Natural World
Local students learn about the importance of wildlife corridors
I get invited to lots of places to speak, but my favorite locations are schools. The bright young minds of kids who ask great questions keep me young, despite my 91 years.
By Jim Anderson
Mar 20, 2019
Cascades Academy Think Wild nesting boxes woodcrafting
Natural World
In spite of all the snow and cold, turkey vultures are on their way north, to their summer haunts. While air temperature does play a role in the movement of turkey vultures and other birds, it's really the sun's relationship to the horizon and the amount of daylight that controls their migration calendar.
By Jim Anderson
Mar 13, 2019
vultures carrion bird banding
Natural World
Those annoying residents sitting in a stupor on your wall? Your neighbors have them, too
"Hey Jim," a recent email read, "How about a Source article describing the nature and intent of 'winter flies?' They come into our houses—fly around slow and stupidly—do not feed—and within a day or two, they die.
By Jim Anderson
Feb 27, 2019
housefly flies in winter insects
Natural World
In the wake of the federal shutdown, the annual event that almost wasn't in 2019
Eagle Watch, the premier event of spring in Central Oregon for the last 24 years, is set to happen Feb. 23 and 24 at the Round Butte Overlook—a little way from Culver on Lake Billy Chinook. If you've been taking part over the years, you know what fun it is for anyone wanting to know more about raptor resources of Central Oregon, and the importance of eagles in our culture.
By Jim Anderson
Feb 20, 2019
Round Butte Overlook Lake Billy Chinook Oregon Observatory East Cascades Audubon Society
Natural World
Gem of the Oregon Outback, and the official Oregon state gem
The Oregon Sunstone has an appropriate name, reflecting, as well as absorbing, the light from the sun in all its hues and beauty. For just that reason, it's the official state gem of Oregon.
By Jim Anderson
Feb 6, 2019
Plush Oregon Sunstone Store Blue Mountains geology rocks
Natural World
On birds in winter, and all those robins you're seeing right now
If you haven't seen them, you're either not paying attention, or you're really busy doing something else. It's really hard to miss them, especially if they're pooping all over your deck like they are at my place, or on your car if it's parked under the juniper tree at the edge of your driveway.
By Jim Anderson
Jan 16, 2019
migration american robins Christmas Bird Count audubon society Central Oregon Audiology
Natural World
Victor Berthelsdorf, who lives over in The Swamp on a farm near McMinnville, recently sent me an email with a photo of a great egret posing with a mouthful of rough-skinned newt.
By Jim Anderson
Jan 9, 2019
Victor Berthelsdorf Al St. John Chris Rambo AmphibiaWeb
Natural World
In tales of the great horned owl, Part 2, our columnist recalls nearly losing an ear
I once had a sheep-raising pal—one of the Shumway boys—lead me to an active great horned owl pair that was using an old red-tailed hawk's nest in the top of a juniper that had been blown over near Alfalfa. Telling this tale, you have to realize that old pals have different ways of looking at humor, friendship — and science.
By Jim Anderson
Dec 19, 2018
Ed Park Dr. Ettinger birders owls Fort Rock
Natural World
A tale of the great horned owl, part 1
Well, it's that time of year (again). If you're fortunate enough to have a home close to the same habitat great horned owls need to make a living, you're also hearing them now as they cuddle up and sing love songs to each other.
By Jim Anderson
Dec 12, 2018
owls mating raptors great gray owl
Archives
