ECBA News

October’s Malheur Musings

187,757 Acres of Wildlife Habitat The Refuge is famous for its tremendous diversity and spectacular concentrations of wildlife. With more than 340 bird species and 58 mammal species, Malheur Refuge is a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

September Malheur Musings

187,757 Acres of Wildlife Habitat The Refuge is famous for its tremendous diversity and spectacular concentrations of wildlife. With more than 340 bird species and 58 mammal species, Malheur Refuge is a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Hummingbird Garden at Bend’s Orchard Park 

A Hunt’s bumblebee is a recent new visitor to our Hummingbird Garden at Orchard Park in Bend. in this photo it is visiting a Linear Leaf Lupine. Photo courtesy of Barb Rumer.

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.

News from Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

 Just to the east of Bend, OR and slightly south lies a refuge that draws in birds and birders of all kinds. From lazuli buntings to listers and phalaropes to photographers – all are welcome, and all find their needs met by the abundance of this high desert dreamland.
Photo courtesy of Lane Wintermute.

Golden Eagle Nest Updates: Ayama Fledges, Returns for Visits

Watch Ayama Fledge and then visit our Golden Eagle Camera on Whychus Creek in Sisters, OR.

ECBA Member Laurel Collins Wins First Place in OBA Photo Contest

White-faced Ibis in Harney County, by ECBA member Laurel Collins, was the First Place May, 2025 Oregon Birding Association (OBA) photo contest winner.

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.

Greater Sage-Grouse Project progress 2023-2024

Late last October, 2023 about twenty ECBA volunteers rendezvoused at the ECBA Brothers Project, just north of Highway 20 and about forty miles east of Bend, to begin creating the largest demonstration of native forb restoration in the Great Basin. All photos courtesy of Stu Garrett and Josh Collins

Photos that Tell a Story: “I’ve had an opportunity to watch a Cooper’s Hawk since January, 2023, when it was a juvenile.”

Photos Story by Abbott Schindler

Pollinator Pathway Bend

Facing threats like habitat loss, disease, invasive species and a changing climate, Central Oregon's birds, bats, bees, butterflies and moths need your help!  Photo courtesy of Barb Rumer

Fourth Annual Bird Days of Summer

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon for their Fourth Annual Bird Days of Summer with a series of free and laid back outings, perfect for nature lovers of all ages. These 10 events are located in Harney County and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.