Welcome to the East Cascades Audubon Society. We are a local organization, specializing in Central Oregon ornithology. We gather local data and both sponsor and participate in projects that help protect local bird populations. Join ECAS and help preserve the birds in this region. We rely on a very active volunteer base. Check the 'Contact' menu for opportunities
Happenings
Christmas Bird Counts
Here are the dates for local counts known so far:
Bend on Saturday, December 14
Sisters Sunday, December 15
Antone Monday, December 16
Summer Lake, Tuesday December 17
Madras Wednesday, December 18
Tygh Valley Thursday, December 19
Antelope Monday, December 30
Prineville Tuesday, December 31
Utopia Tuesday, December 31
Redmond Saturday, January 4
A link to the complete state information is at oregonbirding.org/cbc/
Starting Oct. 9, meeting time will change to 8 AM. Join us at Nancy P's Cafe' & Bakery in Bend for a wide variety of outings in our local area. Details of upcoming trips are posted a day or two prior on COBOL.
Sunriver Bird Walks
Join Tom Lawler for Saturday morning bird walks around Sunriver. With Tom’s keen eye and guidance, you will spot and learn to identify a variety of species found in the wetlands, meadows, and forests surrounding the Nature Center. Whether you are new to birding or an experienced birder, there is always something exciting to see through your binoculars! Registrations can be made at
www.sunrivernaturecenter.org/index.php/visit-the-nature-center/our-programs/sunriver-birding
Birding For Preschoolers every Monday in Drake Park at 10 am
The Green Ridge Hawk Watch has completed another year of raptor counting. Thanks to the many volunteers who made this a successful project and to David Vick, project organizer. For complete statistics click here.
News
Lights Out Bend now IDA
LIGHTS OUT BEND (LOB) has transitioned to INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY ASSOCIATION (IDA) OREGON CHAPTER.
Their mission statement is: "to preserve the magnificent dark skies of Oregon and diminish light pollution for the health, safety, and well-being of all life". LOB, started by Mary Ann Kruse several years ago and aided by dedicated volunteers, has accomplished much in securing community partners in the effort to protect birds from the distraction of light pollution from artificial sources. Now part of the Dark Sky Association, this next step will allow the effort to continue on a larger platform and with greater opportunities for education and advocacy.
Email: idaoregon@darksky.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IDAOregon/?ref=bookmarks
Web Address: www.darkskyoregon.org/
New Membership Process
The ECAS Membership Committee and the ECAS Board of Directors have chosen to use a new membership management system from Member Planet. Each ECAS member can now create their own account. A special notice to all of the ECAS membership was sent out Monday, November 26, explaining how the process works. Here is a link to that document.
2018 Project Data for Lake Abert and Bluebird Nestboxes is now available.
Lake Abert, one of ECAS's bird survey projects, was the subject of Ron Larson's presentation at the November Birders' Night. He gave a very informative overview of its history and importance as a food source for migrating birds. Here is a link to a synopsis of his program and a link to a Lake Abert Video.
Jim Anderson's Nesting Box Guide now available.
See the Monthly "November 2019 Chatter" online
Autumn 2019 Calliope Newsletter now available
Meet the 2019 ECAS Board of Directors
Birder's Night November 21
Abbot Schindler, Golden Eagles
Bird photography is one of Abbott Schindler's many interests in the natural world, and he has been photographing nature for many years. In this century he’s worked to get “close and personal” to birds in particular (they’re generally safer than bison, moose, bear and elk, which he’s also gotten uncomfortably close to). His photographic work and equipment take advantage of his extensive R&D experience, studies of photographic technique and composition, and classroom experiences. His work has been published in scientific and industry journals and fine art books, and is used extensively by the High Desert Museum.
In 2018 Abbott had a unique opportunity to observe and photograph a Golden eaglet—from an unusually close vantage point—from shortly after it hatched until it fledged. Abbott will describe the challenges and surprises that greeted him during this 3-month experience during a slideshow of the eaglet’s physical and behavioral development and interactions with its majestic parents. He’ll also contrast the Golden eaglet’s development and interactions with those of Bald eaglets he’s watched for several years. There will be plenty of time for questions.
All ECAS members, friends, and supporters are welcome to attend. We start the evening at 6:30 pm with a social half hour followed by announcements and then the presentation. The meeting is held at the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave. in Bend. Refreshments will be provided by Nancy Merrick and beverages donated by Strictly Organic Coffee.
Woodpeckers
knocking on your house - or at your door? Here is a link with lots of info about them and what to do.
ECAS shirts and hats can be purchased on line for pick-up at Birders' Night. The shirt has been redesigned to feature the White-headed Woodpecker Logo and Festival. Check it out here.
Want to Volunteer? Click here for the form.
Upcoming Bird Festivals
Registration Opens Dec. 7th 9 am PST
Winter Wings brings together birders and photographers of all stripes to learn and explore with top notch professionals and enthusiastic local guides. The Klamath Basin is renowned for its winter raptors and its stunning abundance and diversity of waterfowl. In 2020 the festival will feature keynoters Rosemary Mosco, Gerrit Vyn, and Nathan Pieplow. Join us for an extensive array of field trips, workshops, presentations, and receptions.
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Come bird with us and discover with others the spectacular landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula …you just might go home with a new bird for your life list! Check out the offerings by going online (www.olympicbirdfest.org).
Precede your BirdFest weekend with a three-day, two night birding cruise of the spectacular San Juan Islands on April 14-16, 2020. Visit San Juan and Sucia Islands, and more. Stay at the historic Roche Harbor Resort.
Extend your Birdfest weekend with the Neah Bay post-trip, April 19-21, 2020:
two and one-half days exploring northwest coastal Washington, a region rarely seen by birders.
Contact us by phone, at 360-681-4076,
E-mail us at info@olympicbirdfest.org
2019 Golden Eagle Cam
Metolius fledged tis morning, 6/27/19 at 9:09 am. You can follow this link to see the fledge. https://www.goldeneaglecam.org/home/live-camera#comments
You may have to scroll down in the comments aways to find the clip.
There were two chicks in the nest this year, Wychus and Metolius. After falling from the nest and being rehabbed for 10 days by Gary Landers at Wild Wings, Wychus was returned to the nest and had a successful fledging. A link has been established to view the nest here.
http://www.goldeneaglecam.org/
If you want to help support this effort, you can donate to ECAS using the Donate button above.
The 2018 Eaglets fledged in June, 2018. Aries, the first hatched, left the nest in the very early morning on the 13th. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwGmQReBQ8c&t=7s.
Charity fledged on June 23. Here is her video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT_RewHQWRc&feature=youtu.be
Click on the picture below to view a a slideshow about the project's history.
