ECBA News

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

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!

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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

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.