Spring has arrived in Central Oregon and with it comes one of the region’s most vibrant natural spectacles: bird migration. From waterfowl and shorebirds to raptors and songbirds, the Redmond area becomes a seasonal haven for both birds and birders. May and June, in particular, offer near-constant activity as species move along the Pacific Flyway.
The East Cascades Bird Alliance, a local, all-volunteer organization, helps residents and visitors make the most of the season with guided outings, educational programs and community events. The group welcomes everyone — from beginners to lifelong wildlife enthusiasts.
Although ECBA President Wendy Andrick considers herself a relatively new birder, her love of nature runs deep. Originally from the Appalachians of Pennsylvania, she later lived in Montana before settling in Oregon, where she joined the ECBA board. “It’s been a real blessing and opportunity,” she said.
Many of the organization’s longtime leaders — Chuck Gates, Judy Meredith and David Vick — have helped guide ECBA for nearly two decades. “It’s been all about fun,” Andrick said, noting that the organization operates entirely with volunteers and no paid staff.
A desire to deepen his knowledge of local birds led retired science teacher Gates to become an avid birder and bird photographer. Gates, who grew up in Culver, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Southern Oregon University and taught for 25 years at Crook County High School in Prineville before returning to Culver to teach science for five years. During that time, students and community members frequently asked him about the birds they were seeing around Central Oregon.
What began as a personal pursuit soon grew into a valuable resource for the community. “I can’t stand not knowing — it pushes me to find the answers, so I set out to learn as much as I could about birds,” Gates said. “And that quest continues to this day.”
Gates now uses his bird photographs in presentations, educational displays, brochures, websites and books, helping others better understand and appreciate the region’s rich birdlife.
Redmond Expands Habitat with Wastewater Wetlands
Birders will soon have another prime viewing destination. The City of Redmond has committed more than $80 million to a natural wastewater treatment system that will include wetlands designed to support wildlife.
“These ponds will be instrumental for birders and migratory birds,” Andrick said. The project uses native vegetation and natural processes to help treat wastewater before it returns to the environment. The habitat is expected to be accessible to the public and is scheduled for completion in fall 2027.
Top Birding Spots Around Redmond
The Redmond area already offers a variety of outstanding birding locations:
- Cline Falls State Park – A productive riparian corridor for waterfowl and migratory species.
- Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve – Riparian habitat where visitors often see yellow warblers, doves, and red-winged blackbirds.
- Dry Canyon – Fantastic trail system that runs north-south through the heart of Redmond.
- Smith Rock State Park – Home to nesting bald eagles, peregrine falcons, swifts, and cliff-dwelling birds.
A Premier Birding Region
Central Oregon hosts more than 360 bird species across diverse habitats. Common sightings include:
Raptors: osprey, bald eagle, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and northern harrier
Songbirds: mountain bluebird, warbler, western tanager, chickadees, and juncos
Waterbirds: sandhill cranes, pelicans, swans, avocets, and numerous duck species
Woodpeckers & Hummingbirds: northern flicker, Lewis’s woodpecker, and rufous hummingbird
High Desert Species: sage thrasher and brewer’s sparrow
Weekly Walks and Community Events
ECBA offers year-round activities, including weekly guided bird walks held on Wednesdays at various locations. Trips are led by experienced volunteers and are open to birders of all skill levels. The group also partners with local wildlife organizations for outreach events such as Earth Day programs and the City Nature Challenge.
Upcoming Birding Activities
- Birding by Ear – Tuesdays through early June from 8–9:30 a.m., Sawyer Park in Bend
- Crooked River Wetlands Bird Walk – First and third Saturdays through September, Prineville
- Summer Lake Shorebird Survey – May 30–31, Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- Dean Hale Woodpecker Weekend – June 5–7, featuring author and photographer Paul Bannick
With migration in full swing and a new habitat on the horizon, Spring may be the best time of year to explore Redmond’s skies, wetlands and canyon walls. Whether you’re carrying binoculars for the first time or adding to a life list, Central Oregon offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dynamic seasons.
Membership
The East Cascades Bird Alliance has about 350 members and offers newsletters, birding blogs, educational resources, and a code of birding ethics, with affordable membership options:
East Cascade Bird Alliance
ECBirds.org
ecba@ecbirds.org
541-241-2190
Seniors 65+/students: $15
Individuals: $25/Families: $35
Contributing (includes family members): $50
Sustaining (includes family members): $100
Lifetime: $400
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
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