Central Oregon is on track to break temperature records this summer (again), reminding us that the High Desert sun is no joke. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death for our feathered neighbors. The good news? There are simple, affordable steps everyone can take to create a life-saving oasis for our visiting […]
Elise Wolf
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Glass Act: Saving Birds from Windows
A bird-friendly yard starts with these simple solutions for bird-window collisions
Picture the perfect morning: songbird voices filling the air with their joyful chorus, announcing the new day. Then a sickening thud. Sadly, this heart-wrenching sound is all too familiar. What many do not realize is the staggering scale. New research (Kornreich et al., 2024, PLoS One) indicates that up to one billion birds may die […]
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Wildfire Wise, Wildlife Friendly: Smart Landscaping
With thoughtful planning, Central Oregonians can safeguard their properties and nurture vital wildlife habitats.
Central Oregonians today are navigating a difficult balance between home fire protection and local wildlife habitats. Stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife were why many of us relocated to this unique area. Those who love insects and birds take it further by planting and retaining wildlife-nurturing native shrubs and wildflowers. Research shows native plants support significantly […]
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Climate’s Toll: Birds on the Brink
As the climate shifts, birds struggle to survive in a changing world. We can help.
In June 2021, a devastating heat wave scorched the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures soaring from 108° to 121°F. In Central Oregon, Pelton Dam on the Deschutes River reached 119°F. The impact devastated wildlife, with birds among the hardest hit. Babies leaped from nests in droves, overwhelming wildlife rehabilitation centers across the region. As climate patterns […]
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Suet Smarts: Helping Birds Without Hurting Them
What bird lovers should know about safe suet feeding
Picture this: A chickadee lands on your carefully crafted pinecone feeder, coated with peanut butter or suet and seeds. You’re feeling good about helping local wildlife. But wait! As your neighborhood bird rehabilitator, let me share a secret that could save birds’ lives — and it’s all about the hidden dangers of fats. You know […]
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Winter Wonders: Caring for Wintering Hummingbirds
Our Anna's hummingbirds face real trouble as deep freeze, blizzard conditions, and icy rain continue. We can help these winter wonders in several simple ways.
As remarkable as it sounds, hummingbirds overwinter in Central Oregon. These toughies are Anna’s hummingbirds and are amazingly stout for their 4-4.5-gram size. These green gems have expanded their range into hotter and colder climates over the last 20 years. Yet, they face real trouble in deep freeze, blizzard conditions and icy rain. There are […]
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Watch the Tricks, and the Treats
Creating wildlife-safe holidays
As Halloween approaches, neighborhoods across Central Oregon are adorned with festive, spooky decorations. From the eerie glow of jack-o’-lanterns to cobweb-draped porches, this whimsical holiday is celebrated through creative displays. Our spirited designs don’t stop on Oct. 31; they transition into joyful fall and winter holiday décor. However, there is a frightening side to some […]
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Winging It in the Heat
Wild birds have adapted, but could still use our help during extreme heat
The outside thermometer is launching into the red zone this week, and like us, our wildlife will be seeking respite. We know that heat can have concerning health impacts, but not just for us upright, two-leggeds. Everyone suffers in extreme heat—insects, mammals and birds, as well as those with roots holding them in one place, […]
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Feeding Our Feathered Friends
What to feed the birds you love seeing at the window
Those Bushtits in Sue’s photo, pigging out at our suet feeder, always bring the thrill of feeding wild birds alive in our souls. Don’t know about you guys, but if you’re having a slow and not-so-fun day, Bushtits will bring joy into your life! Both Elise Wolf (a bird rehabber in Sisters), and my wife […]