Common Loon
One was found at the Prineville
Reservoir in Crook County on 17 June for a rare summer record in Central Oregon
(DP).
Clark’s Grebe
Considered rare in Crook County, 2
birds found among a flock of Western Grebes on 10 June were a good find (CG). They
remained for a week. Another was reported from Elk Lake on 25 June (JB, SSt).
Green Heron
2 of 3 recently fledged young were
photographed on the Deschutes River across from the mouth of Dry Creek about 3 miles north
of Warm Springs for the first Jefferson County nesting record (JL). She states that
Green Herons have been trying to nest on that stretch of the Deschutes River for several
years. There is only one other Jefferson County record of Green Heron besides those
mentioned above.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
6 juveniles were at the Gutierrez
Ranch in eastern Crook County on 19 July (CG).
White-faced Ibis
The very large numbers in Lake
County continued to be observed throughout the season (GG, C&MM). A flock of 28 were
found about a quarter mile west of the Newberry Crater turnoff on Hwy 97 for Deschutes
Co.’s 3rd record (JP). Two were at the Gutierrez Ranch in eastern Crook
County on 19 July (CG).
Trumpeter Swan
One adult returned to the Gutierrez
Ranch this summer (CG). Last year a pair successfully fledged two young, but then one of
the adults disappeared.
Blue-winged Teal
Many observers throughout the state
noted unusual numbers of this uncommon species, and Central Oregon was no exception. 2
pairs were observed on 7 June around Prineville Reservoir in Crook County (BN). Up
to 17 males were found during June at Hatfield Lake near Bend (DH, C&MM). Just as
remarkable were 20 birds found at Tumalo Reservoir on 8 July, some of them young ducklings
for an unusual breeding record for the county (JM).
Gray Partridge
A flock of 20+ birds were found
near the east border of Crook County on Puitt Road east of Paulina on (CG, LT).
American Avocet
One was at Prineville Reservoir on
17 June (DP) and one was at Hatfield Lake near Bend the same day (JH). Another was found
at the Prineville sewage ponds on 13 July (CG). "Lots" were at the Gutierrez
Ranch on 19 July (CG).
Black-necked Stilt
Continuing the spate of reports
from the spring season, 2 were found near Prineville Reservoir on 7 June for another very
uncommon Crook County record (BN).
Franklin’s Gull
One put in an unusual Lake
County summer appearance at Lake Abert on 1 July (C&MM).
Long-eared Owl
The only report was one found
occupying an aspen grove at the Hart Mountain hot springs campground on 1 July (C&MM).
Black-chinned Hummingbird
1 was found at Summer Lake in Lake
County on 13 July (C&MM)
Anna’s Hummingbird
Very uncommon in Lake
County, 3 found at Summer Lake on 15 July was quite remarkable (CM).
Costa’s Hummingbird
Rare statewide, but found on an
annual basis in Deschutes County, one was reported near Sawyer Park in Bend on 10
June.
Three-toed Woodpecker
Very uncommon compared to
Black-backed Woodpeckers, a nesting pair was found at the Elk Lake burn on 11 June (DM).
Many observers were able to follow their progress over the next two months. They were last
reported accompanying and feeding their fledglings on 30 July (PS). There were many
Black-backed Woodpeckers in the same location as well. (DM)
Eastern Kingbird
Once considered a rare visitor to
Central Oregon, they are now known to nest locally in eastern Crook County. One found at
the Mill Creek crossing near the east end of Ochoco Reservoir on 17 June was further west
than they usually range (DP), but 7 pairs found at the Gutierrez Ranch on 19 July were in
their expected location (CG). One was observed at Richardson’s Rock Ranch on 20 June
for only about the 5th record for Jefferson County (KO, CG).
Scrub Jay
Now common in Bend, this species is
now expanding eastward to Prineville. A pair successfully fledged 2 birds in a
neighborhood just east of Prineville on 7 July (NM). It will no doubt be only a matter of
time before Scrub Jays are common in Prineville too.
Gray Catbird
A singing male was found on 1 June
along the alder thicket upstream of the Colorado Street bridge in Bend. It disappeared 2
days later, but it or another bird was found again on 13 July. It was carrying food,
suggestive of nesting. It continued to be seen through 21 July. Although a likely nest was
found, no female or hatched young were ever seen (DT). Gray Catbirds are rare in Central
Oregon, and there have been no documented breeding records in the region.
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
One spent two days at a residence
west of Tumulo Reservoir on 11-12 June (D&CMc). Although there are now about 11
records of this statewide rarity in Deschutes County, many local birders have not
seen them due to their usually brief visits.
Red-eyed Vireo
While searching for the elusive
Blue-winged Warbler at the Squaw Back crossing near Sisters, several observers noted this
very uncommon bird from 28 through 31 July (TC, JG, HH, JI, C&MM).
American Redstart
No doubt the same bird that was
found in the exact location as last year, a singing male bird was first found on 11 June
at the Squaw Back Road crossing (NP, CD, LJ).
Ovenbird
A singing bird found east of Jack
Lake in on 19 June was only the second record for Central Oregon and the first for Jefferson
County (PS). It could not be found the next day.
Purple Finch
With only one or two records in all
of Crook County, a female reported near the Twin Pillar’s trailhead on 10 June
was quite a surprise (DT).
Observers:
Joel Bergman, Chad Dorsey, Chuck
Gates, Greg Gillson, Jeff Harding, Howard Horvath, Jim Irving, Liz James, Jan Luelling,
Nancy MacDonald, David Mandell, Don and Carol McCartney, Judy Meredith, Craig &
Marilyn Miller, Bruce Newhouse, Kimdel Owen, Jim Peterson, Diane Pettey, Nathan Pieplow,
Shawn Steinberg, Paul Sullivan, Dave Tracey, Julia Williamson, Jolivette Lair WBUbend@altavista.com
March 1, 2000 - May 31, 2000
The Field Notes provide a record of
remarkable bird observations in the Central Oregon area (Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook
Counties) as well as areas north and south not generally covered by other local Audubon
groups (e.g. Sherman, Wheeler, and Lake Counties). They are intended to highlight the
region’s unusual or rare birds, or extraordinary numbers or occurrence dates of any
species.
Although spring in Central Oregon
was cooler and wetter than normal, migration numbers and arrival dates were about average.
However, two species, White-faced Ibis and Black-necked Stilts, were reported throughout
the state out of their normal range and they found their way into Central Oregon as well.
Another species, Blue-winged Teal, was found throughout the state in higher than normal
numbers, and this was also reflected in our region. The rarest bird found this spring in
Central Oregon was a species of Eurasian origin, a beautiful male Tufted Duck that made a
brief visit to Hatfield Lake near Bend. Another rare Eurasian migrant, a breeding plumaged
Ruff, was found and videotaped by a Central Oregon birder, Kimdel Owens, at the Klamath
National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County. Another local talent, Howard Horvath,
made a birding "grand slam" by finding all four "Zonotrichia" sparrows
(White-crowned, Golden-crowned, White-throated, and Harris’s) in a single day and
amazingly at a single locality—Sawyer Park.
Thanks to all those who reported
your sightings. Please send your summer sightings to me before September 2 to the
following address: Craig Miller, PO Box 6376, Bend OR 97708 or e-mail me at crmiller@bendnet.com Call Dean Hale
(388-1770) immediately if you find a rarity for the area. For information about what
species are rare or unusual in Central Oregon, you can refer to the Birds of Central
Oregon checklist available through Central Oregon Audubon Society. Remember that
birder's night is held every 4th Thursday of the month (except August) at the Central
Oregon Environmental Center in Bend beginning at 7 PM. If you are interested in
communicating with Bend’s active birders and getting up to the minute birding news,
join the Central Oregon Birder’s e-mail group by contacting Judy Meredith at jmeredit@bendnet.com.
Abbreviations, etc.: NAMC à North
American Migration Count held 13 May 2000; Prineville Bird Club (PBC), Portland Audubon
birdathon team "Road Jaegers" (PARJ); m.ob à many observers; (in parentheses)
at end of sentence à observer initials; species name in ALL CAPS à statewide rarity
Common Loon
The highest number reported in the
area this year was 25 at Wickiup Reservoir in Deschutes County on 26 March (JM, HH,
JI). One was found at Ochoco Reservoir in Crook County on 21 May (KO).
Eared Grebe
The 340 tallied on Crook
County’s 13 May NAMC was highest number ever recorded for the Central Oregon area
(CG). On the same date NAMC participants counted 3204 grebes at Lake Abert for the Lake
County NAMC (RG, AU).
White-faced Ibis
6 were found at the Gutierrez Ranch
on 29 April for only the 4th record in Crook County. Deschutes County’s
second ever record was of 5 birds found at Hatfield Lake on 16 May (DH, m.ob.). Several
observers commented on the massive numbers of these birds in Lake County. 1518 individuals
tallied on the Lake County NAMC on 13 May was probably just the tip of the iceberg.
Most were concentrated in the Warner Valley, Chewacan Marsh, and Paisley although they
were also present around Silver Lake and Summer Lake.
Mute Swan
Although all the swans along the
Deschutes River have been pinioned, a pair of unknown origin were observed at Hatfield
Lake near Bend on 11 May in full flight regalia (C&MM).
Greater White-fronted Goose
An impressive flock of 150 birds
were found at the private Gutierrez Ranch near Paulina in Crook County on 15 April
(CG).
Snow Goose
120 were found in a mixed flock at
the Gutierrez Ranch in Crook County on 15 April, tying the all-time high record
number found in a single location in the Central Oregon region (CG). More than 7000 were
along the tour route at Summer Lake Wildlife area on 18 March (C&MM). Two were still
there as late as 7 May (PARJ).
Ross’s Goose
A flock of 180 mixed in with a
similar number of Snow Geese on 15 April at the Gutierrez Ranch in Crook County was
astounding (CG)! There are only about 4 previous records, all of individual birds, in
Central Oregon. ON 18 March at Summer Lake about 10 were found mixed in with the large
Snow Goose flock (C&MM).
"Eurasian"
Green-winged Teal
One at the re-regulation reservoir
below Lake Simtustus in Jefferson County on 2 March is the first record for the
Central Oregon area (RM). Although not considered a separate species from our
"American" Green-winged Teal, the "Eurasian" subspecies looks
distinctly different and is uncommon in the United States.
Blue-winged Teal
The first report was one at
Hatfield Lake on 11 May (C&MM). Up to 3 were there on 20 May (JM, DH, HH, JI). A pair
was seen on Ochoco Reservoir in Crook County on 23 May (CG).
Eurasian Wigeon
One was at Hatfield Lake from 10-14
April (HH). Another was observed at a golf course pond in Prineville on 9 April, likely
the same one that spent the winter there (CG, PBC). This species is no longer the rarity
it was once considered in Central Oregon, with up to three having been found each year
somewhere in the area since 1995.
Canvasback
An amazing number of these birds
continue to congregate at Wickiup Reservoir during their spring migration. About 200 were
estimated there on 26 March (JM, HH, JI).
TUFTED DUCK
A spectacular male was found at
Hatfield Lake near Bend on the afternoon of 6 May for Central Oregon’s first record
of this species (AW, PARJ, m.ob., photos C&MM). Unfortunately it left before the next
morning so that most of the local birders in Bend didn’t get to enjoy it.
Greater Scaup
Very uncommon in the Central Oregon
area, one stopped by at Hatfield Lake from 29 April to 1 May (PARJ, C&MM).
Osprey
One returned to Bend on 13 March to
break the all-time early record by three days (TC).
Swainson’s Hawk
Very difficult to find in Deschutes
County, one was observed flying over at Sand Springs on 10 April (DT, JW). Up to 3
were found on 15 April at the Gutierrez Ranch in Crook County where they considered
uncommon.
Northern Goshawk
One appeared to be acting
territorial near the Squaw Back Road crossing on Indian Ford Creek on 7 April, swooping
and "kakking" (GG). However, there were no subsequent reports of the bird in
this area.
Rough-legged Hawk
One observed on 13 May at The Cove
State Park in Jefferson County smashed the previous late date record of 7 April
(DT, JW). This species is usually establishing a nesting territory in the Arctic Tundra by
then.
Merlin
The only report was one at Hatfield
Lake near Bend on 1 May (C&MM).
Wild Turkey
Two were seen on 5 March west of
Saddleback where they were evidently introduced a few years ago (JM).
Sandhill Crane
Usually only found in small numbers
in Central Oregon, the 70+ Sandhill Cranes found at the Gutierrez Ranch in Crook
County on 15 April is staggering (CG).
Semipalmated Plover
Up to 10 were found at Hatfield
Lake near Bend on 11 May (C&MM).
Black-necked Stilt
This species is very uncommon in
the Central Oregon area, so several reports in the region this season is of interest. The
first report was of a single bird that spent a day at Hatfield Lake near Bend on 14 April
(HH). Another showed up there on 16 May (DH). In Jefferson County, 2 were found at
Haystack Reservoir on 18 April (JW, DT). Two were tallied on the 13 May NAMC for Crook
County and an impressive 14 were observed in Paulina Valley in Crook County on 21
May (CG).
American Avocet
Uncommon in Central Oregon, 14 were
found Gutierrez Ranch in southeast Crook County on 29 April (CG). One was observed
at Hatfield Lake near Bend on 14 May and 5 were found there on 16 May (DH, m.ob.). One was
still there on 22 May (DT). 10 were found in Crook County on the 13 May NAMC and up
to 14 were found in Paulina Valley in Crook County on 21 May (CG, KO). In Lake
County where they are more common, a tally of 711 on the 13 May migration count was still
a good number.
Solitary Sandpiper
Hard to find in Central Oregon, one
found at Hatfield Lake on 29 April was the first report this spring (DT, JW). It stayed
around until at least 6 May (PARJ). Another was found along the Crooked River near
Prineville on 5 May (CG).
Willet
Very uncommon in Deschutes County,
2 seen at Hatfield Lake on 6 May made for a lucky sighting (PARJ). They remained until at
least 11 May (KO). One was found at the Gutierrez Ranch in eastern Crook County on
15 April where they are uncommon but not unexpected (CG).
Ruddy Turnstone
There were an unprecedented number
of Ruddy Turnstones found east of the Cascades this spring. It should be noted that most
Ruddy Turnstone records on Oregon’s east side (rare as they are) are fall records.
One was reported at Hatfield Lake on 9 May for only the 2nd Deschutes
County record and only the third record for the Central Oregon region (SSV). One was found
in the Paulina Marsh area north of Silver Lake and 3 were tallied at Lake Abert for a
total of 4 birds on the Lake County North American Migration Count.
Red Knot
Rare anywhere in Oregon away from
the coast, 3 at Summer Lake Wildlife Area on 12 May were a good find (C&MM).
Long-billed Curlew
Difficult to find anywhere in
Central Oregon, a male and female were observed in a cultivated field north of Madras on
30 March (J&DS).
Herring Gull
Quite rare in Harney County, one at
Chickahominy Reservoir on 11 March near Riley in Harney County was a nice find
(MM).
Great Gray Owl
The traditional nesting site of the
last 3 years at the Spring River Golf Course was not occupied this year, no doubt because
the nest they had been using was blown down in a storm last winter. However, a pair has
set up a site near the Sunriver Nature Center and has been easily observed.
Vaux’s Swift
For the second year in a row this
species has been noted in unusually high numbers throughout April and May in the Bend
vicinity (DT, JM, C&MM).
COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD
This statewide rarity is now an
annual visitor to Deschutes County. There was only one report this season, however.
An adult male showed up between snow flurries at a Bend feeder on 28 April and returned
sporadically for two days (DT, JW).
Eastern Kingbird
The only one reported from the
region this period was on the 13 May North American Migration Count for Crook
County (CG).
Blue Jay
One still in Bend was last reported
on 19 March (EM, GB). The one that first arrived at Indian Ford Meadow near Sisters last
October continued to be seen in the area until at least 6 May (MS, m.ob.)
Northern Waterthrush
One was found at the edge of a
large irrigation pond off Lower Bridge Road in northernmost Deschutes County for
only the 3rd county record, and only the 4th record in all of
Central Oregon on the North American Migration Count held 13 May (SS, KF, SV).
White-throated Sparrow
There were three reports this
spring: A tan morph bird was seen along the 1st street River trail from 13-18
March (TC, C&MM, DT). A white-stripe morph bird was seen at Sawyer Park from 16-17
April (HH, DT, JW). Another was found along the Crooked River near Prineville in Crook
County on 5 May (CG).
Harris’s Sparrow
The only one reported this season
was found at Sawyer Park on 16 April (HH).
Tricolored Blackbird
At least 3 pairs were at their
usual nesting location at Barnes Buttes north of Prineville on 5 May (CG) and continued to
be there through the end of the period.
HOODED ORIOLE
An adult male was observed briefly
on 31 May at Borden Beck Park located just upriver of Lower Bridge at the Deschutes River
Crossing in Deschutes County (KO). If accepted by the Oregon Birds Records
Committee, this will be only the 4th record for Deschutes County and for
Central Oregon.
Bullock’s Oriole
The earliest one found on 24 April
was also the earliest ever to arrive in Central Oregon and was spotted at Lower Bridge
along the Deschutes River in Jefferson County (ML).
Purple Finch
A pair was found at the Squaw Back
Road crossing on the Indian Ford Creek in Deschutes County near Sisters on 24 April
and they were singing up a storm on 5 May (SS). Although very hard to find in Central
Oregon (compared to their very common Cassin’s Finch cousin) Purple Finch has been
found to breed and nest in the vicinity.
Common Redpoll
There was a report of
"several" of this species still present in early April, exact date unknown,
feeding in their front yard birch trees (J,P,&WH).
Lesser Goldfinch
The reports this period was one
found 1 mile east of Prineville on 5 May and 2 found on the 13 May NAMC for Crook
County (CG).
Observers:
Gert Bernstein, Tom Crabtree, Kris
Falco, Chuck Gates, Greg Gillson, Randy Ghormley, Dean Hale, Howard Horvath, Joseph,
Patricia, and William Hunt (J,P,&WH), Jim Irving, Madeline Landis, Ed McVicker, Robert
Marheine, Judy Meredith, Craig & Marilyn Miller, Kimbel Owen, Mary Smith, Sarah Smith
de Vasco, Jeanene and Dick Stentz, Dave Tracey, Amy Unthank, Sarah Vasconcellos,
Arthur Weber (with PARJ), Julia Williamson
(November 15, 1999 through February 2000)
Winter in Central Oregon was warmer
and wetter than normal. Temperatures remained relatively mild, never reaching below 0
degrees. To what amount the weather influenced the bird life in the area can only be
speculated. There were several migrants that returned at record early dates such as Osprey
and Tree Swallow. No doubt, however, the bird of the season was Common Redpoll (see below
for details). Although these arctic residents visit the northeast corner of the state
every few years, they are rare in the rest of Oregon with only a handful of records over
the past 20 years. However, this year they showed up in many parts of the state besides
the northeast, but especially in Central Oregon. More birds were seen in the area this
winter by far than for all previous records combined!
Thanks to all those who reported
your sightings. Please send your spring sightings to me before June 2 to the following
address: Craig Miller, PO Box 6376, Bend OR 97708 or e-mail me at crmiller@bendnet.com.
Call Dean Hale (388-1770) immediately if you find a rarity for the area. For information
about what species are rare or unusual in Central Oregon, you can refer to the Birds of
Central Oregon checklist available through Central Oregon Audubon Society. Remember
that birder's night is held every 4th Thursday of the month at the Central Oregon
Environmental Center in Bend beginning at 7 PM. If you are interested in learning up to
the minute birding news, join the Central Oregon Birder’s e-mail group by contacting
Judy Meredith at jmeredit@bendnet.com.
Clark’s Grebe
One was found at Suttle Lake on 20 December for Jefferson County’s 4th
record (DI).
Trumpeter Swan
Up to 4 were tallied on the Summer Lake Christmas Bird County on 21 December (MSL,
C&MM). The 4 swans that were released at the millpond area of the Deschutes River this
fall appeared to do well over the winter. However, two of the swans (despite being
pinioned) went past the dam and on down to Mirror Pond where they took quite a beating
from the Mute Swans. They were rescued just in time and taken back to the millpond area
where they now seem content to stay put (CC).
Ross’s
Goose
4 were reported in a pasture on the south side of Bend for Deschutes County’s
3rd record ever (GP).
Eurasian Wigeon
One was found at Hatfield Lake near Bend on 21 November (HH, CC, DK). It was found again
on the Christmas Bird Count on 18 December. Another bird was found on the Prineville CBC
on 2 January (reported by CG). Two were found there on 30 January (CG, PS). Another was
found at the east end of Ochoco Reservoir on 26 February (SS). Once considered rare in Crook
County, this species has been an annual visitor there since 1995.
Great Egret
One was found on the 21 December Summer Lake Christmas Bird Count for a rare winter record
on the east side of the Cascades (C&MM).
Canvasback
An estimated 700+ were found at Wickiup Reservoir on 14 November, dwarfing the previous
all-time high number record of 108 (JM, et. al.)
Surf Scoter
Two were found at Suttle Lake in Jefferson County on 18 November (DI).
White-winged
Scoter
One was found at Suttle Lake on the 20 December Santiam Christmas Bird Count. Another
spent the winter at Ana Reservoir in Summer Lake from 14 December the end of February
(MSL, C&MM).
Osprey
Unprecedented in Central Oregon, one observed at Sunriver in Deschutes County on 20
and 21 January for the area’s only winter record (GP). Another was observed at
Haystack Reservoir in Jefferson County on 19 February for an all-time early arrival
record (M&KK).
Virginia Rail
Three were found on the Prineville Christmas Bird Count on 2 January (reported by CG).
Sora
One was heard at Barnes Butte Reservoir on 4 January (KT, C&MM). There is only one
previous winter record in the Central Oregon area.
Least Sandpiper
As many as 10 were found at Hatfield Lake on 12 December (DH, PM). One remained there
until 2 January (C&MM).
Dunlin
3 were at Hatfield Lake near Bend on 12 December (DH, PM).
Long-billed Dowitcher
Two were along the shore of Ana Reservoir at Summer Lake in Lake County on the very
late date of 16 December (C&MM).
Herring Gull
A well observed adult flew overhead at Schoolhouse Lake at the Summer Lake Wildlife Area
on the 21 December Christmas Bird Count (C&MM). They are very uncommon in Lake
County anytime of the year, and this was the first December record for this species in the
county.
Band-tailed
Pigeon
One came to a feeder near Sisters on 26 November (SS). Another was found at Black Butte
Ranch on 3 December (WH). There are no previous winter records for this Central Oregon
rarity.
Short-eared Owl
Very uncommon in Crook County, one was found near Powell Butte on 30 January and
seen again on 2 February (PS, CG).
Anna’s
Hummingbird
The first report in the new millenium was 3 February (DT, JW).
Red-naped
Sapsucker
One was found on 30 January at a Bend residence for a rare winter record (JL).
Red-breasted
Sapsucker
One was tallied on the Bend Christmas Bird Count on 18 December for an unusual winter
record (TC, C&MM).
Northern Flicker
A "Yellow-shafted" Flicker visited a Redmond feeder on 16 and 24 February (KO).
Most flickers in Oregon are of the "Red-shafted" variety, and most of those with
yellow feathering are Yellow-shafted X Red-shafted hybrids.
Say’s
Phoebe
The first report was one at Aspen Lake just east of Sisters on 20 February (KF, SS).
Another was found 27 February at Hatfield Lake (DT, JW).
Tree Swallow
One was reported along the Deschutes River near Bend on 13 February for an all-time early
arrival record in Central Oregon (SS). The previous early record was on the 16th
of February.
Blue Jay
Several were reported during the period, mostly from the Sisters area. Two were reported
coming to a feeder at Indian Ford Ranch on 5 November, and continued to be reported by
several observers through 26 December (MS). Two more were seen from mid November through
the end of December just northeast of Sisters, and were thought to be different birds than
those reported abover (reported by SS). Yet another 2 Blue Jays were found in Bend on 19
January (J&KVL). This is now the 5th consecutive winter that Blue Jays have
been found in the Central Oregon area, and by far the greatest number ever.
Gray Catbird
The prize for the most unusual bird of the season goes to the Gray Catbird found on the
Bend Christmas Bird Count at Twin Bridges north of Tumalo on 18 December (LR). This was
only the 6th record for Central Oregon, and the first winter record.
Swamp Sparrow
One was found at Hatfield Lake on the 18 December Bend Christmas Bird Count for only the
third Deschutes County record, and the 5th record for all of Central
Oregon. (TC, C&MM). The bird continued to be present as late as 29 January.
White-throated
Sparrow
A very uncommon, but annual visitor to Central Oregon, one was seen at a Bend feeder on 7
December (CC).
Tricolored
Blackbird
Two were found at Rimrock Springs in Jefferson County among a large flock of
Brewer’s Blackbirds on the 19 December Utopia Christmas Bird Count (DH).
"Dozens" were found among blackbird flocks along the O’Neil Highway between
Terrebonne and Prineville in Crook County on 26 February (SS).
Purple Finch
Until this year, this species has not been found during winter in Central Oregon where
they are considered very uncommon anytime of the year. However, there were two reports. 4
were found at Black Butte Ranch on 4 December (DK). Another 4 were reported on 14-15
February coming to a feeder northwest of Redmond (KO).
Common Redpoll
An unprecedented 6 records for a total of more than 100 individuals were reported in the
Central Oregon area this winter. The first report was of a single redpoll in with a large
flock of Pine Siskins and a few Mountain Chickadees on 27 November at Black Butte Ranch
(AC, many observers). As many as 7 redpolls continued to be observed at this location up
to 13 January. Next, 3 redpolls were reported at a LaPine feeder on 6 December (MM). About
35 were found on 10 December in Sunriver and were there for several days (CC, LP). 15 were
found east of Prineville on the Prineville CBC on 2 January for only the 2nd
county record, and continued to be sporadically seen through 18 January (TC, LR, CG). Yet
another visited a Redmond feeder on 13 January (KO). The highest number reported were
approximately 40 in the west hills area of Bend from 13 January through 15 February (TC).
Lesser Goldfinch
"Several" were reported coming to a feeder near the Orion golf course area in
early November (MW). One was found along the First Street trail along the Deschutes River
in Bend on the 18 December Christmas Bird Count (TC, C&MM). Finally, one was reported
on 8 February near the Pelton Wildlife Overlook in Jefferson County (SS).
Observers:
Anya Celarier, Candy Cobb, Chris Carey, Howard Horvath, Dave Irons, Dave Pachenko, Tom
Crabtree, Kris Falco, Chuck Gates, Dean Hale, Wayne Hoffman, Mark & Karen Keller,
Diane Kook, Jerry Lear, Patty Mehan, Judy Meredith, Craig & Marilyn Miller, Mike
Mitchell, Kimdel Owen, Gale Parlato, Larry Pecenka, Lew Rems, Steve Shunk, Mary Smith,
Paul Sullivan, Dave Tracey, Jerry & Kathleen Van Loo, Julia Williamson, Mary Alice
Willson
