ECBA News

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.

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.

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.

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!

2026 Summer Lake Shorebird Survey SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 30 AND 31, 2026

Volunteers conduct counts of all shorebirds and other waterbirds (excluding waterfowl and American coots) across the entire Summer Lake Wildlife Area.

Pollinator Pathway Bend

Here’s a fun and informative video to start dreaming about spring. Pollinator Pathway is a national organization dedicated to the establishment of native plant communities for pollinators that are managed without pesticides. photo by Barb Rumer

January’s Malheur Musings

Greetings! The beginning of a new year is often a time for retrospection, and this January is no exception.

Olympic Bird Fest 2026

Online Registration Open Now!

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.