Bird Alliance of Oregon

06/05/2026

This lovely pink flower known as Sea Thrift thrives on Oregon's coastline. For gardeners, it's a low maintenance evergreen perennial that grows in patches, preferring sandy and rocky soils. And it's loved by hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other insects.

The bright pink color makes it a stand out beauty, especially with contrasted with the backdrop of sand, stone, and grass, making it really pop.

06/04/2026

See a crow on the ground? Think it needs help? Read this first!

Many people are calling our Wildlife Care Center, concerned about crows they see on the ground. Have no fear! Fledgling crows are the same size as adult crows and look very similar. However, once they leave the nest, these young corvids spend a week to ten days on the ground under the care of their whole family. They look pretty clueless, and don’t have a big fear response, so people often think they are sick or injured.

So, if you see a crow on the ground during the late spring and early summer, unless it is obviously injured or you know for a fact it is orphaned, please leave it exactly where it is. It is going through the natural stages of growing up, and will be able to fly soon. And as a reminder, it’s especially important to keep cats inside and your dogs on leash while vulnerable baby birds are leaving the nest. If you have any questions, call our Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304.

Want to know how to tell a fledgling crow from an adult crow?

Eye Color
Fledgling Crows - blueish
Adult Crows: Black

Beak Color
Fledgling Crow: Pinkish at the corners
Adult Crow: All black

Tail Length
Fledgling Crow: Short tail
Adult Crow: Long tail

06/03/2026

Rare Bird Alert! A Connecticut Warbler was spotted at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by participants on our ecotour! This is a first state record for Oregon, and the Connecticut Warbler is often considered the hardest eastern warbler to find. Our ecotour leaders were going through participant photos and came upon what was originally thought to be a MacGillivray's Warbler, but upon closer inspection, this individual was determined to be a Connecticut Warbler. What’s the difference? They are very similar but the Connecticut Warbler has full eyerings, compared to the eye arcs of the MacGillivray's. Our Malheur trip returned home on Sunday, May 31.

A big thank you to ecotour participant Laurie Frajola for sharing her photo of this individual!

06/01/2026

There are no words to describe the joy this brings. A wild Condor back in Oregon skies. Just a lot of gratitude for all the work from the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's on the Northern California Condor Restoration Program.

A 2-year-old female condor named B9 traveled 80 miles through southern Oregon during a four-day journey in May, marking a historic milestone for the critically endangered species managed by the Yurok Tribe.

06/01/2026

The Portland Metro Area has countless excellent birding spots to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites. What’s your favorite birding spot?

05/29/2026

Along Oregon’s rocky shoreline, the often overlooked California Mussel forms dense, wave-battered colonies that are as important as they are resilient. These dark blue to black shellfish anchor themselves to rocks with strong, thread-like byssal fibers, allowing them to withstand the constant force of the Pacific surf.

At low tide, mussel beds reveal a bustling alternate universe. California Mussels filter plankton from the water, helping keep coastal ecosystems in balance - a single mussel can filter a few liters of seawater per hour under the right conditions. They also create habitat for dozens of other species that shelter among their shells. Small crabs, snails, and marine worms all depend on these living structures for protection from predators and crashing waves.

Life in Oregon’s intertidal zone is not easy. Mussels must endure pounding surf, changing salinity, and exposure to sun and air during low tides. Their tightly packed clusters help reduce water loss and buffer against temperature swings, turning the entire bed into a cooperative system for survival. #1.25%forWildlife

📷:
1. Rachel
2. Kate McCarthy
3. ODFW
4. Robert J. Jensen

05/28/2026

We are looking for additional catios to feature for the annual Catio Tour in September. Apply asap and help inspire others to build a catio and join the tour! https://www.catssafeathome.org/catio-tour-info

05/28/2026

Late May through June is the ideal window for finding Willow Flycatchers, just after they return to their nesting areas and when their vocal activity is at its highest. Outside the breeding season they can still be spotted, but silent flycatchers are much more difficult to identify.

Fun fact: Unlike many other birds, flycatchers don’t learn their songs from adult birds. They’re born already programmed to sing their species’ unique call. Researchers tested this by raising Willow Flycatchers in captivity while playing the Alder Flycatcher’s “free-beer” song nonstop. Even after hearing only that tune, the young Willow Flycatchers still matured singing their own signature “fitz-bew.” Swipe through to the third slide to hear it!

📷:
1. Jen Goellnitz
2. Kelly Colgan Azar
3. Don Henise

05/27/2026

Whether you’re looking for a birdsong-filled walk through beautiful local habitats, a creative afternoon developing your nature journaling skills, or a chance to recharge with a guided stroll through our sanctuary, June offers countless ways to connect with and appreciate the natural world.

Celebrate the start of summer with our June 20 solstice concert inspired by birdsong, and enjoy a month full of opportunities to learn, explore, and unwind outdoors.

We’d love to see you in June - check out our many offerings and register today!
https://birdallianceoregon.org/our-work/learn/adult-programs/classes/ to

05/26/2026

Join us on June 20 for an evening of celebrating summer, music and birdsong! Kai’s Summer Solstice Bird Concer is a one-hour immersive bird-themed concert combining Kai’s two biggest passions: music and birds. In this concert Kai explores many different ways composers have drawn inspiration from birds in their piano works spanning from the early 1700s all the way through today. Grab tickets here: https://birdallianceoregon.org/event/birdconcert/

The musical experience is enhanced with many of Kai’s field recordings, compiled to recreate a natural soundscape in the concert hall. This concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, delighting bird fanatics and music lovers alike.