey sites in 11 states. 2026 is our last planned year of full-scale regional surveys so help us finish strong!