ECBA News
AllAnnouncementsArchive 2023Archive 2024ArticlesBirds Teach UsECBA NewsGolden Eagle Nest CameraMalheur NewsPast EventsPhoto StoriesResourcesUncategorizedVolunteer Opportunities
Caring for Winter Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds can and do die when deep cold, blizzards, and ice storms set in. Keeping them alive requires warm feeder solutions and, in some cases, an additional heat source. Elise Wolf
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!
December’s Malheur Musings
Greetings! The winter season is one of contradictory realities. It can be harsh and uncomfortable while it can also be serene and calm. The holidays we human beings celebrate this time of year are diverse and offer the joyous counterpart to the less enjoyable elements such as short days, icy mornings, and cold nights. It is also a time of surprises - my favorite.
February’s Malheur Musings
At Malheur and across the National Wildlife Refuge System there has been much ado about a lot these days. Those of us in leadership positions with Refuge or Hatchery Friends groups have been closely monitoring the communications and guidance related to Director's Order 230, which is likely to mean nothing to most people if not everyone reading this newsletter.
Are you an ECBA Volunteer ?
ECBA now uses Track it Forward to help volunteers keep track of volunteer time. Compiling the hours that volunteers give to ECBA is something that really does matter to all non-profits.
November’s Malheur Musings
As we near the benchmark for a second lapse of federal appropriations to last 35 days we wonder, 'Just how much longer can this go on?' We make our calls and send out letters, which is valuable does have an impact in raising our voices but it can feel like yelling into a void. An act bordering on absurdity. BUT I HAVE SO MUCH HOPE.
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.
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.