A Natural History Writer

Blame Someone Else Day...

2012-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

January 13, 2012. Today you get a choice of holidays to celebrate. You might find a common current that runs through them and celebrate them all!

Blame Someone Else Day. No, your fault. No yours. A nice day to pawn off all those miscues and muck-ups. Just remember, you may also be on the receiving end, not just the giving portion of this holiday!

Public Radio Broadcasting Day. Having spent several years as a DJ on Moab Public Radio (KZMU - Cows MOO), I truly appreciate Public Radio. Commentary, music, programming, public announcements, free speech, non-commercial, the list goes on. Thanks to all for making Public Radio reality!

Rubber Duckie Day. Jim Henson, as Ernie, delivered the song "Rubber Duckie" on a Sesame Street show in 1970. Sales went through the roof for rubber duckies after that program. Although the production of real rubber duckies began sometime in the late 1800s, today's plastic versions bob across many a bathtub sea. However, some rubber duckies float the world's oceans due to a lost shipment in 1992. A container washed overboard from a ship and 29,000 yellow rubber duckies, blue turtles, green frogs and red beavers found freedom on the high seas. Their travels and discoveries have led to discoveries about ocean currents. I don't know if the story first broke on Public Radio, but it would have been a good one.

So even though this year's January 13 is a Friday the 13th, there are ample reasons to celebrate the day. Cheers!

National Bird Day - January 5

2012-01-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today, January 5, marks the 10th anniversary of National Bird Day. This day focuses on wild and free birds, as well as captured native birds from other countries that form the international captive bird trade and issues surrounding those birds.

Born Free USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting protection and survival of birds and wildlife, and sponsor of National Bird Day. Their intent is to highlight the beauty of birds and the role they play in our lives, whether we are birders, artists, wildlife enthusiasts, or just individuals that appreciate wild animals, as well as serve as voices for education or legislation to protect animals.

So spend a little time today observing birds or helping to enhance their habitat or protection. Although these winged wonders have sweet songs, sometimes they and other wildlife species need assistance in getting their voices heard.

And don't forget that January 7 is "I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore Day." Another great day to let go.

Deschutes County Year 2012

2012-01-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Another year, another attempt. My Deschutes County Big Year got derailed in late summer due to family medical issues. I felt like a window struck bird - disoriented and dazed. Although I finished with a couple of new birds - long-eared owl as one of them - I didn't feel too strong at the end. So that one ends up in the slush pile.

Fortunately, a new year means a new list and a new attempt. Although I checked the back yard in the middle of the night for hooting great horneds, nothing. And if I had spent a moment searching the feeders in the morning, maybe the first bird of 2012 would have been the downy woodpecker on the suet feeder. Instead, by sight or sound, the first bird of 2012 was a dark-eyed junco. Nothing to rave about, a common backyard winter species and summer resident up in the mountains. However, you have to start somewhere...

A biologist from Mexico holds a prairie falcon for display.

So, I'm off again on another Deschutes County Big Year attempt. Part interest, part therapy, part work. Now, if the two snowy owls I've observed this winter would just cross some political boundaries, I'd be off to a great start. As it is I'm off to an OK start, nothing odd or unusual but did have a prairie falcon fly by on the afternoon dog walk. At least I'm out looking at the birds and appreciating the simple things in life.

Species count as of January 2, 2012: 39.

Happy Mummer's Day

2012-01-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here begins another year. This blog will get spiced and sprinkled with bits of fun and funkiness, holiday days and observances that you might not find on traditional calendars. A departure from the norm, but the norm is on vacation. Enjoy.

January 1 – Mummer’s Parade

Mummer n. a person who wears a mask or disguise for fun.

With traces back to the worship of Momus, the Greek god of mimicry who was expelled from heaven for criticizing and ridiculing the gods, the New Year’s Day Mummer’s Parade takes place in Philadelphia. Officially sanctioned since January 1, 1901, this parade may include up to 10,000 marchers!

So for those of us not living in Philly, what the hell is this event about?

Originally this parade morphed from one that Scandinavian immigrants brought with them to their new homeland. The custom of visiting neighbors on December 26, included being rowdy, singing songs, shooting off guns, dancing and asking (demanding!) food and drink. Though not exactly a drunken bash, alcohol was a factor.

By 1840 there were Mummer clubs in Philadelphia. They celebrated from New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day (why stop the merriment?) and were called “comic clubs” due to their humorous nature and ability to make audiences laugh. Political satire was a favorite target. This was a men’s only event; women were not allowed to participate until 1970! What began as fun and rowdiness eventually became an elaborate parade with prizes and cash awards given to the best parading clubs. Let the games begin!

Competition became fierce, occasional fights broke out between winners and losers. How could there be anything else in the City of Brotherly Love, where Philly fans once pelted Santa Claus at an Eagles game in 1968.

But today, the parade has 4 or 5 divisions, depending upon funding: Comic, Fancy, Fancy Brigade and String Band. The Wench Brigade makes up a fifth division. So, maybe you’ve been and maybe not. I know that this is now on my official Bucket List. Happy New Year and Happy Mummer's Parade Day.

Winter Snowy Owl

2011-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

A snowy owl flies from the Arctic to Burns, Oregon.

A snowy owl resides along OR 78 between mile marker 5 and 6.

Bird Watcher's Digest article on Lewis' woodpeckers

2011-11-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.birdwatchersdigest-digital.com/birdwatchersdigest/20110506?pg=41#pg41

Here is a link to an article in the May/June 2011 issue of Bird Watcher's Digest on a Lewis' woodpecker project here in Bend, Oregon.

Breath Equals Possibility

2011-11-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

I recently saw this phrase and thought, "How appropriate." Especially since life has thrown me a breaking ball and my badly timed swing corkscrewed me into the dirt.

So I stand back up and breathe. Step out of the batter's box and check the third-base signals. Another breath. Step back in and get ready for possibilities. Profound? No. Reality? Yes.

As a writer, I live in a land of possibilities filled with book contracts, job bids, magazine acceptance, photo opportunities. Possibilities fuel my world and I regard them as precious commodities. Each and every one is really a gift.

Of course, this doesn't mean that negativity, fear, rejection, or impossibilities don't exist. I visit those lands even if I don't want to, but I can choose to walk the rim between those two places. Acknowledge both exist and choose where to walk. And to breathe.

Possibilities at every fork in the road. Now to pursue them...

FOS

2011-10-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

FOS means first of the season.

As I work at my home desk, I have a great view into my backyard. I have several feeder stations set up and during the day I get to watch a parade of species.

Lately it has been the Finch family with white- and golden-crowned sparrows, dark-eyed juncos and house finches that have crowded the feeders. When they depart, the California quail parade through, the males with their topknots and the females ushering in the young. In addition, the mourning doves and pygmy nuthatches make constant forays to the feeders, the nuthatches departing with sunflower seeds which they hammer into the ponderosa pine crevices.

An Anna's hummingbird continues to visit the wildflowers; I haven't seen any rufous hummers for a while, but they still are reported in the area.

Today I got to add white-fronted geese to my yard list. Not because they landed in the tiny pool, but because a skein of them flew overhead. I consider any bird that I can see from by suburbia yard to be fair game as a "yard bird." Even if they are 3,000 feet above me.

Though my county year has been derailed by personal issues, I feel like a marathoner who puked at mile 16, then twisted an ankle rounding a curb at mile 20. I'll limp to the finish, take time to heal, then be back.

While I nurse myself back to health, I'll feel good about the May/June 2011 issue of Bird Watcher's Digest. Publication is a tonic that cures every writer.

Lookout Mountain Trail

2011-09-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

The trail up Lookout Mountain in the Ochocos climbs through a coniferous forest of western larch, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and subalpine fir to an exposed and rocky summit. The loop trail from the Independence Mine trailhead is roughly 7.0 miles and gains over 1000 feet. Even in late summer there are wildflowers and berry-laden plants like baneberry and blue elderberry. Although the fruits of baneberry are toxic, the red or white berries add some color along the trail.

The Independent Mine processed ore from the volcanic rocks of the Clarno Formation. Mercury and gold were extracted, but the mine closed in the 1950s. Remnants of the operation still stand.

Nowadays the area is frequented by hikers, horse riders, mountain bikers and wildlife. Deer and elk and small mammals occur in the area, and warning signs for cougars are posted at the trailhead. On my last visit I watched a small herd of elk moving across a small ridge before disappearing into the far woods.

Baneberry

Columbia River Basalts outcrop near the summit of Lookout Mountain

Signs of elk abound along the trail

Remnant of the mining operation

Historic structure near the Independence Mine

The snow shelter built in 1989

Wildflowers and butterflies of late summer

Canyon Creek Meadows

2011-07-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

July 29, 2011. The trail to Canyon Creek Meadows in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area is now pretty much snow and blow down free. Although the upper meadows are still covered in snow, the lower one is exploding with shooting stars, lupine and Indian paintbrush.

Small pond along the trail

Depending upon how far one goes into the upper meadows, this is about a 4.5 mile hike with around 400 feet of elevation gain. The return trip via Canyon Creek makes a nice loop, even though a portion of the hike is through the B&B Burn of 2003.

Looking towards the viewpoint saddle and Three Fingered Jack

Iron Mountain/Cone Peak Trail

2011-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hiked the Iron Mountain and Cone Peak trail last week. Stunning day, gorgeous flowers, exceptional views, great company. Grouse and nuthatches calling, fresh elk tracks, unknown animal dens.

The trek up to the Iron Mountain viewpoint is almost snow-free, just one last patch before the summit.

Patjens Lakes Trail

2011-07-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Trail sign in from the trailhead

With most of the high country trails still snow covered, the Patjens Lake trail is a nice option for an almost snow-free hike. Even at 4,600' there are patches of snow that one has to cross.

Beargrass in bloom along the trail

Starting at the Big Lake Campground, the trail soon forks and makes a loop hike out into the Mt. Washington Wilderness. I prefer hiking counter-clockwise, gaining elevation early in the hike, then hitting the lakes before returning to Big Lake. Current conditions include a few downed trees, snow, some flooded areas, and a few mosquitoes.

Highlights include mountain views, old-growth forests and views of Hayrick Butte, a steep-sided butte that resulted from a subglacial volcanic eruption. This type of eruption involves a lava flow originating below a glacier or ice field, melting through to the surface and pooling on the surface to form a flat-topped structure. Called a tuya, Hayrick Butte is about a half-mile wide and 700 feet high.

Hoodoo and Hayrick Buttes

Trail distance: around 6.3 miles and 400 feet of elevation gain.

Sisters Quilt Festival

2011-07-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lewis' woodpecker article

2011-07-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

I had an article in the May/June 2011 issue of Bird Watcher's Digest about a local project to build nest boxes for Lewis' woodpeckers. Here are a few extra photos of the project.

Going Coastal

2011-06-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

View of Otter Rock from Cape Foulweather

When things get crazy here in central Oregon, we love to "go coastal." Most of the time we head to the Newport, Oregon area because of the wonderful access to the beaches, tidepools and headlands.

The beaches offer great opportunities to walk and the one stand-out this trip was Ona Beach. Tidal action had uncovered the bizarre rock outcrops along the beach, prompting me to work on a story called "Stone Seal Beach."

Gull Rock from Cape Foulweather

Though we saw gray whales daily, these summer ones are "resident" whales - ones that don't migrate all the way to the Bering or Chukchi Sea. These whales feed along the coast, helping themselves to myscid shrimp and other creatures they filter out from their bottom feeding.

The highlight of the trip was locating tufted puffins nesting on Gull Rock near the Devils Punchbowl. I observed dark alcids with light colored heads flying up to the rock while I was watching brown pelicans fishing near the rock. After a short trip back to our rental for the spotting scope, I was able to locate the puffins entering into a rocky ledge, presumably feeding young due to the multiple trips by the adults.

Common murre rookery

One other interesting observation was the common murre rookery at Yaquina Head. Possibly due to the presence of bald eagles along the coast, the murre populations have been abandoning some of their rookeries because of periodic hunting pressure by the eagles. There were several thousand murres in the water around the lighthouse and blank spots on the near-shore outcrops indicated abandoned nest sites. Several observers with either USFWS or contract companies (never did ascertain that) were observing and recording changes in nesting density on these off-shore outcrops. Though we didn't observe any predation attempts that day, I have in the past watched the murres peel off these rocks as peregrines or bald eagles make strafing runs for prey. If the eagles are doing this with enough frequency, the murres must be feeling the heat.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

So after a week of sun and surf, I've returned home fresh with ideas and images from my "going coastal" trip. Now to translate some of those into articles.

Gray whale blow

Finding the strength in mussels

Pumice Springs

2011-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

A small oasis located on the east side of Pine Mountain. Fenced off to protect the fragile habitat, Pumice Springs attracts song birds and wildlife to its two open water sources. Pumice (from Newberry Volcano or nearby Pine Mountain?) blankets the ground.

The surrounding woodlands are a mix of western juniper, lodgepole and ponderosa pine. Directly east, sits a B.P.A. substation, a stark reminder of the land's use.

But on this day, it is just me, the substation's hum, and singing birds. Black-throated gray warblers call from the nearby woods, a lone olive-sided flycatcher utters his "Quick three beers" song, western and mountain bluebirds tussle over nest boxes and Cassin's finches litter the ground.

The bluebirds do not reflect their "bluebirds of happiness" moniker. The two species go at each other like a MMA contest. Tree swallows perch on nearby wires watching the spectacle and, perhaps, hoping to usurp one of the boxes for their own.

Lark and chipping sparrows join the finches foraging on the ground and a constant flight of yellow, yellow-rumped and Wilson's warblers, red crossbills, a lone female Bullock's oriole, and others beg for some traffic control.

The springs are not large, but they are bird magnets. Nearby Sand Springs is also fenced off, but a constant parade of logging trucks detracts from the birding. A thinning project in the Deschutes National Forest keeps this area active, so I head elsewhere in search of solitude and solitaires.

Deschutes County Big Year: 169 species.

Hiking La Pine State Park

2011-05-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Located about 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon is La Pine State Park. Better known as the home of "Big Red," a monster and Oregon Heritage Tree ponderosa pine, the park also offers some great hiking trails.

Spent a beautiful morning hiking both the Deschutes trail and the Cougar Woods trail through the park this past Friday. Today's purpose was to link one of these trails to the McGregor trail, a 4.5 mile loop along the Deschutes and Fall rivers, as well as to look for new County birds.

The Deschutes trail starts at the McGregor Viewpoint and cuts past the campground and along the Deschutes river back to the viewpoint. The 3.4 mile loop is relatively level and a nice addition to the McGregor loop. Though the trail passes a significant burn, the area is rife with woodpeckers. I located Lewis's and hairy woodpeckers, Williamson's sapsuckers, and northern flicers.In addition to the woodpeckers, I located a pair of northern pygmy owls that were tooting away near the viewpoint, then meet up together on a tree limb.

For the Cougar Woods trail, I started at the Day Use area and hiked the south trails towards Big Red. At the large tree parking area, I opted for the small loop trail instead of the asphalt trail to the tree. The loop trail passes through a forest of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, before toping out for a great viewpoint of the river and Mt. Bachelor in the distance.

From Big Red, there is an unmaintained trail that follows the edge of a large oxbow along the river back up to the main trail. This trail continues to another day use parking area before crossing the main park road and back to the day use area. Though this is a nice route, I'd hike the Deschutes trail over the Cougar Woods one.

Though I didn't add any birds to my County Year list, there was a great diversity of birds observed along these trails. Later on, I added ash-throated flycatcher (Little Deschutes River) to the list. Total County List: 156.

Birds observed in La Pine State Park
Canada goose           Wood duck                            Mallard
Turkey vulture       Osprey                                   Red-tailed hawk
Killdeer                  Spotted sandpiper                 Northern pygmy owl
Belted kingfisher     Lewis's woodpecker              Williamson's sapsucker
Hairy woodpecker   Western wood-pewee            Dusky flycatcher
Steller's jay             Common raven                      Tree swallow
Violet-green swallow                                             Northern rough-winged swallow
Mountain chickadee (nesting in stump cavity)      Red-breasted nuthatch
White-breasted nuthatch Pygmy nuthatch            Brown creeper
House wren             Townsend's solitaire              Hermit thrush
American robin      Yellow-rumped warbler        Wilson's warbler
Green-tailed towhee Chipping sparrow               Dark-eyed junco
Red-winged blackbird   House finch

Mid-May Migration

2011-05-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of mid-May in central Oregon. Rain today. Snow last week. Sometime in between the mercury hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The proverbial "wait ten minutes for the weather to change" applies to this location.

But even with the ups and downs of the temperatures and the variety of precipitation, spring migration is underway.

My last few weeks have been a blur of classes, hikes and birding outings. The Tuesday morning Birding by Ear program with the East Cascades Audubon Society has been a great look at the seasonal changes in bird composition at Sawyer Park. Warblers, swallows, flycatchers, finches, sparrows - each week seems to bring a new member to the park.

The backyard has also produced some great moments of evening and black-headed grosbeaks, Cassin's finches, American goldfinches, California quail, pine siskins and rufous hummingbirds. Gone are the juncos and the golden-crowned sparrows. Pygmy nuthatches have taken over two nest boxes and nest building by house finches continues in the backyard.

Backyard action

Now that hiking classes are done for the season, I hope to spend some time in my photography blind, as well as out birding while the migration is on and the weather is wacky.

Deschutes County Big Year to date: 150 species.

A Finchy Kind of Day

2011-04-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

At least April ends with some sunshine after a long month of snow and cold. Today's sunshine, however, doesn't mean that winter is done.

It was a pleasure this morning to sit in the sunshine and shoot photos of the finches that descended to the backyard feeders. First there were the Cassin's finches, about 12 individuals and a mix of males and females. Their male's brilliant wine red coloration was a welcomed sight. While these finches were working over the sunflower seeds, I could hear a flock of evening grosbeaks calling and getting closer.

Once the grosbeaks descended, the finches had to shift from one feeder to another one. The larger grosbeaks were defending their food source from the finches and other grosbeak arrivals.

In addition to these birds there were white-crowned sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, American goldfinches, house finches, house sparrows, ruby-crowned kinglets, and pygmy nuthatches getting into the fray. A lone robin showed up with nest material in its bill and proceeded to dunk the plant material in the shallow water dish.

When the western scrub-jay appeared, everyone scattered to nearby branches. A nice way to spend a nice day.

The Deschutes County Big Year continues. Though I've missed a few entries, today's total stands at 127.

Mid-April...

2011-04-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

...and the birding is great in Central Oregon. Our Oregon Audubon Council meeting members went on a fun field trip to the Rooster Rock burn and the Camp Polk Preserve up in Sisters, Oregon this past weekend. First bird of the day, not counting the pinyon jays on my drive to the carpooling location, was a white-headed woodpecker near the Village Green in Sisters. This species is the icon of the East Cascades Audubon chapter and was a harbinger for the day to follow.

From the Village Green we traveled towards the Three Creeks area and stopped at the Rooster Rock burn. In this human-caused burn, we found several other woodpeckers: black-backed, hairy, and downy. Evidence of woodpecker activity was easy to see on the blackened trees; removal of the outer charcoaled bark revealed the lighter colored layers below. We also located a few yellow-rumped warblers, northern flickers, and common ravens.

Raven in flight

Traveling back to the Village Green for another restroom break, we picked up a varied thrush just before leaving. Then it was over to the Forest Service office to scope out the feeders. One of the ladies that works at the office, Sandy, keeps several feeders stocked. In just a few minutes we spotted pygmy and red-breasted nuthatches, red crossbills, ruby-crowned kinglets and mountian chickadees.

One person in the group mentioned a desire to see pinyon jays, so the guides Howard and Judy drove us straight to a flock of over 50 birds foraging alongside the road. Ask and ye shall receive.

From the jays we drove to Camp Polk Preserve, a Deschutes Land Trust holding in Sisters. Here we found more yellow-rumps and kinglets, song sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, a lone female wood duck, and white-breasted nuthatches. That made a trifecta of nuthatches for the day. There were also western bluebirds and a Say's phoebe. One treat of the visit was watching a flying osprey carrying prey trying to outrun a bald eagle. Wasn't going to happen. The eagle gained enough elevation to stoop after the osprey. After a few attempted manuevers to ditch the eagle, the osprey finally dropped the fish which the eagle easily snatched in mid-air.

Northern goshawk

After tracking down a red-breasted sapsucker, thanks to its "morse code" tapping, we returned to the parking lot and were preparing to leave when a northern goshawk flew overhead. A great ending to a great day, and some new additions to the Deschutes County Big Year List.

Deschutes County Big Year List to date: 106 species

Migration continues...

2011-04-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sandhill cranes at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

...to bring new birds each week. Recently, I've seen ruby and golden-crowned kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, tree and violet-green swallows, and Say's phoebes. New waterfowl include canvasbacks and pintails. Although the weather continues to be variable (snowing as I type), the birds continue to move.

The County Big Year continues, slowly and with some missed opportunities. Species count to date: 95.

Return of the Dawn Chorus

2011-03-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so maybe not a chorus, but the heralds (Harolds?) of spring are starting to sing. A few days ago I could hear an American robin singing in the pre-dawn darkness. Yesterday a mourning dove joined in for a few rounds. Today, I heard a robin again; then it began to snow. Springtime in the High Desert. Check in again tomorrow.

Although this County Year project has been slogging along lately, I've added a few species to my initial list. Seems like for each outing there is either the regular winter residents or a lone individual representing a new species.

Turkey vulture

Though the waterfowl are mostly gone from the Old Mill District, I've picked up greater white-fronted goose, canvasback and greater scaup there in the past week. The greater white-fronted had teamed up with a pair of Canada geese, but that pair seemed to work at ditching the white-fronted. After circling and lots of noise, the pair landed on a rooftop while the white-fronted landed in the Deschutes River, then began an endless cacophony of calls. In addition to the waterfowl, there was a lone turkey vulture battling high winds in the district's vicinity about a week ago.

Killdeer

There was also a small flock of Barrow's goldeneyes at the Sunriver sewage lagoons and a lone killdeer near the Sunriver marina. Fortunately, this County Year is a list of species, not a tally of total individuals. Otherwise, you'd hear me honking, as well.

March 7

2011-03-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Forget February. Busy, busy, busy with book revisions, Winter Wings Festival programs, nordic ski races, life. The birding was tough - how many times do I have to walk the First Street Rapids trail before I find that damn Harris's sparrow? Obviously, more times than I've been done there.

Seemed like wherever I went, I was met with bitter cold and winds, poor luck or repeat species. Not that the latter is bad. I can watch golden-crowned sparrows until the day turns to night or hoot for non-existent owls until the night turns to day. It's the "being out there" that is the most important.

Still, I wouldn't have minded picking up a new species. Or two.

Today, I walked the Old Mill District loop along the Deschutes River and saw about 14 waterfowl individuals. Not species, but total number of ducks and geese. Pretty slim. But, much to my surprise I picked up a white-fronted goose trying to hook up with a pair of Canada geese and a greater scaup moving in on a pair of ring-necked ducks. The soaring trio of geese disbanded after the Canadians landed on a nearby roof, and the white-fronted was forced to land in the river. Even its honking sounded mournful.

The scaup was diving and swimming with the ring-necks. It would be interesting to see if they hang out together on their migration or if the ring-necks try to ditch the scaup.

Of course, I was looking for another species. A woman sent me a photo of a female Barrow's goldeneye that she had observed the other day. I couldn't find a goldeneye even if my name was Bond. Scare would be giving the birding a lot of credit. Even the lone robin in the parking area seemed like a teaser.

But, things progress. The juncos in my yard are singing, the house finches are thinning out, the lone song sparrow seems to be showing up more often, the pygmy nuthatches are pounding away on my neighbors garage, trying to break in. Nothing but fun in birdlandia. Of course, I can always count on the local quail stopping by.

Species to date: 80

Mid February and All Is Quiet

2011-02-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Not much to report on the County Year. Big flock of pinyon jays today, 80+ near, Murphy and Fairway. Small flock of western bluebirds yesterday at the high school. Pair of merlins giving chase to each other over Brosterhous. Juncos, house finches, bushtits, scrub jays and pygmy nuthatches the regulars at the feeder. Cooper's hawk tried to take out a quail in the yard, but the quail survived by slipping between the wire around the chicken coop. Mass of feathers, but the bird was still breathing. Missed the Harris' sparrow the other day along the First Street Rapids trail. Kind of in a hum-drum period, but keeping my eyes open.

Return of the Siskins

2011-02-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

February 2. A month has gone by and I'm still at this Deschutes County Big Year. I'm up to 70 species, so far. Picked up American crows at the Bend Senior High school yesterday while waiting for the nordic team members to get out of school. Probably the only bird watcher in the parking lot...

Today's new bird was the pine siskin. These birds have been absent from our feeders for the past month. In December, the birds were all over the nyjer thistle feeders, but then they disappeared. Fun how that works out. However, today they were back, feeding on thistle and black-oil sunnies along with the house finches, American goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos and a lone red-breasted nuthatch.

Also back are the evening grosbeaks. As I write this blog I see 10 birds in our neighbor's aspens. Probably waiting for me to refill the platform feeders with sunnies. The wave of quail and finches cleaned them out earlier, so I'd better refill while the birds are about. More on the finches at another posting....

Pinyon Jays...

2011-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

...are social creatures. Not only do the birds flock together, but they are colonial nesters, communal feeders of their young and have little regard for territorial interactions with their neighbors. Highly nomadic, I see flocks of p-jays in the southern part of Bend where I live, but not regularly. Sometimes they are in the big ponderosa pines by the Bend Country Club, other times over by the trees near the South End Blockbuster. Today, they were over my yard.

A flock of over 50 birds, noisily flew past our house. Fortunately, I was outside loading the car with books bound for the library. This tight-knit flock was the first ones I had observed this winter, although some folks report them as more regulars at their homes east of Bend.

Formerly known as blue crows or Maximilian's jays, flocks with over 500 individuals have been reported in the Cabin Lake area, southeast of Bend. Those birds were probably as noisy as the Twelfth Man in the Seahawk's Qwest Stadium.

So where have these nomads been all winter? Hard to say, since I haven't seen many postings for them on COBOL. With this winter's deep snows, maybe they have spent time farther east in areas less frequented by birders. Who snows?

American Three-toed Woodpecker

2011-01-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

From the Swampy Shelter, near Swampy Lakes in the Deschutes National Forest, I catch a woodpecker drumming. Short bursts with a quick trailing end. One of my goals this year is to learn the woodpecker's by their drumming. I've got a few down, but this one was unknown.

I was on a snowshoe outing with my COCC class. We had just arrived at the shelter and folks were having a snack. Of course, hearing a bird, especially a woodpecker drumming, made me drop my sandwich and grab my binoculars.

So, I learned it the old-fashioned way. Snuck up on the bird and listened while it pounded away on a standing dead lodgepole. Wait a little more, listen again. Move to the left and search with my binoculars. Seemed like we were playing a game. As I moved to one side, the woodpecker would go the other way. So, I waited some more.

Finally, an American three-toed woodpecker came into view. Barring on the back (ladder back) and barred flanks. Two white facial marks and white speckles on the crown. At one point the bird flew to another snag and started flicking away pieces of bark while searching for insects. Nice for me, because that tree was about 5 feet away.

The woodpecker's drumming was short and trailed off at the end. Listen to the call on the What Bird.com Web site to hear the cadence. The Sibley guide says that the three-toed's drumming is "...slower and shorter than Black-backed." So I guess I just keep listening, and remind myself to start hauling my camera with me.

County Big Year to date: 61 species

Birding at Freddies

2011-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

You won't find the Fred Meyer's shopping plaza on any birding radar sites. Mostly asphalt and concrete, the few trees in the parking medians wouldn't qualify for any backyard habitat enhancement designation. I will admit that the house sparrows do thrive there, picking up food scraps or insects impaled on the front grills of some vehicles. They also like the structural design which accommodates their crammed-in-any-opening type of mentality.

So much to my chagrin, and delight, I was able to pick up a merlin streaking across the parking lot airspace in pursuit of prey. Hopefully, the house sparrows. I had plenty of time to retrieve my binoculars from the car and watch as the merlin made some repeated passes at prey, then shifted gears and slowed down for some good looks.

Next? I'm sure it will be the pinyon jays over by the big pondos in the outlet mall. Although I haven't seen them yet this year, I'll have to remember my binos next time I head to Blockbuster.

Sunriver

2011-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

I start out on a cold Tuesday morning from the Sunriver Nature Center and walk some of the snow-covered paths in search of birds. I'd heard about chestnut-backed chickadees being seen down here at the resort.

What once was Camp Abbott during World War II, is now a resort complete with golf courses, lodges, pools, homes and a small shopping complex. Though developed, the resort has great pathways for walking or biking, and left enough cover during construction to offer some fair birding. Because I live about 15 minutes away, Sunriver is a spot that I come to when I want to feel like I'm on vacation. Or to go birding.

Today, January 11, is cold. Snow covers the golf courses and most of the units are empty. I find the usual suspects in the groves of lodgepole pine that line the trails: mountain chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, dark-eyed junco. A pair of redtails are perched on a lone snag near the horse corrals and an adult bald eagle makes its way flying upriver.

The first County Big Year addition is a northern shrike, striking a pose atop a cluster of willows. Perhaps because of the cold, I am able to walk within 10 feet of the willows and get some great views of the bird.

As I walking down one of the paths, I meet Bob and his four-legged friend Roxy. Bob, seeing my binoculars, asks for identification. "Are you a birdwatcher?" One field mark that indicates possible birder is the binos around the neck, the other one is the four-word question. So we start chatting about birds. I tell him I'm looking for the chestnut-backs and he tells me has had one at his feeder at times during the winter. We talk about the shrike, which we've both passed, and a hairy woodpecker pounding away a little bit up the trail. I relate that I encountered 2 evening grosbeaks, my first ones of the winter, and Bob says they would be his first of the year, if he had seen them. We chat some more and find a common name of a local birder to further establish our identities.

Twenty minutes later a flock of around 20 evening grosbeaks pass me by heading towards Bob. Or at least his general direction. I hope he hears them or maybe that Roxy will stop at the appropriate sniffing post and Bob will look up. In addition to the grosbeaks I hear a flock of crossbills, which I'm assuming are red crossbills, but won't add them to the list just to make sure of my identification. The crossbills are fairly regular here; I even get them to our feeders in Bend.

Evening grosbeak

Though the birding has been slim, it has been a nice morning walking in the cold. The seemingly ever-present coyote hunts out in the frozen fields, and I strain to hear somebody different calling. But not today. So these two plus the great horned owl hooting during the BCS championship game between Oregon and Auburn are the newest additions to the list.

County Big Year to date: 59 species.

Hitting Two Birds With One Stone

2011-01-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

This idiom relates to solving two issues with one answer, because the linear thinking - a stone thrower could hit two birds in a row - seems pretty far fetched. Maybe before there were major impacts on wildlife this could happen, but, at least, in this case, I'm choosing the non-linear answer.

Yesterday, I snowshoed the Edison Shelter loop from the Edison Sno-Park in the Deschutes National Forest. This was a scouting trip for an upcoming snowshoeing class through the Central Oregon Community College's Continuing Learning program. Beautiful and brilliant day with enough snow pack to cover the lava tubes and rocky outcrops along the trail. In addition to the snowshoeing, I searched for some woodland species to keep this County Big Year alive.

Edison Shelter

There were several pockets of activity, mostly where there was a mix of ponderosa, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine. I found common species such as the brown creeper, red-breasted nuthatch and mountain chickadees. The creepers are like mini woodpeckers with their curved bills and long tails used for stability while climbing up the tree. The nuthatches were vocal with their "ank, ank" calls, and the chickadees were just as active.

The score for the morning outing was a northern pygmy owl calling from a grove of trees, but didn't show itself. The single spaced notes were very clear on the calm morning. My other species for the walk was a hairy woodpecker that flew in to the Edison Shelter and started hammering away on one of the porch posts.

So four new birds with one outing - now if they all will be so productive.

County Year total: 51 species.

Tetherow Crossing

2011-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

The stout wooden bridge that spans the Deschutes River marks Tetherow Crossing. Named for the family that lived and operated a cable ferry crossing here in the 1870s, this provided an easy river crossing for wagons headed west towards the Willamette Valley or those heading east into central Oregon. One of the more level locations that provided a crossing along the steep-walled canyon of the Deschutes River, today one of the oldest houses in the county stands abandoned at this point. Trails along the river provided easy access along the riverbanks, and though vehicle traffic is light, sometimes the neighbor's roaming dogs make the birding interesting.

Yesterday was my second visit to the area in over a week. A lone swamp sparrow had been reported here and my first attempt to locate it was blown away by the wind. Literally.

So I returned yesterday, staked out the "seed station" location and waited. Of course, the dogs were back and a third one spent most of an hour barking at me. Two vehicles had parked into the pull-out near the small cluster of willows were some seeds had been left on the ground to attract the sparrows. Fortunately, my waiting paid off.

Not only did I get good looks at the swamp sparrow through my spotting scope, but I was also treated to a cornucopia of sparrows: white-crowned, song, Lincoln's and house. A few house finches and some dark-eyed juncos also showed up to provide a montage of plumages. The swampy was a lifer.

White-crowned sparrow

In addition to these birds, I also picked up a golden-crowned kinglet foraging in the juniper tree near this pullout and a spotted towhee farther downstream. I was also treated to a trio of golden eagles soaring on winter thermals (don't think there was any warm air on the below freezing day) high above the river. I missed the canyon wren I had heard the previous week, but I'm sure I'll be able to get that one on another visit. Even with the barking dogs and occasional car, this is a very pleasant location to bird or, if the birding is slow, just to take a walk up the canyon.

County list to date: 45 species

Birding the Old Mill District

2011-01-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

January 2. I spent a portion of the morning birding the along the Deschutes River near Bend's Old Mill District. The walking trails here provide great access and, because of their popularity by walkers, runners and pet owners, the waterfowl here are "accustomed" to disturbance. And from the several foot bridges that span the river, there are nice elevated views to scan for ducks and geese.

Duck, Duck, Goose

There were 300+ mallards along this stretch of the river. Their brilliant orangish legs and rich green heads looked spectacular in the winter light. Though a common duck that often gets ignored for more unusual species, these mallards were strikingly beautiful. Just as spectacular where the hooded mergansers, especially the males with their white head patches when the birds raised their crests. A smaller merganser than the common merganser, both were present and hunting for prey. Other duck species present: ring-necked duck, bufflehead, American wigeon and common goldeneye.

The Canada geese were also present, mostly confined to the lawns at the amphitheater. I saw only one goose sporting a USFWS silver band and a red leg band. I don't know if this one is part of the resident/migrant study down there, something I'll have to check on. As in some parts of the country, these geese have been targeted for population control methods.

A statuesque great blue heron, some pied-billed grebes and a lone horned grebe rounded also provided some great viewing opportunities.

Great blue heron from another place and time

All in all, it was a nice morning and a great walk to view a lot of waterfowl. I'll keep checking this area throughout the year and expand my walks downstream to Drake Park and upstream to the footbridge.

At home I added a varied thrush which was visiting one of my feeders and California quail. The quail are almost daily visitors most of the year and we had our first nesting pair last year under a brush pile in the backyard. A good reminder that not all areas of the yard should be cleaned up!

Quail nest from 2010

Deschutes County Big Year Update
County species to date: 34

A Deschutes County Big Year

2011-01-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

January 1. So it begins. A new year, a county Big Year.

I thought the first species of the year would be an indicator, a sign of things to come. Though I had hoped for a great horned owl or maybe a unique species, the first bird of the 2011 was a common raven. And a more apropos species couldn't have been found. (More on this in the future).

The day started off with a ski race at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center. My duties as a timer kept me focused on the finish area, but I still managed to observe gray jays and a Clark's nutcracker. The bold jays settled for scraps left at the food table and the nutcracker just made an appearance. See who else was in this winter wonderland.

Gray Jay

Back home, things were different and I spent some time observing the yard feeders. Big score was a white-throated sparrow and a downy woodpecker on the suet feeder. I didn't get more than a fleeting glimpse at a flying sapsucker, and then couldn't relocate it, so I'll have to stay vigilant for this species in the days ahead. I'm guessing red-breasted, but really didn't get a good enough look.

The usual suspects showed up at the feeders: house finch, pygmy nuthatch, mountain chickadee, dark-eyed junco, western scrub-jay, northern flicker, and American goldfinch - the goldfinches in splendid winter plumage. At one point an immature bald eagle flew overhead heading towards the national forest beyond our home.

My main goal of this County Big Year is to learn the birds of Deschutes County better. Work on identification of species that I'm weak on, spend time out birding, observing behavior, and to blog about these adventures. I'll be giving in to the "birding vortex" and see where it leads me. The species total is the last and lowest of these goals; really I'm using a County Big Year as a motivator to become a better birder.

As Yoda might say, "Off and birding, am I."

Species total to date: 14

Snowshoe Trails at Swampy Sno Park

2010-12-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

There are two snowshoe trails at the Swampy Sno Park outside of Bend, Oregon. The Porcupine Snowshoe Loop strikes out from the trailhead to the Swampy Shelter, while the other loop heads to the Nordeen Shelter. Both are excellent loops for beginners to intermediate snowshoers, although there is about 300 feet of elevation gain along the eastern return portion of the Porcupine Loop trail as one climbs up and then down Telemark Butte. The Nordeen Loop is relatively level with minimal elevation gain.

Snowshoe trail markers along the Porcupine Snowshoe Loop

Nordeen Shelter

The Nordeen Shelter, rebuilt in 2007, honors Emil Nordeen a Central Oregon ski pioneer. The Swampy Shelter, built in 1980, is a bit more rustic.

Listed mileages for the two loops are: Porcupine 4.0 miles round trip and Nordeen 5.25 miles round trip.

Don't forget your Oregon Sno Park permit for parking at this trailhead!

A Winter Walk

2010-12-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Snow lays heavy in the Oregon Cascades. Seems like for the past several weeks we've gotten snow every day, but that is fine when I'm wanting a wintry walk.

Recently constructed Meissner shelter

Strapping on the snowshoes or skis, just being out is the goal. Several of the local Sno Parks have groomed nordic trails, thanks to the Tumalo Langlauf Club. But more than once I've had to break trail through deep powder in my snowshoes.

Meissner area trailhead

Took my Central Oregon Community College Continuing Learning class up to the Meissner Shelter last week. The trail was well stomped down from the weekend traffic, which made the first time outing easy. Perhaps this week's trip to the Nordeen Shelter will be a bit different with the snowfalls occurring after the weekend traffic has departed.

Snowshoer icon marks the trail

Stay tuned....

Week Two...

2010-11-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

...of NaNoWriMo and I'm plugging away. I have great respect for novelists and the work that goes into crafting a story. Just the dedication to write every day is amazing. In reality, I don't expect to complete a manuscript during this month. But if I end up 15,000 words ahead of where I started - zero - then I have to consider some success.

H.O.W.L. stands for Help Our Wolves Live, a fictional, but edgy advocacy group skirting the boundaries of state and federal regulations in order to reunite wolves with their former haunts. Backed by a wealthy individual, H.O.W.L. employs one field biologist, a former state biologist who lost his job during a melee at a public hearing. Or at least so the story goes....

November is ...

2010-11-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

...NaNoWriMo. Say what? National Novel Writing Month. It is a nose-to-the-keyboard invitation to get one's story out. The goal is to write at least a 175-page, 50 thousand word novel. Procrastinators need not apply.

So where does that leave me? I'm a pro at crastinating. It's Use All Your Fingers On Your Keyboard Day, so I'm off and typing. Well, almost. I do have a working title, but I don't think that counts towards the word total: H.O.W.L. There it is. Hopefully with a streak of luck never before seen on this screen, in thirty days I'll be able to see that magical 50,000 under "word count."

Check it - www.nanowrimo.org. And like the over-hyped commerical says, "Just do it." Better brew up another batch of that Strictly Organic Italian Roast...

A Change of Pace

2010-10-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

With the hiking classes done for the season, I have to reflect on where I've been and where the heck I am headed. Teaching for COCC's Community Learning program provides me with a bit of employment while enjoying the outdoors. Although I look forward to winter's snowshoeing classes, I'm trying to get back on the writing track.

I have a few projects lined up: rewrite for Canyon Country Wildflowers, monthly articles for the Moab Happenings, and a few other articles. Mostly I hope to work on several book projects, one that involves doing a Big County Year.

A Big Year is a birder's attempt to see numerous species in one geographic area, like North America. A huge undertaking in both time and finances, a Big Year birder can surpass 700 species during a good year. Of course, there are other Big Years on a smaller scale, and that is what I'll be shooting, uh birding, for.

I'll be keeping an updated tally, although my goal is not so much the final number, but rather getting to know the birds in Deschutes County better. Some for the first time. I'm going to keep a log and blog about my adventures, separate yard birds from those observed in the field, and keep tabs on the avian happenings around this Bend.

Stay tuned...

Quail Invasion

2010-09-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Our backyard is haven to many birds. Siskins, nuthatches, chickadees, great horned owls, western scrub jays, evening grosbeaks, red crossbills, and hairy woodpeckers are just some of the more recent regulars showing up at the feeders. But the real stars are the California quail.

They come in small family groups of 8 to 12 birds. Several adults accompany their broods; the males act as sentries while the rest feed. Some groups have different ages of juveniles, a testament to the covey mentality of the species.

The birds appear any time of the day, although early mornings and mid-afternoons seem the best. Attracted by the dove and quail feed that we spread on the ground and in some platform feeders, the quail keep their heads down and rapid-fire peck at the seeds.

California quail nest in our backyard

The sentry male

Another backyard male

Different aged fledglings

Up and over the fence

If we startle the covey, they burst for cover in the nearby junipers or clear the fences and descend into a neighbor's yard. But I know they will be back for another foraging round.

Return of the Vaux's...

2010-09-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

...swifts. Named "swifts" for good reason. These aerial acrobats zip about the sky snagging insects on the fly and, amazingly, not colliding with each other.

Vaux's swifts getting ready to roost in the chimney.

During spring and fall migration these swifts make a stopover here in Bend, roosting in the Christmas Presence house on Harriman Avenue. It is great fun to sit in the back of the pickup and watch as they birds cruise, swoop, dart, then descend into the chimney to roost.

The other night we counted 75 birds entering the chimney within about 25 minutes. Unfortunately, we had to depart before the show was over; another 25 or so birds were circling. I found out through COBOL (Central Oregon Birders On-Line) that the next night over 225 birds crammed into the chimney. And more may have entered in the early dusk.

Vaux's swifts in Bend, Oregon

Although I haven't been to some of the larger sites in the Willamette Valley, I am starting work on some articles about these creatures. Here are some photos, shot at very high speed, showing these aerialists.

Registration for fall classes...

2010-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

...is now underway with the Central Oregon Community College's Community Learning program. I'll be leading two hiking classes this fall - exploring the Cascade Mountains and the Three Sisters Wilderness. Hikes for the Cascade Mountain course will cover 5-7 miles; hikes in the Three Sisters will be 8-10 miles in length.

Fall is a great time to get out into the mountains and catch the seasonal changes. Of course, there is also the possibility of some chilly weather, so dress accordingly!

I'll also be leading a snowshoe class that starts in December. Hopefully, Indian summer will last into November, then dissolve into flurries of snow. Of course, there is the threat of some warm weather, so pray for snow!

For more information or to register for classes, visit https://oraweb.cocc.edu/2011/101040/CEREC.HTM.

Slinging out of Summer...

2010-08-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

...and into autumn already? Last night's cold left some frost on the neighbor's roof. Yikes. Too soon.

I'll be complimenting some writing with teaching courses for the Central Oregon Community College's Continuing Learning program and the Brown Bag Lunch & Learn series for the Bend Parks and Rec. The program with BPR will focus on raptors of central Oregon, while the courses with COCC will be two different hiking classes. The courses will explore some of the high Cascade country while it is still snow free. Looking forward to them all.

Submitted my monthly Moab Happenings article today. "September in the Oaks" takes a look at Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) named after William Gambel. Gambel was a naturalist who collected plants in the Sante Fe area and on his way to California. After returning to the east where he received a medical degrees, Gambel set out for California again. Unfortunately, while aiding some sick miners in the Sierras Gambel contracted typhoid fever and died at the too-young age of 28. Check out that article and others on the Moab Happenings link. Cheers.

Canyon Country Wildflowers

2010-07-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Canyon Country Wildflowers

The wildflower display in southern Utah was incredible this year. Thanks to an El Nino fall and winter, the desert exploded with flowers. Some had not been seen for years, others just came on in abundance. Unfortunately, my Canyon Country Wildflowers field guide was unavailable from the Globe Pequot Press. Staff changes at GPP and the book entering the reprinting cycle resulted in copies not being available. Fortunately, the reprint process is underway and I'll be making changes and additions to the book. That being said, I don't know when the release date for the revised edition will be. But, I am crossing my fingers that there are a few more El Nino years ahead!

La Sal Mountains outside of Moab, Utah

Sego Lily - State Flower of Utah

Down River...

2010-07-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

...and in the canyons of southern Utah. Spectacular. Awesome. Familiar. Landscape that I once knew so well.

Wildflowers abounded in the Moab area; a product of winter snowfall and spring rain. Probably the best bloom in over thirty years. Species unseen for years now in full regalia. Fields of wildflowers cloaking the desert, and I was only there towards the end. Hopefully some of the photos taken will go into the new and revised edition of Canyon Country Wildflowers due out sometime in Spring of 2011.

But it wasn't just the endless blooms and verdant desert that held my interest. Interrupting the heat of summer was a cold front straight from the Arctic. The almost-bare La Sal Mountains got more than dusted with a June snowstorm - either the first snow of the season or a very late spring storm depending upon your perspective. Many Moabites were not thrilled at the idea of winter returning; many swore they would not complain about the summer sun if winter would only cease. Reminds me of a David Lee poem, Ugly, where the farmers sacrifice half-wit sons, farm animals, and furniture to try and stop the rains. But what changed the weather? "She was a good wife."

Woodpeckers Part Two

2010-05-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

I live fairly close to a cinder cone named Bessie Butte. Besides being a great vantage point to view the Oregon Cascades, this area is a good place to look for woodpeckers. Not because of the volcanic origin, but because of the 18 Fire that swept through here years ago.

That fire burned through the ponderosa forest surrounding the butte. Many of the snags became perforated with woodpecker cavities, and today, as the shrubby vegetation returns, there is a good diversity of "woodies" pounding away for insects.

Black-backs, hairies, downies, Lewis's and northern flickers are the more common woodpeckers to be seen. There are even some nest boxes out for the Lewis's - a project under the auspices of the East Cascades Audubon Society.

So, early last week I drove out to the burn, watched the activity level of the woodpeckers present, then stationed myself near a cavity that some Lewis's were using. Or at least considering to occupy. A pair of adults kept appearing at the hole, but without any prey. I deduced the nest was not yet active. A third Lewis's sent the first two into a tizzy; the posturing and calling increased until the unwanted quest departed.

I was after some woodpecker images to send in with my monthly Nature Happenings article in the Moab Happenings magazine. So after shooting some pictures of the Lewis's, I hunted around for some hairy woodpeckers, as well. I found some cooperative subjects and now look forward to returning to the burn to search for their nest site. Maybe I'll pound out an article on the hairies...

Getting Out to Bird

2010-05-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been great for birdwatching here in Central Oregon. Since I'm teaching a Beginning Birdwatching course through the Central Oregon Community College's Community Learning program, I've been scouting locations, taking field trips and birdwatching a lot more.

Most notable have been the woodpeckers. I've been able to locate quite a few of our resident woodies and have observed nest site activity that I'll check during the season. One tree had Williamson sapsuckers, mountain bluebirds and pygmy nuthatches competing for spots. At Shevlin Park here in Bend, the class located a pair of red-breasted sapsuckers working on a nest cavity while a Lewis's woodpecker "churred" in the distance. Then there were the hairies and white-headed woodpeckers we observed while picking morels in a middle-aged burn up near Camp Sherman on Mother's Day. And, of course, I can't forget the black-backed, downy and numerous flickers that were out near Bessie Butte.

I've also had great success with the evening grosbeaks finally visiting my platform feeder. All winter they taunted me from the treetops, but now they are regulars at the feeder. Almost too regular; the 25 pound bag of unshelled sunflower seeds is quickly draining. With over 100 birds in the vicinity this morning, I'd better get another bag....

Another grosbeak, the black-headed, also put on a show for the birding class at Shevlin Park. Though I had just started to hear them at my house the day before the field trip, it was nice to see several pairs working over the willows at Shevlin.

Throw in some warblers, gray flycatchers, unknown Epidonax ones and a bunch of the "regulars," this has been a great week for birds. The class and birdwatching time has also prompted me to write some articles on the subject - a nice end to a great week.

Woodpecker Wonderland

2010-05-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

I live in the land of woodpeckers. Recent trips out into nearby burnt forests have revealed several different species: Lewis', black-backed, hairy, downy, and northern flicker. In another section of the same woodlands that has not been burned in the past fifty years, I came across Williamson sapsuckers dueling with Western bluebirds and pygmy nuthatches over nest cavities. If I headed north to Sisters and the GW Burn, I could add white-headeds, American three-toeds and others to this list. All within a 40-mile radius of home.

For those of you unfamiliar with Central Oregon, visit the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail Web site for a copy of the birding trail map. There is a lot of information regarding birding locations, species and directions. To compliment the map, also check out the Birding Locations In Oregon section on the East Cascades Audubon Society's site. There is a wealth of information on local birding spots to peruse.

Best birding to you!

A Day Past Earth Day

2010-04-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

This ole world just keeps on spinning.

Spent the morning leading a bird walk for Earth Day. A little different activity than my first Earth Day 40 years ago. Back in 1970, I was in junior high and our bus driver heard our pleas to "get active for Earth Day." She stopped the bus about a mile from school, opened the door and out we went. We walked the rest of the way to school and thought "what a contribution!"

Actually, it was kind of weird and I think the driver got reprimanded. Something about safety. Later on she said that was the quietest mile she had ever driven and was worth the rebuke. Back to yesterday. Spent the morning at the Deschutes Land Trust's Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. With a small group, we scoured the willows for kinglets and warblers, but only turned up kinglets. Then we crossed the meadow to Whychus Creek and scanned the pondos for woodpeckers, jays and nuthatches.

Although we didn't encounter many species (about 30), there were some great looks at kestrel pairs, stellar Steller's jays imitating northern flickers, flickers "wicka wicking," and western bluebirds looking fine in the breeding duds. A good time was had by all.

It seemed appropriate to spend some time at a preserve that is in the process of returning Whychus Creek back into its old meandering self, complete with steelhead spawning grounds and a wet meadow holding water. The area has come full cycle from since the first Native Americans harvested fish in the creek and probably plants in the meadow. Today, the creek's restoration project is to undo past manipulations and let the creek wander across the valley floor. Now that is a contribution to Earth Day.

A Natural History Writer's Vacation...

2010-04-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

...almost sounds like an oxymoron. We go snorkeling and look at corals and reef fish, pull out the field guides, and talk about moorish idols and humu humus. Then sit on the beach and watch breaching humpback whales arc across the water. Everyone else around us is getting a tan, reading a mystery or sipping cool ones and not even aware of the whales. Me, I'm jotting down notes and figuring out some markets.

Hiking in Haleakala Crater is for fun, but out comes the camera for some non-family vacation photos. "You working?" the family asks. I refocus and get them in the picture.

Yeah, the thin line between vacations and work is marginal at best. Story ideas sneak up like sunburn and become just as evident. Plus, as my writer friend asked, how are you going to write off the trip without some work out of it? How, indeed.

Birds in the Klamath Basin NWR

2010-03-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

Snow geese and greater-white fronted geese take to flight.

Last week I spent a couple of days down at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge shooting photos and collecting ideas for some articles about the refuge. I am working on one about the photo blinds that are available for shooting images of eagles, waterfowl or songbirds. Although the blind I was hoping to use was not available, I did get to check out several others. Just missed getting some pictures of a bobcat that was about to enter blind #3.

Photo blind set up for perching raptors.

This time of year, the refuge is loaded with snow and greater-white fronted geese, bald eagles, northern harriers, northern pintails, and other waterfowl. The sandhill cranes were too far off in the fields for photography, but I could easily hear their trumpeting calls a mile away.

Pick out the pintails.

The best photo ops were in the partially flooded fields where the snows, greaters and pintails were foraging. Thousands of birds crowded into these fields. An occasional bald eagle would stir up the flocks, sending the salt-and-pepper group skyward. Using my car as a blind, I was able to shoot photos of the birds with a 400mm lens.

After their initial uproar, the flocks would circle and settle back down. This happened many times and provided some great contrasts with the lighting and backgrounds.

The other great event to watch was later in the day towards sunset. Several adult bald eagles were herding flocks of American coots into tight bunches. At least that is how it looked. The eagles seemed to be working in tandem and the rafts of coots were like black slicks on the surface. When the time was right, the eagles would descend and snatch a coot out of the group. The waterfowl were so tightly packed that the eagles probably could not miss. That eagle would peel off with a prize and another one would take the place of the successful hunter. Pretty cool behavior to watch.

Although Friday morning turned to rain and eventually snow, I was able to take advantage of a small window of light and get some more bird images. Once the skies turned dark gray, I just drove along the dikes and birdwatched. Now, I've got to blend words and images into some articles and, like the rising flocks, send them skyward.

Passport Day: March 27

2010-03-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

Passport Day may not be high on your list of non-traditional holidays to celebrate, so maybe use it as another marker. The U.S. State Department has proposed fee increases for new or renewed passports and passport cards. The cost will jump from $100 to $135 for new passports and $10 for passport cards. Though this could happen before Passport Day, early April is the State Department's target date for the new fees.

So what does this have to do with natural history writing? Not much other than some higher costs to traveling. But on just the writing front, I've finished a couple of on-line articles about the topic so it is fresh in my skull. That and I love these weird holidays...

Visiting Arches National Park

2010-02-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

I recently gave a presentation at the REI Bend store about visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The program was in support of my latest, and smallest, field guide Arches and Canylands National Parks Pocket Guide. I covered some of the natural and cultural history aspects of the parks, as well as hiking, biking, jeeping, rafting, and camping opportunities. Fun to do, but talks like this always make me miss the canyon country.

Although it is fun to share past experiences with folks, I look forward to "new stories." Tales of adventures not yet taken. I always have the excuse that a trip to southern Utah is "work-related." I'm sure some of you have the same reason that takes you to exotic destinations or to undertake grand adventures all in the name of "work." Here's to good excuses! Cheers.

Eagles in the Morning

2010-02-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Chuck Cross, co-owner of Polar Cruises, stopped by this morning to tell me about some bald eagles he had seen along a nearby road. Chuck walks his dog Rocky, AKA The Rocket, off of this road every morning. After giving me some directions, I headed out with my camera.

Fortunately, the two bald eagles were still working on a deer carcass just off the road. With them where several black-billed magpies. The magpies took advantage of the eagle's spookiness; every time a car passed the birds flew up to perches in nearby ponderosas. When they did this, the magpies swooped in and started to feed. They didn't seem as concerned about traffic and probably were being opportunistic with the eagles away.

After shooting some photos, I drove away and parked. I waited about 10 minutes to see if the eagles would return to the carcass. Only a few vehicles came by, but that was enough to keep the birds off of their easy meal. As I drove by the second time, the birds remained perched.

The carcass was far enough off of the road to not warrant moving it. I've done that before, stopped and hauled a deer off of a road to minimize potential collisions between birds and vehicles. Gross? Of course, but then again, I'd rather not see the eagles get hit. Besides, what's a little blood and guts on a naturalist's boots? Answer: just something else from nature to investigate...

Eagle Watch 2010

2010-02-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

The 15th annual Eagle Watch 2010 will be held at Round Butte Overlook Park at Lake Billy Chinook on February 27 and 28. In addition to the wintering eagles in the area, there will be programs on raptor identification, owls, status of the bald eagle, and a lot more. The East Cascades Audubon Society, of which I am one of the Board members, will be on hand, as well.

There willl be live birds of prey, demonstrations, kid's acitivities, and a Native American program on Sunday. Sponsored by the Oregon State Parks, this should be a "good time had by all." For more information visit the Oregon State Parks' Web site at http://www.oregonstateparks.org/.

Grosbeaks in my Backyard

2010-02-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

I confess: I am easily entertained. Give me a chair, a view of my bird feeders, and a pair of binoculars and I'm good for hours.

This time of year the house finches and mourning doves dominate my seed feeders, along with the northern flickers that keep the suet feeders swinging. I lure my neighbor's American goldfinches over the fence with some thistle seed, but don't tell them.

So imagine my bliss this morning when I hear a flock of evening grosbeaks calling from the ponderosas around my house. I go back inside and scoop up some black sunflower seeds in hopes of luring these beautiful birds to my feeder.

Now imagine my disappointment when I hear the flock take to flight, their chatter fading as they leave the neighborhood. Damn.

A lull follows and that means back to work.

But that's OK. Maybe I'll work on an article about attracting back yard birds. Or perhaps one specific to this species whose "grosbeak" name doesn't indicate an ugly mug. No, the name means "large beak" and describes the stout bill of this Finch Family member.

So, I'll keep listening while I type for the grosbeak's call, and occasionally peer out the window. OK, so more frequently than occasionally, but after all, staring out the window is part of my work.

Darwin Day...

2010-02-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

... is set for February 12, 2010. This nontraditional holiday celebrates the 200th birthday of the English naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882).

Darwin spent five years on board the HMS Beagle, which left England in 1831 for a round-the-world scientific exploration. Wherever the expedition went, Darwin studied the flora and fauna and geology of the lands he visited. What an adventure for the then twenty-two year old naturalist! A keen observer, Darwin collected numerous specimens of plants, animals and fossils, and took copious amounts of notes for further study.

Through his research, Darwin developed theories about the origins and adaptations of organisms over time. He believed that evolution occurred, but on a very gradual scale, flavored by immense periods of time. The process of natural selection was the key mechanism driving a species ability to adapt and evolve to changing environments. His 1859 publication - On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection - set forth his theories that this process occurs randomly and that the ability of an organism to survive or die was determined by that organisms ability to adapt to its environment.

Of course, publication of Darwin's theories widened the gulf between scientific thought and theology. Darwin avoided discussions about the social and theological impacts of his work; he was a scientist at heart.

So this Friday we'll hoist a pint in his honor and embrace his theories of natural selection and evolution.

Wax on...

2010-02-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

...wax off. Apologies to Mr. Kesuke Miyagi of the Karate Kid movies. A couple of days ago I attended a ski waxing clinic at the Bend REI store. There to learn more about waxes, but during the workshop I couldn't help to think there's an article here.

As a "weekend" nordic skier, it was apparent during the workshop that I neglect my skis way too much. Maybe the first person perspective is the way to go; I'll be the first to poke fun at myself. A lot of material there.

But the one tidbit I took home, and will hopefully turn into an article, is the use of all-temperature natural waxes out there on the market. Time to do some research and craft a query or two. Of course, that will have to wait until I get back from the snow....

Teaching Classes Through COCC

2010-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching a couple of classes for the Central Oregon Community College's Continuing Education program starting this spring. The Beginning Birding class will focus on learning to identify the birds of Central Oregon. Selecting optics, backyard bird feeding, habitat associations and much, much more will be topics that we cover during the four week course.

Hiking in the Spring is another four week course that will embody the phrase, "the path is the goal." I'm the type of hiker that likes to investigate tracks or other sign of animals, birdwatch, smell the roses, and generally take in the environment as I walk. I'm less of a destination hiker, but this will be a "feets on" type of class. Again, we'll cover a variety of topics from choosing a pack to wilderness areas along the trails.

I hope to use these classes to also generate some writing ideas. Of course, I don't need much of a push to take a hike.

I'm also thinking about developing a teen and young adult writing class, which could also be a fun endeavor. This class would be in the summer. "Write on!" my parental friends say.

Another week...

2010-01-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

...another round of queries and submissions. Sent one query to FACES for their upcoming issue on PeaceKeepers. The query involved a long list of politicians and citizens interested in forming a Department of Peace in the United States. This cabinet-level department is the current focus of H.R. 808, but it started off with Dr. Benjamin Rush and his essay published in 1792.

I submitted a query to COBBLESTONE, another magazine in the Cobblestone Publishing group. That one focused on the first regiments of African American soldiers in the American Civil War for theie '1863: A Year in the Civil War' upcoming issue. A true tale of bravery and tragedy.

The next query went to Highlights for Children. I have been trying to interview Jacoby Ellsbury, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, since he left Oregon State University for the Major Leagues. After contacting the Red Sox organization, I learned that I needed an "assignment" from a magazine to schedule the interview. The story of getting an interview is a story unto itself.

I sent an article to World Traveler about the central Oregon Coast, complete with salt spray and shrieking seagulls. Another article went to DesertUSA.com on California quail and the lessons I've learned from watching the birds in my backyard.

I submitted another bird article for my February 'Nature Happenings' in the Moab Happenings. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will celebrate Bald Eagle Day on February 7 and 14, 2010, but you have to "upstate" to see any large congregations of eagles. However, there are eagles around the Moab area as indicated by this sign in the Cisco Desert:

I also went fishing for some elk stories and may have landed a good one. I'm targeting Bugle for a telemetry project, but have to make a few more contacts before that story sees the "ink of day."

Of course, there is more. At least this might placate my family that I do work during the week. Even if they don't really believe writing is work. Fun, yes. Work, for sure.

A Quail's Lesson

2010-01-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

I don't want to anthropomorphize wild animals, but as I watch the male California quail in my yard, I often think I can learn a lesson or two from these feathered fathers.

During the winter, the males and females descend into our yard to feed. Heads down, feet scratching the dirt for seeds, one male tends to look up more than the others. Keeping an eye out for predators, he is the group's sentry for safety.

As winter melts into spring, these groups disband. Pair bonding means establishing breeding territories, and the males discourage others from moving in on their turf.

Later in the breeding season, the female incubates the load of eggs deposited in a ground nest hidden beneath some shrubbery. The male maintains a nearby vigilance. If the female should die for some reason, the male will take over the incubating duties.

When the ping-pong ball sized young hatch, they are ready to run in about an hour. Both the female and male herd their offspring with soft clucks and calls. The male often assumes an elevated perch, to scan for danger and to keep an eye on his flock. If one of the young dawdles or wanders in the wrong direction, he gives a "get back over here" call.

Later in the fledgling season, this elevated perch is our fence. As the male surveys the domain and tries to negotiate moving along the fence top, he will give the all clear signal when appropriate. First one, then another, then the rest of the young birds fly up to the fence top, often accompanied by some collision antics. After the young and female descend to the ground, the male is still in his sentry position.

And so it goes, season after season. Although color-banding some of the males would be a time-consuming process, it would be fun to see if the same adults return to our yard. I guess I'll just have to be content with the lesson of the male quail and adapt his approach to my own life.

Side note. I have sent an article about California quail to DesertUSA (www.desertusa.com) for their review. If interested in the American Southwest, check out their Web site. Although you can't search by "author," you'll see that I have written several articles for them on wildflowers and wildlife.

A New Year...

2010-01-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

...which means new opportunities, new dreams, new adventures. There is a story in every moment, every person, every event. The question is how to weave those bits into a tale, into an article, into a book. That is the path that I am traveling along this year. I will post pieces as they arise, in draft form or in final print. I'm working on articles about California quail, the Adopt-A-Lek program, a Major League Baseball player, my deceased dog, gray whales, and Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signors of the Declaration of Independence and the first American to publicly suggest that a Department of Peace be created in the United States in 1792. Interesting? I know so, even if I'm the only one in the audience.

Whale Watching Spoken Here
Here's to a bit of luck in all our adventures!

Slickrock Country Talk

2009-12-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I'll be giving a presentation at the Bend REI store on February 23 about the Slickrock country of southeastern Utah. The program, which starts at 6:00 p.m., will be a visual tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and feature the cultural and natural history wonders of the area. I'll be signing copies of my latest book, as well as having some of the others on hand. Hope to see you there!

Living in the Soup - A Central Oregon Inversion

2009-12-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are living in a soup, more like a cloudy broth brought on by an inversion. The inversion layer has trapped a layer of cold air and fog beneath a ceiling of clouds. Pretty cool as a weather-related event, but you can tell that people are ready for a new pattern.

According to the weatherman from the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a stable, high pressure atmosphere is holding over our area. The inversion is like a pot lid, holding in stagnant air boiling in the pot. During an inversion, the Cascade Mountains block any warm air flow off of the Pacific Ocean from moving the clouds out of the area. Because it is winter and cold here, now cold air flows down from the mountains, creating cold temperatures in the lowlands. The nighttime lows have been in the upper teens and low 20s.

With the cold temperatures and the sun farther to the south, the daytime warming trend is not strong enough to warm up the ground. If it could, the ground would radiate the heat back up into the air to break up the inversion. At the same time, the cold temperatures near the ground are around the same level as the dew point - the temperature at which dew starts to form. That means that the moisture in the cold air condenses and forms fog, freezing fog or very fine snow. You can see this coating on the trees and shrubs in town; they appear to have been sprayed with a mist.

Moving the inversion layer out will take a stronger storm front or upper atmosphere disturbance, which is in the forecast. Although this type of weather is pretty cool to observe, it does pose health problems as the stagnant air holds wood smoke, pollution and other contaminants in for us to breathe.

Locals know that to get out of the gunk, they have to drive to higher elevations like along Century Drive towards the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. At a certain point, they pass out of the cloud layer and into the sunshine. And for some, into a much better mood.

Ocean Waves

2009-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Wild weather framed a Thanksgiving trip to the Oregon Coast. Gale force winds, sheets of rain, a quilt of black and blue sky, and eerie moments of calm winds punctuated the weekend. High surf warnings impact beach walks, but create spectacular spray as the waves crash into the rocky headlands. Even the downpours provided either photographic opportunities or periods of indoor exploration.

We took the free 'Back Wing' tour of the Hatfield Marine Science Center to learn about the behind-the-scenes operation of the center. Pretty fascinating process that the aquatic creatures go through prior to their release into the exhibits or back into the wild. Hopefully, one contact will turn into a personality profile piece, while the concept of what to do on a rainy day at the coast will also manifest into a short article.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse also provided us with an elevated view of the ocean activity. Waves crashing over Colony Rock produced "Oohs" and "Aahs" from the crowd. Brown pelicans, common murres, gulls, and a few surf scoters passed by below the observation deck. They too were taking advantage of the proverbial calm in the middle of a storm.

This just goes to show you that there is always a story, like a cloud's silver lining, to be found no matter what the weather. Queries are out; stay tuned.

Walking the Wonderland

2009-11-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

I hiked the 93-mile Wonderland Trail (WT) in Mt. Rainier National Park this September. Incredible and awesome are understatements. I had an 8 day permit and hiked counter-clockwise starting and ending at Longmire. The majority of hikers that I met were hiking the trail clockwise, but everyone gets in their 23,000 plus feet of elevation change no matter which way they go.

The hike was part personal celebration and part work project. Although my book contract for another Pocket Guide died on the production table, I can not fault the publisher. Disappointed, sure. But what I learned from the hike is to take it one step at a time. So now I'm working on some articles about hiking the WT.