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
As of March 24 all ECAS activities, all in-person events and meetings are cancelled until further notice.
Updates
Instructions for downloading Zoom Link here
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The Fall Annual Event has been cancelled. It is usually held in October and showcases the volunteers, projects and outstanding activities of the past year. There is some hope to put soe of this on line, probably with a link from this home page or through a Member Planet notice. Stay tuned for any updates!
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Field Trip Opportunities
At the July ECAS Board Meeting development and scheduling of August-October field trips were approved with the following format for COVID 19 precautions:
Local trips only aiming for no more than an hour travel from Bend, although this is flexible because:
â—‹ The group meets at the location, with no group carpooling other than with partners/family members.
â—‹ Trips will be of shorter duration (2-3 hours)
â—‹ Trip size will be limited to 6-8 people, including guests. This will allow for physical distancing; masks should be used.
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Notification of trips will be through Member Planet.
Current Field Trips:
Preparation is underway for two additional field trips planned for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Recruitment of leaders is always happening so don’t be surprised if you get an email asking if this is an activity you would like to provide on behalf of ECAS.
Questions? Contact mary at mvshivell@gmail.com
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If you would like to see the eBird checklists for the August trips, go to the September Chatter link on this page.
Good birding on your own. Stay healthy and post your birds! Judy
Reminders:
Do not share your optics with others.
Keep 6+ feet away from others.
If you are sick, stay home.
Ideally, go outside daily and enjoy birds alone or just with your close friends or family.
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Suspended until further notice. Birding For Preschoolers
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News
Autumn 2020 Calliope Newsletter now available
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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.
Jim Anderson's Nesting Box Guide now available.
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See the Monthly "September 2020 Chatter" online
Meet the 2020 ECAS Board of Directors
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A September BIRDERS' AFTERNOON is being planned for Tuesday, September 29th at 1:30 pm. It will be a Zoom presentation titled "Botany meets Biology in the High Desert: the plight of the Sage-grouse" moderated by Dr. Stu Garrett. He will talk about the unusual biology of the sage-grouse and how it has adapted to the challenging ecology of the sagebrush steppe. We will look at some of the historical events that have led to the condition of the plant communities on the High Desert today. He will discuss the decreasing grouse population and the threats that changing vegetation and other factors are playing in its possible demise.
This talk is a cooperative effort with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). A representative of OLLI will give a brief explanation of this organization and the opportunities it offers.
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Did you miss BIRDERS' NIGHT on August 20th?
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You can watch it from this link to the ZOOM presentation on the Malheur Wildlife Area
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival has been cancelled for 2020.
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Click here for the brand new
Winter Raptor Survey Project
slide show presentation!
2020 Golden Eagle Wychus Nest
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This year's eaglet, Aspen, fledged on June 13 but is still coming back to the nest occasionally. The main camera is no longer on but there are video snippets and comments on the site. Thanks to Jim Hammond for recording these videos.
http://www.goldeneaglecam.org/
Central Oregon Daily News did a nice piece on the project. Here is a link to that segment. centraloregondaily.com/sisters-eagle-cam-offers-some-birdwatching-worth-binging/
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Eagle Nest History
2019 - 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 in 2019, 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.
If you want to help support this effort, you can donate to ECAS using the Donate button above.
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Click on the picture below to view a a slideshow about the project's history.
Want to Volunteer? Click here for the form.
Activity Waiver
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Winter Raptor Waiver (downloadable)
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Members On-line WR Waiver (can be submitted electronically)
Woodpeckers
knocking on your house - or at your door? Here is a link with lots of info about them and what to do.