Damian Fagan

Damian Fagan is a freelance writer, outdoor enthusiast and avid birder. He is the author of several wildflower field guides including "Wildflowers of Oregon" and "Wildflowers of North America." Fagan lives in Bend with his wife, Raven, and a pollinator-friendly garden.
Posted inNews

An Annual Fall Ritual: Raptor Migration

Hawk watching is an exciting autumn event, returning after a hiatus in 2020
by Damian Fagan

Each fall, birds of prey wing their way southward across Oregon during their annual migration or winter movement. Some come as far away as the Arctic and one, the Swainson’s hawk, departs from its breeding grounds across North America and heads for the highlands of Argentina, although some small populations winter in Florida, Texas and […]

Posted inNews

Landowners Help Conserve Wildlife Habitat

ODFW offers a wildlife habitat special assessment program to qualifying landowners in Deschutes County
by Damian Fagan

Wildlife conservation has often been associated with large tracts of state or federal land. Private lands, often in agricultural or forestry operations, also play a key role but the owner may have conflicting interests between land use and wildlife habitat. For some private landowners in Oregon, these lands are enrolled in agricultural or forestry tax […]

Posted inOutside

Release the Craggin’!

Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic event celebrates the climbing life
by Damian Fagan

Smith Rock climbing guidebook author Alan Watts began climbing at Smith in 1975, eventually developing a new style of climbing known as sport climbing. “We were like a counter-culture movement rebelling against a counter culture,” said Watts. The style of climbing the big granite walls of Yosemite didn’t work on Smith’s volcanic rock. Bucking tradition, […]

Posted inOutside

A Different Kind of Extracurricular ▶ [with video]

Trap shooting team aims high for this year’s competition
by Damian Fagan

High school students have many extracurricular activities to choose from in Central Oregon. There are traditional sports such as football and volleyball—but here’s one that might surprise you: trap shooting. Mountain View High School hosts a team that competes in the Oregon State High School Clay Target League. The MVHS team includes students in grades […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

The Companion Animal Medical Project

Local nonprofit provides support for the unhoused and their pets
by Damian Fagan

Imagine life where the ability or resources to care for your pet present a real challenge, in terms of access, financial difficulties or access to care. Would you give up your furry best friend or would you seek to find ways to remain together? Now, mix those challenges with being homeless. “CAMP is committed to […]

Posted inOutside

Got Injured Wildlife? Think Wild

The feathered and furry wild creatures get help at the region’s new wildlife rescue center
by Damian Fagan

Have you ever found an injured wild animal and wondered what to do or who to call? Maybe wondered about deer-proof plants or wildlife-friendly fencing? Well, now your go-to source is the wildlife rescue and education folks at Think Wild. “We’ve come a long way in the last couple of years,” said Sally Compton, executive […]

Posted inOutside

Serving up the 2021 Northwest Classic Pickleball Tournament

Four-day competition to feature local and traveling players in this fast-growing sport
by Damian Fagan

If you’re interested in dinks and triple drop shots or lobs and lets, you’ll want to take in the 2021 Pacific Northwest Classic Pickleball Tournament, set to begin July 28 at Bend’s Pine Nursery Park and the Bend Pickleball Zone. The tournament, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 1, is organized by the Bend Pickleball Club […]

Posted inNews

From Vaccine Headquarters to Monster Trucks

Post-pandemic activities and events are ramping up at Redmond’s fairgrounds
by Damian Fagan

The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center located in Redmond is much, much more than “just a fairground.” In addition to events, the fairground has served as an evacuation center for residents and their animals displaced by wildfires. “We offer numerous public-friendly events to our community to make sure we have something for everyone,” said […]

Posted inNews

Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is Back in the Saddle Again

After a year of closures, the Fairgrounds welcomes back the community for the 101st annual event
by Damian Fagan

Fairgoers and rodeo fans look forward to the return of the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo this year, July 28 – Aug. 1. This year’s theme is “Back in the Saddle Again,” taken from the lyrics of Gene Autrey’s hit song, “I’m back in the saddle again, out where a friend is a friend…” A […]

Posted inOutside

Explore Redmond’s Backyard

Dry Canyon and Cline Buttes offer great outdoor opportunities for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts
by Damian Fagan

Everybody loves options. Whether it’s deciding which of the 20+ breweries in Central Oregon to visit or which trail to take, we love having choices. “There’s more to Redmond than most people think,” said Bob Gilbert, Central Oregon Trail Alliance Redmond Chapter representative. “It’s well worth the drive from Bend.” Of the many worthy multiple-use […]

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