Many birds are killed each year by various forms of human technology and activity. Some of these human-made hazards attract much more attention than do others. We are interested in how various factors that have been shown to influence people’s perceptions of the risks posed by nuclear power or sources of water pollution (e.g., is it a ‘new’ hazard, how 'natural' does the
hazard seem) may also contribute to peoples’ perceptions of various hazards to birds. This information will be useful in helping us strategize in campaigns to raise awareness with regards to different kinds of threats to birds and other natural systems. We would greatly appreciate it if you could fill out the survey found at the following link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BDFEUJWXT
Your participation will remain anonymous and confidential. The survey takes about 25 minutes to complete.
At the end of the survey, you will be re-directed to a separate page upon which you can request a summary of what we find. This research project has met Muhlenberg College’s Institutional Review policy requirements.
If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jeffrey Rudski at rudski@muhlenberg.edu
Thank you for your consideration,
Jeffrey Rudski, Ph.D Evelyn Garcia
Professor of Psychology
Muhlenberg College
Allentown, PA
18104
rudski@muhlenberg.edu
Low Water Flow Threatens Lake Abert Ecosystem an important migratory stop-over for million of birds by Trent Seager
Lake Abert is Oregons largest salt-water lake. This unique ecosystem is a critical stop-over for hundreds of thousands of migratory waterbirds (estimated 3.25 million bird use days/year). However the lake may very well go dry in the next year or two. That could spell disaster for the migratory birds that count on the lake.
Lake Abert is a salt lake because it is an endorheic or closed-basin system. Water only leaves through evaporation, and over time this leaves the salts and minerals behind. The saline nature of the lake is precisely why the birds stop on their migration. Lacking aquatic predators, the lake can produce huge volumes (millions to billions of pounds) of tiny brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) and alkali fly (Ephydra hians) through multiple cycles throughout the summer. These invertebrates are limited only by lake level (salinity) and algal blooms (food).
Falls starts early at Lake Abert, and by July the lake can hold tens of thousands of migratory phalaropes. By August and September in some years, birders and biologists can find over a hundred thousand shorebirds, phalaropes, and ducks at the north end of the lake alone.
This year, however, Lake Abert became too saline to feed the birds. The freshwater that usually pours into the lake each spring has been diverted upstream and at a dam that impounds water right where the Chewaucan River terminates into Lake Abert. Most years the water comes too fast or too much to divert it all. Not so the last three years.
The lake counts on a freshwater flush in the spring to kick-start the ecosystem. The fresh water in-flow is important for brine shrimp hatch, and it signals higher production of benthic algae. The algae are the primary food source for the brine shrimp and alkali fly (both adult and larval stages).
The diversion of water from the Chewaucan River has caused the lake to drop in size and depth for the last three years. This has increased the salinity from 8% to 10% and then essentially hitting saturation at 20% salinity. That limits, and then eliminates, the brine shrimp and alkali flies the very food source for migratory waterbirds.
Weekly waterbird counts were conducted on Lake Abert by the BLM from 1992-1998 looking for trends. This baseline data was used as part of the BLMs protection of the surrounding land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). While a few lake counts of birds have been conducted through the years since, weekly counts stopped in 1998. A group of interested parties decided to start these counts again in 2010. Thanks to the volunteers and staff from ONDA, ECAS, ODFW, BLM, and Oregon birders in general we now have 2010 data for August-September-October. The bird numbers are very low. Most of our counts have birds at 80%-90% below normal count years.
Migratory bird use of Lake Abert can fluctuate, and it is challenging to link bird use to such a dynamic ecosystem. However, the near lack of birds and assessment of the lakes food web is telling us something important: the lake has passed a critical threshold.
The lake is going dry. Without freshwater inflow, it will most likely be dry within a year or two. The brine shrimp hatch we saw this year will most likely not happen again. The lake is too saline for invertebrates; too saline for algae; and therefore too saline for millions of migratory birds.
The options for getting freshwater inflow during drought years are limited. Scientists, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies are discussing what can be done. East Cascade Audubon Society, among others, has shared their concerns about Lake Abert with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Water Resources Department.
About the author: Trent is currently a PhD student at Oregon State University studying Forest Ecology. He studied Loggerhead Shrikes and Burrowing Owls in 1994-1995 for baseline data for the BLMs Lake Abert ACEC designation. Trent has been visiting the area and birding there ever since. Over the years, Trent has worked with many agencies and organizations to increase the awareness of the value and uniqueness of Lake Abert.
Ryan Meadow - by Larry Berrin
Last year Larry Berrin, former Vice President of ECAS, was able to help secure funding to develop Ryan Ranch as a Field Classroom under a partnership with Bend/La Pine School District, Discover Your Northwest, the Deschutes National Forest and a number of other partner organizations including ECAS. We hope to play a role in monitoring the changes that occur and there effect on the local bird populations. The opportunity arose out of the possibility of students being able to observe the evolution of a man-created dry meadow back to its natural historic condition as a wetland. The 60-acre site is located along the western banks of the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River only 15 minutes from the community of Bend, Oregon. In our inaugural year, the following accomplishments were achieved:
7 partnership assisted field classroom experiences were hosted at Ryan Ranch
400 high school science students gathered data at 5 different stations
3 PSA's created by 10 alternative HS students who suffer emontional/behavioral disorders
45 art students from middle school, high school, altenative school (emotional/behavioral), and HS life skills (special needs) developed a collage of Ryan Ranch inspired art work, which will be utilized as part of the Year of the River exhibit at High Desert Museum; selected art work will also be used in future interpretive materials developed for Ryan Ranch
Funding was obligated under CCS agreements with Bend/La Pine School District and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Funding for BLP will assure schools can provide subsitute teachers in turn allowing for field trips
Funding for UDWC allowed for the development of a Ryan Ranch Education Coordinator position which will take leadership in development of place-based curriculum and future outings to Ryan Ranch across the spectrum of grade levels, abilities, and accessibility.
Birders Night Hosts Malheur Staffers - by Marion Davidson
At September Birders Night, Tim Bodeen, Refuge Manager, along with Linda Beck, a Refuge biologist, discussed the management issues under consideration in the preparation of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The draft, which includes input from staff, other agencies and various members of the public, is expected to be available for public comment in February of 2011.
A major issue that the Refuge currently faces concerns aquatic healthput more simplyinvasive carp. Linda described the history of the carp problem and the current control efforts which include netting, trapping and screening. She also distributed various paraphernalia emblazoned with the slogan Carpe Carp to those attending the meeting.
Other matters under consideration in the planning process include issues involving cattle, the returning of the Blitzen River to a more natural course, effects of climate change and facilitating greater visitor access to areas of the Refuge currently off limits.
Tim directed the audience to the Refuge website for more information on the planning process which includes extensive comments from a variety of individuals and organizations.
Personality - Thisissue's personality is Steve Kornfeld, ECAS / ECBC supporter and avid birder. ... by Judy Meredith
Photo is from a few weeks ago, birding the high Andes of Peru.)
Steve Kornfeld is well known to many of you. He has presented at Birder's Night. He has helped with ECAS weekend field trips and led tours for the Woodpecker Festival. He has participated in the Bird-a-fun fundraiser, numerous CBCs, and recently contributed to the debate that led to the merger of ECAS and ECBC. While he enjoys many outdoor activities like butterflying, biking, hiking and skiing, his passion remains birding. He has a world list near 4500, an ABA list of 812 and an Oregon list of 423. For Steve, this hobby is much more than listing; he simply likes being out birding. Amazingly, Steve is quite color blind. While he struggles with green and red, he has mastered bird identification by focusing on non-color field marks, behavior and most importantly vocalizations. Often experienced birders can be aloof and elitist. Steve however is friendly, helpful, energetic and enthusiastic no matter the birding venue. He enjoys sharing the birding experience and always cheers when others get lifers. Fellow birders have noticed him enjoying sorting out the common from the uncommon. He is quick to share tidbits about plumage variations or behaviors. He notes that independent of a persons birding level, each birder brings a unique perspective to the hobby. As a result Steve feels he is constantly learning from others. He comments that birders are fun people and it is a joy to hang out with like-minded people.
During his Portland medical internship many years ago, Steve was introduced to birding. After months of hearing the stories, he went along and was hooked on the spot. At first it was a nice diversion and a way to reconnect to nature. Soon it became a way of life. Steve has become interested in ecology and taxonomy. He lights up when talking about bird distribution and evolution. He has become fascinated with the definition of separate species, which he notes is somewhat arbitrary, whether it is based on fieldwork or molecular studies or some combination. He explains that currently the Clements list contains 9998 species while the IOC list contains 10,396. He finds it amusing that while science continues to struggle with labels, the birds just keep on trying to simply survive. His desire to visit areas of endemism and his love for travel has pushed his birding from Oregon to North America and now throughout the world. World travel continues to remind him how rapidly the worlds ecosystems are being altered. He notes that things seem much more stable in the US compared to the most of the third world. These experiences continue to increase his desire to support conservancy throughout the world. More recently he has become focused on bird families - their definition, distribution and how they define bird evolution. He has now planning his trips to try to see a representative of each of the worlds 221 families. Apart from the science and listing, Steve still reflects that birding offers travel, a way to marvel and connect to nature, and always offers adventure.
Steve supports the ECAS because of its mission and values. These are in line with his own better than any other organization he knows. ECAS has a conservation focus that is truly bird oriented. The projects are important and matter. Most importantly he likes that ECAS gets birders in the field. Not only veterans, but newcomers. Todays birders become tomorrows conservationists.
You may not see Steve at every field trip or annual meeting/fundraiser but you can be sure that even when he is not able to attend, he has supported the ECAS and the conservation cause year after year. Steve is an MD with a busy practice in Central Oregon, serves on several Boards in the community and can be seen birding, at fundraisers and at community gatherings with his wife Terry Chianello.
Calendar of events
- 11/13/2010 5:00 PM ECAS Annual Meeting
- 11/17/2010 7:00 PM Crooked River Ranch Bird meeting
- 12/15/2010 7:00 PM Crooked River Ranch Bird meeting
Also ...
The third Thursday of selected months is Birder's Night at the Environmental Center in Bend. For a schedule of talks and slide shows [see] for more info.
Wednesday Morning birders ... details
Birding For Preschoolers - 10:00 AM Monday mornings November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and December 6, 13, 20, 27
A birding and nature walk geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Exploration, singing, finger plays, observation, learning, questioning...it's all part of a fun-filled hour on Monday mornings at Drake Park. We meet near the middle of the park by the restrooms. Parent or responsible care-taker is required to accompany child. Come join us. (for the whole hour or feel free to leave early if necessary for your child's needs and interest.) We will meet regardless of the weather so please dress in warm, dry layers. Contact Mary Yanalcanlin by email (yanalcanlin@yahoo.com) if you have any questions.
Wednesday Morning Birders - Judy Meredith
ECAS Wednesday birders have been going out weekly for nearly 3 full years now. This year our group has ranged from 3 to 16 birders and we have welcomed visiting birders from Portland to Florida, BC to California. We have traveled to the Wallowa area, Skyline Forest, GW burn, Dry River Canyon, Thorn Springs, Whiskey Springs, Canoed and kayaked at Hosmer, scoped the high lakes, visited feeders at birder's homes, Prineville hot spots, and of course walked many river trails and sewage ponds.
 | Redmond Sewage Ponds have been stellar this year for the best views and lifers for the group. We have enjoyed many high fives for lifers or new county or state birds. Snow Bunting, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern 3-toed Woodpecker, Great Gray Owl, Parasitic Jaeger, Solitary Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, and the latest, a Black throated Gray Warbler, a lifer for 3 birders last week. The sweetest lifer experience of all though was probably when Mike Golden finally got to SEE a Virginia Rail in mid April. After he had been hearing them for years with never a sighting, we all were trying for many months to make it happen. Calliope Crossing had the magic. Now if we can just find the Northern Pygmy Owl for Don Sutherland to SEE............. |
Come join us any time. We car pool, share lots of laughs, enjoy showing our birding spots to new birders or those new to the area, and most of all, we have a great time. We go out for about half a day most of the time and for a full day approximately once per month. All the info about the schedule and where to meet can be found on the ECAS website.
Birding For Preschoolers -Mary Yanalcanlin
Once more some very young birders spent an hour on Monday mornings exploring the birds and other fascinating finds at Drake Park. Throughout August and September a total of 9 different youngsters, ages 2 through 9, armed with their tools of the trade (binoculars, magnifying glasses, curiosity, and enthusiasm) spent that time learning, questioning, observing, and laughing.
One day six of them were swallows trying to catch bugs with their mouths. To the casual observer it looked like a bunch of kids chasing bubbles but they found it quite challenging to flap their wings (arms) while flying (running) around trying to catch their dinner (popping bubbles with their faces). Their conclusion was that it took a lot of energy to be a swallow and that the swallows were stronger than they were since swallows didn't seem to get tired.
The birds were not that numerous and the species were rather limited during those summer months. Mallards, Canada geese, house sparrows, rock pigeons, red-winged and Brewer's blackbirds, and pygmy nuthatches were the regular finds. Occasionally they were pleased to discover a Northern flicker, a Western scrub jay, or a belted kingfisher. One day the pygmy nuthatches were quite cooperative. Observing several of them walking down and around the tree trunks just a few feet away was exciting and everyone got really good views. Several of the four year olds planned to go home and draw pictures to remember what they looked like.
Measuring their own wingspan and comparing it to the familiar birds was an interesting activity. Most of their wingspans were bigger than a mallard's and all were smaller than the Canada goose's. Since they had string and a measuring tape they also checked out the circumference (new word for the older ones to remember) of the different trees in the area. Their usual way of measuring trees is to see how many kids holding hands it took to completely hug the tree. Suddenly they had to think in inches rather than kids...a whole new way of describing measurement. The younger ones still prefer to call them two kid trees, four kid trees, or their favorite one kid tree. They all know hugging a tree is one of the joys of life!
Time was spent observing and noting the differences in pine cones and needles from the conifer trees (those trees that have cones and needles rather than leaves). Most of them can identify a juniper and a ponderosa pine. Once their leader gets her act together they will learn the names of more...they already recognize the characteristics of several.
As September drew to a close the signs of Fall became noticeable. The gradual changing of leaf color, the leaves starting to fall, colder weather, fewer people in the park, and rain that was cold rather than warm were all noted. We talked about migration. They are all waiting to find their first wood duck. When asked about the swallows they noticed their absence and figured out on their own that the swallows must have flown South. Rather impressive!
Vocabulary building, refining observation skills, comparing and contrasting, making educated deductions (or guesses), respecting all life forms, cooperative interaction, identifying birds, and questioning were just some of the skills being developed by these young naturalists. Having fun while doing so was an added benefit!
Lewis's Woodpecker Project Update - Diane Kook
LEWISS WOODPECKERS were noted to arrive in C. Oregon this year on the 21st of April. The nest box project located next to the Entrada Lodge on Century Drive in Bend was very active with MANY LEWISS WOODPECKERS returning once again to this prime habitat area and to use the next boxes ECAS has in place for this wonderful species of woodpecker.
However, this spring presented a very surprising and interesting varied use of the LEWO nest boxes, and a perplexing inability for the volunteers to fully determine how many nest boxes actually successfully raised young.
Currently, at the Entrada site, 26 nest boxes are in place and ready for occupancy for LEWOs. This past spring, 17 of those nest boxes were utilized by LEWOs. Surprisingly, this year LEWOs began to display selection behavior for choosing nest boxes, sometimes occupying one nest box for at least 2 weeks, only to choose another later on to raise their young. Often woodpeckers were seen flying between two boxes during the day, seeming to be undecided as to which to ultimately decide to occupy. This type of behavior has not been witnessed before.
This cool spring also brought with it a variety of mating dates. Several pairs arrived on time, (late April) selecting nest boxes or natural cavities and began their mating rituals, with others mating up to 3 weeks later than normal. Typically young are fledging during mid June, this year however, fledging extended into mid and late July. Monitoring the nest boxes for signs of the young to fledge has usually been fairly easy. The young LEWOs will begin sitting at the entrance site, at least a couple of days prior to fledging, calling for one of their parents to come and feed them. But this year, on one day, young could be heard very loudly inside the box with not one showing itself at the entrance hole, and within a couple of days later completely silent. Did they fledge, OR??? Your guess is as good as mine!
The LEWO nest box project now has seven C. Oregon locations, with our active location next to the Entrada Lodge on Century drive, in Bend, Oregon. Many volunteers spend hours watching, waiting, and hoping for LEWOs to use the nest boxes they monitor and have been very committed to their work. I cannot thank each of them enough for the many hours and many miles they have given for this project and for the LEWOs!
Be sure to keep an eye out for a segment on the success of the LEWO nest box project on Oregon Field Guides on OPB, to be broadcast later this fall. Watch our website for more details in the future.
Kestrel Nest box Project - Don McCartney
The 2010 Kestrel nestbox project was a highly successful one. Fifty-eight nesting pairs of Kestrels used our boxes and we banded 133 of the nestlings. Some of the nestlings were found to be hosting ectoparasites; this aspect will be the subject of close scrutiny in the coming years. In addition, we hope to expand the project by adding more boxes as suitable habitat can be identified.
Swift Watch Fall 2010 Update: - by Nicole Nielsen-Pincus
It was another successful season for Swift Watch. Each season the program seems to grow with more volunteers and new roosts. Some highlights from this season include:
2 new roosts in Eugene
1 new roost in Independence
1 new roost in Monroe
A high count of 12000 swifts in Eugene on Sept 5
The highest count in Roseburg since 2000
Overall, numbers do appear to be a bit lower than they have been historically. As with all trend data, the more we have the better in determining whether or not the population is truly in a decline. We also got some coverage of the project in the Oregonian this fall. Check out the story at this link: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2010/10/volunteers_watch_over_vauxs_sw.html
Thanks to those that volunteered again this fall. This project would not be possible without you!
Conservation Committee - by Eva Eagle
When ECBC became East Cascades Audubon, the Conservation Committee was reinvigorated. Two members held over from the ECBC days (Peter Low & myself), while five new members joined (Tom Crabtree, Mike Golden, Dean Hale. Kim Boddie, and Kevin Tanski). We will have our 4th meeting this month and are happy to look back on a good year so far.
At our first meeting we talked about the Committees role, which we agree is to support avian conservation. This means supporting bird species conservation directly, as in a nest box project, as well as through bird habitat conservation. Habitat conservation might mean a workday, such as we recently did at Lower Bridge. Or it might mean bird surveys to help with conservation efforts, as we have been doing at Camp Polk Meadow for a decade. As part of that work we will be engaging in advocacy and communication efforts, working closely with the Board to recommend and create policy positions for the organization.
One area where we have jumped in this year is at Pumice Springs. This area is 35 miles S.E. of Bend, south of Pine Mountain. There are two natural water holes there that are very important to wildlife, since they provide a majority of the water in this area. Unfortunately, OHVs and cattle grazing have destroyed a lot of the area in past years.
This year the Forest Service requested funds to protect the waterholes and surrounding pumice flats with wildlife-friendly fence. In addition, they plan to put in a bird blind near one of the water holes and create an appropriate pedestrian trail to the blind. The combination of elements should make a huge difference to the habitat and provide birders with a way to observe that minimizes disruption to the wildlife. (For a description of the Forest Service plan, see http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/projects/units/bendrock/index.shtml )
So how is East Cascades Audubon getting involved? First, the Wednesday Birders went out to the area with Julie York of the Forest Service to understand and advise on the plan. Second, Committee members Kim Boddie and Mike Golden did some bird surveys this spring to increase understanding of what birds use the area. Third, the Committee recommended action, which was then taken by the Board, supporting the Forest Service proposal. Similarly, some individual members of the Committee and Board wrote letters of support. In the future, we will continue to serve as a resource for advice to the Forest Service and as a vehicle to organize bird counts as needed in the area. If there is any need, we may organize workdays for the membership.
Pumice Springs is just one area where ECAS is making a difference for bird conservation. As work develops in other areas, you will be hearing about those as well, perhaps in the form of a request for your help.
If you want to visit the area, take a look at the map and directions posted on the ECAS web site. The key in visiting this area is to limit off road parking o the fragile pumice soils and to wait for ungulates to finish drinking before approaching an area where they are drinking. It will be fun to see how the area recovers when the area is better protected.
Winter Raptor Survey - Jeff Fleischer
The sixth winter of survey work for the Oregon Winter Raptor Survey Project was conducted from November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. This all volunteer project has been sponsored from the beginning by the East Cascades Audubon Society and involves more than 100 dedicated survey volunteers who conduct surveys on established census routes around the state. The primary focus for survey work is from December through February when volunteers are asked to do one survey each month during this period. About half of the volunteers do surveys during November and March as well. Since the projects inception in November 2004, it has grown from 80 survey routes the first winter to 135 routes encompassing more than 8,700 miles by the end of this past winter.
The purpose of this citizen science project is to try and determine trends in population numbers and distribution of the various species of birds of prey that choose to winter in the state. By sampling the various regions of the state each winter, it is hoped that the survey work will offer some insight as to the health of wintering raptor populations from year to year. Without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers involved, this project simply could not be done and thus is a testament to the value of citizen science in helping to understand the natural world around us!
As mentioned above, the project has grown during the 6 winters of its existence. We added 6 new routes to the project this past winter and for the first time expanded our coverage just outside of Oregon into Washington and California. The Ridgefield NWR route in Washington was established just across the Columbia River from the Sauvie Island route downstream from Portland, OR and the Butte Valley route in California was established at the southern end of the Klamath Basin in south central Oregon. We added these two routes mainly because they helped fill out geographically defined raptor wintering areas which were encumbered by political boundaries. The other 4 new routes were established in the western (2) and far eastern (2) portions of the state.
With more than 100 survey volunteers involved, it is crucial that they all complete their work in as similar a manner as possible. The project has an established survey protocol which outlines how the surveys should be conducted. All new volunteers brought on board each winter, either as surveyors of new routes or replacements for prior volunteers on established routes, are provided the protocol and encouraging instructions from the project coordinator to try and maintain as much uniformity in survey effort as possible. It is recognized that each volunteer brings with them their own individual insights and ways of doing things that will impact this uniformity. But, at the same time, each volunteer also brings a very strong enthusiasm to be of maximum help during their search for birds and as such each is wholeheartedly welcomed into the project! This enthusiasm to be a part of this project is the main reason why the turnover rate for volunteers is very low. As these volunteers continue to do their surveys during each subsequent winter, their collected data in itself becomes more valuable because of the uniformity built into their own personal survey methods.
This past winter showed a marked increase in the overall number of raptors from the previous 3 winters of the project. The winter of 2005-06 continues to be the highest birds/mile density winter (Dec - 1.13, Jan 1.01, Feb 1.03) for the project. This past winters marked increase over 2008-09 (Dec - 0.99 vs. 0.8, Jan 0.99 vs. 0.81, Feb 0.94 vs. 0.75) was due mainly to a rebound in Red-tailed Hawk populations, especially those found east of the Cascade Mountains. Over the 6 winters of this project, the survey results have revealed that Red-tailed Hawks make up close to 50 percent of all birds recorded. Combined with American Kestrels, Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Rough-legged Hawks, these five species each winter account for around 90 percent of the survey totals. So, winter numbers will be driven by the overall numbers for these five species, especially Red-tailed Hawks. Over the 6 project winters, a total of 30 species of raptors have been recorded on the surveys.
As mentioned above, we experienced a very noticeable increase in bird numbers last winter. Noteworthy was the number of surveys east of the mountains that experienced birds/mile densities in excess of 1.5 which has been used as a benchmark for this project to indicate healthy numbers of birds. There were 15 surveys in December as opposed to 6 in 2008-09, 13 in January (8 in 2008-09) and 11 in February (8 in 2008-09). In addition to the increase in the number of surveys with at least 1.5 birds/mile, the density of birds within the effected routes increased as well from 2008-09. For December, that increase averaged 11% while increases of 37% and 16% were recorded for January and February respectively. For the three months in 2008-09, we had one survey that exceeded 2.5 birds per mile. Last winter we had 14 surveys with 2.5 or better, with 9 of those topping 3.0. Routes exceeding 3.0 birds per mile included, Culver, Klamath Basin South, Poe Langell Valleys, Milton Freewater, and Baker Valley. Comparing the 58 routes east of the Cascades that were surveyed both last winter and during 2008-09, 37 (67.2%) of them had increased numbers of Red-tailed Hawks which, again, was the primary reason for the success of last winter. Lesser increases were experienced as well for the other top four species in the project, ie, American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Rough-legged Hawks.
As we look to the coming survey season which begins November 1, the project remains healthy and growing. Two new routes have already been added for this winter and a few more are in the works. We are always looking for additional help to do these surveys so if this sort of bird observation activity appeals to you please contact the project coordinator to see where we can possibly fit you in. There are a few routes that do need new volunteers and they are: Reedsport and Coos Bay on the coast and Gilliam Co. North and South in northcentral Oregon. Needs revealed after the current canvassing effort going on with all of last winters volunteers to see if they will be participating this winter will be posted in this website soon. Thanks to all the volunteers that participated last winter to make it a very successful project winter, this sort of project could never be conducted without the dedication that was shown by all of you!
The Fall North American Migration Count - by Chuck Gates
The 2010 Fall North American Migration Count (NAMC) occurred on September 18 and 19 this year. Though blighted by some rather uncharacteristically bad weather, volunteers braved sporadic heavy rains and high winds to survey the migrating birds of Oregon. Despite Mother Nature's foul mood, much of the state received coverage and some terrific birding was experienced in about 75% of the state.
At the time of this publication, only half of the counties in Oregon had submitted data for the survey. This is typical. It appears that somewhere between 6 and 8 counties went unattended this season and some of the rest have yet to collect all their data and turn it in. The amount of participation seems to be about normal. Considering the challenges of collecting data in bad weather, the volunteer numbers are actually quite encouraging. We have tallied 263 species so far and that number is likely to go up.
Though it is certain more terrific bird news will come in with the remaining counties, some very nice birds have already been reported. SNOW GEESE were seen in Harney County and 2 CACKLING GEESE made an early appearance in Deschutes. Though most of Oregon's BRANT population arrives in October, 2 early birds were found in Douglas County. While it is unusual to find even 3-4 at one site, 8 EURASIAN WIGEONS were found at one location in Baker County. Two RED-BREASTED MERGANZERS showed up in Deschutes County while Baker County generated the only DUSKY GROUSE reports. An incredible 38 MOUNTAIN QUIAL were tallied in Douglas County to bring the state total so far to 79. Harney County has produced the only HORNED GREBE for the count. RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS turned up in Harney and Klamath counties. A very unusual AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER turned up in Deschutes County while a LESSER SAND-PLOVER created quite a stir in Coos County. RED KNOTS and RED PHALAROPES are not always present on the fall count so the birds that appeared in Coos County were a welcome sight. A Yamhill County PARASITIC JAEGER produced a local RBA as did the 8 COMMON TERNS seen in Deschutes County. Douglas County "owlers" produced the only SPOTTED OWL for the count but Douglas, Curry, and Benton found BARRED OWLS. Crook County came up with the only COMMON POORWILL so far and Coos gave us a BLACK SWIFT. Ten of Oregon's thirty-six counties reported ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS. Klamath came through with 6 JUNIPER TITMOUSE. One BEWICK'S WREN was found in Union County. The big warbler news consisted of a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER at Malheur and a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER found in Benton County. Klamath, Deschutes, and Crook counties all reported PURPLE FINCHES.
There is simply no more entertaining birding than roaming the wilds of Oregon during the fall season. Make plans to join us next fall on the third weekend in September or, better yet, join us for the spring count on the second weekend in May. No one walks away disappointed when they help out with the NAMC.
Other local Organizations - No group works alone and we would like to introduce you to a range of other conservation / wildlife groups in Central Oregon that are active and support out mission. If you are active in a group not represented here and would like to contribute a regular piece, please contact us.
Deschutes Land Trust - Update - By Amanda Egertson
Camp Polk Meadow Migration News
As summer turns to fall, Deschutes Land Trust bird survey volunteers are beginning to see those changes on the ground at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. A 145-acre birding hot spot, you can be sure to see a fair number of birds throughout spring and summer at Camp Polk, but a recent report from the field noted 381 birds in one visit. Flocks of birds are showing up as they migrate through including more than 100 evening grosbeaks, 85 California quail, 30 white-crowned sparrows, and 50 pinyon jays! If youre interested in getting out to a part of the Preserve that is closed to the public, consider becoming a volunteer bird surveyor. For more information visit, http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/protected-lands/community-preserves/birding.
Skyline Forest birders needed in 2011
The Land Trust continues to work to protect Skyline Forest the 33,000 acre former tree farm between Bend and Sisters. This year we have focused on getting folks out into the forest to explore and learn more about its ecology. The more the Land Trust can learn about the forest and its wildlife, the better informed we will be as future land managers. One way ECAS members can get involved with the Skyline Forest project is to help us learn more about the birds of Skyline Forest, their habitat and habitats. If you think you would like to spend a little time getting to know this forest and the avian fauna within please contact Sherry Berrin, 541-330-0017 or sherry@deschuteslandtrust.org.
Join the Land Trusts 15th Anniversary Campaign:
 | This fall marks the Land Trusts 15th Anniversary and to celebrate the Land Trust has embarked on a 15th Anniversary Campaign. The 15th Anniversary Campaign launches the next 15 years of great land conservation in Central Oregon. The Land Trusts ambitious projects will create new regional trails, protect scenic views, and essential habitat for fish and wildlife.
The campaign will help the Land Trust seize the once-in-a-generation conservation opportunities that are currently at hand including the acquisition of the Land Trusts newest preserve, the 450 acre Whychus Canyon Preserve. It will also set the stage for more ambitious projects, like creating the nations largest community forest, Skyline Forest. You can help launch the next 15 years by contributing to the Land Trusts 15th Anniversary Campaign. How? First, increasing your annual gift (we need those annual gifts to continue!), and then consider making a special gift to help us meet our December 31st deadline to purchase Whychus Canyon Preserve. Donate today. Learn more about the Campaign. |
Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) -Livestock Grazing Retired on 3,000 acres near the Oregon Badlands by Devon Comstock
Livestock Grazing Retired on 3,000 acres near the Oregon Badlands Bend, OR Sep 28, 2010 The Oregon Natural Desert Association - (ONDA) has worked with a local rancher to complete the voluntary retirement of a grazing permit near the Oregon Badlands Wilderness. The permit, known as the Lynch Allotment, covers 2,971 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). ONDA was approached by the rancher to retire the grazing permit and a couple ONDA members stepped forward with the funding necessary to make the retirement possible.
The Lynch Allotment is part of the Juniper Woodlands Special Management Area located adjacent to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness and contains important habitat for deer, elk and other wildlife. The area is also home to old-growth junipers and is popular with local hikers and equestrians. Such values have historically created conflict with livestock grazing and these conflicts ultimately contributed to the ranchers interest in retiring the permit.
The BLM, pursuant to the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan adopted in 2005, does not need to go through an extensive process to authorize the retirement of certain grazing permits like the Lynch Allotment which are known to have limited demand and significant social and environmental conflicts. Retirement of the permit was also unanimously supported by the Deschutes County Commission and several neighboring landowners.
In the coming months, ONDA will be working with volunteers and the Bureau of Land Management to remove any unnecessary fences or range developments and monitor the area. Brent Fenty, the Executive Director of ONDA, stated that this is a great example of how voluntary grazing permit retirement can work. The retirement is good for the rancher, good for the public, good for wildlife, and good for the land.
Board Members
Steve Dougill - President
Mary Oppenheimer - Secretary
Jan Rising - Treasurer
Nicole Nielsen-Pincus
Liz O'Connell
Tom Crabtree
Damien Fagen
Kevin Smith
News from other Oregon Audubon chapters: As we become more involved with the local Audubon chapters we will feature some of their projects and ways to get involved.
PO Box 381, North Bend, OR 97459; 541-266-7382
PO Box 148, Corvallis, OR 97339
PO Box 1265, Port Orford, OR 97465; 541-332-0261
PO Box 354, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
PO Box 5086, Eugene, OR 97405; 541-485-2473
PO Box 38, Lincoln City, OR 97367; 541-921-4009 // 541-992-0440
189 Liberty St NE Suite 210, Salem, OR 97301 503-588-7340
Siskiyou Audubon Society (no website)
PO Box 2223, Grants Pass, OR 97528