Natural World

Invasion of the Ants

A tiny brigade confounds a pair of naturalists committed to natural eradication

Well, our move to Eugene has opened up a new challenge for us: an invasion of tiny ants. And, oh boy, have they moved in!

By Jim Anderson Jul 21, 2021

Hot Birds Are Not Happy Birds

A heat wave is tough for those without the option of going indoors

Well, good people, the heat is upon us. We've been warned it was coming, and here it is. The impact(s) of Climate Change we can feel and touch.

By Jim Anderson Jul 14, 2021

Get to Know the Common Nighthawk

At dusk or dawn, look for these swooping, diving hunters on their constant mission to devour flying insects

Ahh, summertime in Central Oregon—days that seem to stretch on forever, dusk walks around town as the sun dips below the Three Sisters, and then there's the diving flight of common nighthawks. These unusual birds are fascinating on so many fronts, from their nesting behavior to their diving displays to their annual migration.

By Jana Hemphill Jul 7, 2021

Insects: They're not all 'bad'

Enjoy learning what's going on as insects do things for, and to, us

Not too long ago I went on a rampage about birds being one of the best helpers in our "battle with insects." I fear I've left people with the impression that all insects are "bad" and that we're in constant peril from ravenous arthropods.

By Jim Anderson Jun 30, 2021

insects are good central oregon insects central oregon bees beekeeping flies bend oregon

Tips for hiking with kids ▶ [with video]

How to get your kids on the trail and have fun

School's out for summer! (I hope you sang that in your best Alice Cooper rock voice!)

By Sarah Mowry Jun 16, 2021

ONDA's Independent Stewards Program

Volunteer projects designed for individuals or households to safely undertake during the pandemic

This past year was a rough one, even for volunteers. Many nonprofit organizations canceled group volunteer projects to minimize exposure during the pandemic.

By Damian Fagan May 26, 2021

Ten Wildflowers to Watch for this Spring

Soak in the colors of the season on your next outing

Spring is here in all its glory, bringing bright greens, purples and yellows to our sagebrush desert! One of the best ways to soak in the colors of the season is to explore the diverse world of Central Oregon wildflowers.

By Sarah Mowry May 19, 2021

bend oregon wildflower bend oregon nature central oregon wildflowers spring flowers oregon

Hail the Hardy Harlequins

Named after the performing clowns of the 17th Century, these ducks make a splash

Ya' just have to admit, those Harlequin drakes are a showpiece. They look like they were posing for Roy Low when he found them all ganged up on the rocks on the Southern Oregon Coast, enjoying the crashing surf.

By Jim Anderson May 12, 2021

harlequin ducks bird watching central oregon bird watching oregon birding oregon

Return of the Vaux's Swifts

View this nightly aerial spring spectacle as the birds come back to Bend to roost

The Vaux's (rhymes with foxes) swift is a 4½-inch long, fast-moving bird (it's a swift after all) that resembles "a cigar with wings." The smallest of all North American swifts, these aerial acrobats put on a nightly show during their annual migrations through downtown Bend.

By Damian Fagan Apr 28, 2021

Earth Day is Upon Us

Personal, natural and other solutions to help slow climate change

Earth Day is upon us, and with it the time of year during which many think about their relationship with Earth. It's tempting to write tips for the top five things you can do to save the earth, or easy ways to make a difference, but the reality of the natural world on this Earth Day is that we are WAY beyond that.

By Sarah Mowry Apr 21, 2021

earth day bend oregon climate change oregon earth day ideas