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 inOutside

Five Hikes in theOld Cascades

Bag peaks or explore historic trails in the Willamette National Forest
by Damian Fagan

Looking for some hikes to spectacular vistas, through old-growth forests, and without the need for a trail permit? Check out these five day-trip hikes near Santiam Pass in the Old Cascades in the Willamette National Forest. Iron Mountain Named after the reddish, metallic appearance of the basaltic rock exposed on the mountain’s flank. Formerly known […]

Posted inOutside

A Tale of Two Badgers

Think Wild successfully releases two orphaned cubs from two separate incidents
by Damian Fagan

Wildlife rescue takes many forms for Think Wild, Bend’s wildlife hospital and conservation center. Sometimes it’s medical care for injured or abandoned creatures; sometimes it’s a Wildlife Hotline conversation answering wildlife-related questions with the caller. Some situations call for unique solutions, as in the recent rescue and release of two orphaned badger cubs. This tale […]

Posted inOutside

A Case of Mistaken Nesting

Osprey nestling safely returned to new nest site after an incident involving a power pole
by Damian Fagan

Recent construction on the roads around Bend led to an incident that required some help from the local wildlife rescue, Think Wild. Ospreys are fish-eating birds of prey that build a sizeable stick-nest atop a large tree or snag, on a bridge span or on an artificial platform. In Central Oregon, several of these nests […]

Posted inOutside

Celebrating National Moth Week

Calling all moth-ers to explore backyard moths and contribute to citizen science
by Damian Fagan

Butterflies and moths share characteristics that make them Lepidoptera (meaning scale-winged insects) but they are miles apart in public perception. Consider this: When a butterfly lands on someone, everyone wants a photo or video. If a moth were to land on someone, the general result is a frantic, spasmodic dance to rid oneself of this […]

Posted inOutside

Butterflies of Central Oregon

These summertime “flying jewels” abound in the region
by Damian Fagan

Summer is the season when butterflies flit and flutter through wildflower meadows or neighborhood gardens. To the ancient Greeks and Romans, butterflies were the symbolic representation of the human soul. British broadcaster and longtime naturalist Sir David Attenborough claimed that watching butterflies is good for our mental health. No matter the appeal, butterflies serve important […]

Posted inCulture

Planting for Pollinators

Partnership seeks to increase awareness of incorporating native plants into local gardens
by Damian Fagan

The City of Bend, Worthy Environmental and Pollinator Pathway Bend are teaming up to give away native plant starts to homeowners to increase awareness about the role these plants play in terms of pollinators, waterwise landscaping, creating habitat and much more. Through a matching grant, over 2,000 starts will be given away to registered homeowners […]

Posted inBend Nest

Career-Changed K9 Finds a Forever Friend

10-year-old girl finds comfort with canine companion, Zinny
by Damian Fagan

Abby Durrell, a 10-year-old homeschooler in Sunriver, Oregon, was struggling with anxiety and stress due to various medical conditions that caused speech delays, balance issues and blurred peripheral vision. “In May of 2020 we ended up in the ER where she was diagnosed with chiari malformation [a condition where brain tissue invades the spinal canal],” […]

Posted inOutside

Re-wilding Oregon Conference

Gathering focuses on desert and forest ecosystems, carnivores, native fish and the America the Beautiful Initiative.
by Damian Fagan

What is your definition of wildlands and how do you think management of public lands leads to that definition? That is a component of the Re-Wilding Oregon Conference to be held at the Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman on May 13. The all-day conference will feature panel discussions on desert and forest ecosystems, carnivores, […]

Posted inOutside

Understanding Habitat Needs for Greater Sage-Grouse

Local Audubon chapter volunteers engaged in sagebrush-steppe habitat study
by Damian Fagan

Greater sage-grouse are iconic birds of the sagebrush landscape. Their entire life history centers around this habitat type, from nesting sites to food sources, making them a key species across 11 western states and two Canadian provinces. But as icons, this doesn’t make them immune from impacts. Threats to the sage-grouse such as habitat loss, […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

Airport Dogs Share a “Pawsitive” Attitude

Certified Therapy Dogs reduce travel anxiety at the Redmond Airport
by Damian Fagan

Flying can be stressful for many reasons. To help promote a “pawsitive” experience and elicit some smiles from travelers and staff, certified therapy dogs from the Compassionate Canines of Central Oregon have been roaming the terminals at the Redmond Airport since May 2022. A team of handlers and their happy dogs visit the airport as […]

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