The Western U.S. population of trumpeter swans, Cygnus buccinator —Cygnus from the Latin for swan, and buccinare for “to trumpet”—fell into deep trouble when their feathers and skin became a valuable commodity in the late 1800s. That same species you see today on the Deschutes River, Lake Aspen and Sunriver’s ponds, were at one time threatened with […]
Natural World
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Learning in the Garden
‘Garden for Every School’ initiative awards grants to local schools
On a sunny afternoon in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden at The Environmental Center in downtown Bend, an excited group of kindergarteners flits among the raised garden beds filled with veggies and flowers, each tasked with finding one thing that has changed since the last time they visited the garden. Lindsey Nightingale teaches kindergarten at […]
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Baby Eagle Rescued
The only golden eagle cam operating in the U.S., located just north of Sisters, has been transmitting some pretty exciting footage over the last few weeks. Viewers have been witnessing what appears to be a very cruel event in the life and times of golden eagles: the starvation of one of the young. Last Monday, […]
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Rare Turkey Vulture Spotted
Something new came soaring into the Central Oregon skies last week, and it would be wonderful if you’d watch for it: an adult turkey vulture wearing a patagial (wing/auxiliary) tag. Bird research scientists use patagial wing tags as a tool to check on the movements of large birds. The best-known example are those scientists working […]
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What Goes Up Must Come Down
Decrease of trout on the Crooked River affects more than just the ecosystem
The Crooked River is one of Central Oregon’s most iconic fishing destinations, winding through stunning basalt gorges and beautiful high desert terrain. It used to be a dependable trout fishery that would draw fishermen from across the region. But what goes up, must come down. In 2015, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife surveyed […]
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Cougars on the Rise
Two cougar sightings in recent weeks prompt a reminder of what to do around them
“Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars, or mountain lions. While cougar sightings and encounters are rare, it is wise to educate yourself about the big cats.” So says the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and they’re spot on! Cougars can be found anywhere in the state, but the highest concentrations are in […]
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The Curiosity Gene
A look back at the life and times of a Northwest naturalist
Well, I’m headed for 92 years on this good earth, gettin’ ready to take the Big Field Trip out among the stars. One of the things I’m most grateful for are the hundreds and hundreds of good times (and friends) I’ve enjoyed as a naturalist, especially the years I spent with the Oregon Museum of […]
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Calling All Citizen Scientists
Local projects encourage people to contribute toward science and conservation
Looking for a way to contribute something toward understanding wildlife, the origin of our solar system or other scientific pursuits? A number of local groups offer a wealth of worthy citizen-scientist projects that anyone, young and old alike, can pursue. These may vary from looking at light pollution at night to counting butterflies, bees or […]
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Hummingbirds Ahead!
Reports from all over the Willamette Valley, aka The Swamp, are coming in on Oregon Birders Online with the news of hummingbirds from the California border to the Columbia River. According to one account: “Our hummingbird feeders are exploding with hummingbirds right now. This is the most spring hummers we’ve had in a very long time. […]
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Woodpecker Festival Ahead
On April 1, registration will be open—no foolin’—for The East Cascades Audubon Society‘s premier birding event, held in Sisters: the Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival. The event itself will run from May 30 to June 2. This isn’t “just any old” birding event. People from all over the world take in this one because they’ll have […]